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
Scale
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
