Thanksgiving Leftover Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
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If you have Thanksgiving leftovers and are craving something deliciously different, the Thanksgiving Leftover Smash Burger Tacos Recipe is your new best friend. This vibrant and fun dish takes humble turkey and stuffing, then transforms them into crispy, cheesy, handheld tacos that celebrate all those classic holiday flavors in a fresh, exciting way. From the juicy, seasoned turkey patty smashed onto warm corn tortillas to the melty cheese and tangy cranberry sauce, every bite is a party for your taste buds and a clever use of leftover goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential; each one adds something special to the texture, taste, or color of the tacos, making the dish irresistible and perfectly balanced.
- 1 pound ground turkey: This forms the juicy, flavorful base of your smash burgers, ideal for a lean yet tasty protein.
- 8 corn tortillas: Warm and slightly crisp, they hold everything together with a subtle corn flavor and a satisfying crunch.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances the natural flavors and ensures the turkey is perfectly seasoned.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Adds a bit of warmth and depth that complements the turkey beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack: Melts into gooey goodness, creating a luscious layer that pulls all the elements together.
- 1 cup cooked stuffing, crumbled: Another Thanksgiving classic that adds savory, herbaceous texture and nostalgic flavor.
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce: This bright, sweet-tart topping gives each taco a pop of color and a delightful contrast to the savory fillings.
How to Make Thanksgiving Leftover Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Patties
Start by dividing your ground turkey into 8 equal portions and rolling each one into a ball. This way, you ensure that each taco gets the perfect amount of protein, making the cooking process smooth and consistent.
Step 2: Heat Your Cooking Surface
Place a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Getting the pan hot enough is key so the tortillas crisp up nicely and the turkey patties develop that irresistible browned crust.
Step 3: Assemble the Tacos on the Skillet
Lay a corn tortilla flat onto the skillet, and immediately place a turkey ball in the center. This step is all about timing so the tortilla starts to warm while the turkey begins cooking.
Step 4: Smash the Turkey Patties
Using a spatula or burger press, flatten each turkey ball evenly over the tortilla, reaching the edges. This creates a thin, crispy burger layer that cooks quickly and perfectly fits the tortilla’s size.
Step 5: Season and Cook the Turkey Side
Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the patties. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the turkey side is nicely browned and cooked through. This step seals in flavor and adds delicious texture to your smash burger tacos.
Step 6: Flip for Cheese and Stuffing
Flip the tortilla so the turkey side is now down on the skillet. This exposes the tortilla, allowing it to crisp up while you melt the cheese and warm the stuffing.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Stuffing
Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the turkey patty, then add a spoonful of crumbled stuffing. Let the cheese melt and the tortilla become crisp over 1 to 2 minutes, turning these elements into the heart of your festive taco.
Step 8: Final Touches and Serving
Remove the tacos from the skillet carefully. Immediately top each taco with a spoonful of cranberry sauce for that signature sweet and tart twist. Fold them up and serve while hot for maximum enjoyment.
How to Serve Thanksgiving Leftover Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped green onions, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or even a dash of hot sauce can brighten up these tacos and add a little personal flair. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime juice can also add creamy richness or tangy freshness, respectively.
Side Dishes
These tacos pair wonderfully with light sides to balance the hearty flavors. Consider a simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette, roasted Brussels sprouts, or even a crisp apple slaw to echo the autumn vibes and add crunch and color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, arrange the tacos in a rustic wooden tray lined with parchment paper, and serve with small bowls of extra cranberry sauce, stuffing, and melted cheese for dipping. You can also stack them platter-style like mini burgers to impress at any casual gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Thanksgiving Leftover Smash Burger Tacos Recipe, wrap them tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. This helps maintain their texture and flavor without drying out the turkey or tortilla.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze components separately to preserve taste and texture. Freeze cooked turkey patties and stuffing individually, and keep tortillas sealed in a bag. Reheat and assemble when ready, so your tacos stay fresh and delicious.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat the tacos gently in a skillet or oven to crisp the tortillas and warm the fillings evenly. Avoid microwaving directly on assembled tacos as it can lead to sogginess, especially with the cranberry sauce.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey instead of ground turkey?
Yes, you can shred leftover turkey and use it, but shaping and smashing the patties gives the tacos their signature texture and crispiness. If using shredded turkey, consider heating it with some seasoning and stuffing for a similar flavor profile.
What kind of cheese works best in this recipe?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack are classics for their meltability and flavor, but feel free to experiment with smoked gouda, pepper jack for spice, or even mozzarella for a milder, creamier melt.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap ground turkey for a plant-based ground meat alternative or make smash burgers using seasoned mashed beans or lentils. Keep the stuffing and cranberry sauce to maintain that holiday spirit.
Is it okay to use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Of course! Flour tortillas offer a softer, more pliable base, which some may prefer. Just warm them properly to get a nice texture, but corn tortillas offer that authentic taste that pairs beautifully with the flavors of this recipe.
How spicy is the Thanksgiving Leftover Smash Burger Tacos Recipe?
This recipe is naturally mild, focusing on classic holiday flavors. However, you can add hot sauce, chopped jalapeños, or a spicy cheese to give these tacos a kick if you like a little heat with your leftovers.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a tasty, creative way to use up your holiday leftovers, you really can’t go wrong with the Thanksgiving Leftover Smash Burger Tacos Recipe. It brings fresh excitement to the familiar flavors of turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, all wrapped up in a crunchy, cheesy taco shell. Give it a try and watch your leftover meal become the highlight of your post-Thanksgiving table.
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Thanksgiving Leftover Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
These Thanksgiving Leftover Smash Burger Tacos are a creative and delicious way to transform holiday leftovers into a quick and satisfying meal. Ground turkey is pressed and cooked directly on corn tortillas, then topped with stuffing, melted cheese, and cranberry sauce for a flavorful and festive taco experience.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound ground turkey
Tortillas
- 8 corn tortillas
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 1 cup cooked stuffing, crumbled
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
Instructions
- Divide the Meat: Divide ground turkey into 8 equal portions and roll each into a ball to ensure even-sized smash burgers.
- Heat Skillet: Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the tacos.
- Prepare the Tortilla and Meat: Place a tortilla on the hot skillet, then immediately set a turkey ball in the center of the tortilla.
- Smash the Burger: Use a spatula or burger press to flatten the turkey ball evenly across the tortilla, spreading it to the edges for a thin patty.
- Season and Cook Bottom Side: Season the turkey with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the bottom of the turkey is nicely browned and cooked through.
- Flip the Taco: Carefully flip the tortilla so the turkey side faces down against the skillet, allowing the tortilla to crisp up.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese and crumbled stuffing over the turkey side now facing down on the skillet.
- Finish Cooking: Continue to cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until the cheese melts and the tortilla becomes crisp and slightly golden.
- Remove and Garnish: Remove the taco from the skillet and top each with a spoonful of cranberry sauce for brightness and tang.
- Fold and Serve: Fold the taco carefully and serve immediately while hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use corn tortillas for an authentic flavor and to prevent sogginess when cooking.
- Ground turkey can be substituted with ground chicken or beef for variation.
- If you prefer, use a griddle instead of a skillet for even cooking of multiple tacos.
- Leftover stuffing can be any style, including cornbread or herb-based stuffing.
- These tacos are best served fresh; reheating may affect the tortilla’s crispness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
