Thanksgiving Leftover Smash Tacos

Thanksgiving leftovers can easily become a chore but with these smash burger tacos you get a whole new spin that feels playful and fresh The crispy tortilla and savory turkey meld with creamy cheese and a zing of cranberry sauce creating a taco that makes leftovers feel like a celebration all over again

The first time I made these it turned a fridge full of mismatched leftovers into a dinner my family actually cheered for Now we keep extra tortillas on hand every November

Ingredients

• Ground turkey or leftover cooked turkey: Great way to use up what you have Opt for fresh high quality turkey when possible
• Corn tortillas: These get crispy and hold up well Choose fresh pliable tortillas for best results If using storebought choose ones without cracks
• Shredded cheese: I use a sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack for a good melt Factor in how salty your cheese is when seasoning
• Cooked stuffing: The heart and soul of Thanksgiving flavor Use homemade or storebought Ensure it is fresh and not too soggy
• Cranberry sauce: Delivers the perfect tangy contrast Look for whole berry style for best texture Homemade or leftover jarred both work
• Salt and black pepper: Adjust to taste Layer the seasoning for depth in each bite

Instructions

Prep the Turkey:

Divide the ground turkey into eight equal balls Each should be about the size of a golf ball Roll them gently so they hold their shape but do not compress tightly

Heat the Cooking Surface:

Place a nonstick skillet or griddle on the stove Set heat to medium high so tortillas crisp without burning

Form and Smash the Tacos:

Place one tortilla on the hot skillet Immediately put a turkey ball in the center Use a burger press or sturdy spatula to press the turkey flat spreading it evenly to cover most of the tortilla edges This gives that signature crunchy smash burger edge

Season and Cook the Turkey:

Sprinkle salt and black pepper directly onto the now flattened turkey Let it cook undisturbed for about two to three minutes Watch for browning around the edges This gives flavor and ensures the turkey is cooked through

Flip and Top:

Carefully flip the tortilla so the turkey side is down facing the pan Now sprinkle cheese generously over the cooked turkey layer and scatter spoonfuls of crumbled stuffing on top

Melt and Crisp:

Allow the taco to cook another one to two minutes The cheese should melt fully and the tortilla edges should get golden and crisp

Add the Finish:

Remove each taco from the skillet Top with a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce right before folding for a boost of sweet tang

Serve Hot:

Fold the tacos Serve immediately while the cheese is gooey and the tortillas are crisp

My kids always swipe an extra cranberry salsa for theirs which makes me laugh because growing up I never touched the stuff Using leftover stuffing truly makes these tacos taste like the holiday itself

Storage Tips

Leftover assembled tacos are best eaten fresh but you can cool and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for one to two days Reheat on a hot skillet uncovered to keep the tortillas crisp Avoid the microwave which can make them soggy If you have leftover components store them separately for maximum freshness Assemble just before eating for best results

Ingredient Substitutions

No ground turkey on hand Use finely chopped roasted turkey instead Jack or gouda cheese works well in place of cheddar Not a fan of cranberry sauce Use a spoonful of jarred jalapeno jelly Instead of corn tortillas try flour tortillas but note they may not crisp as much

Serving Suggestions

Perfect as a solo lunch with a pile of crunchy slaw If you want to round out the meal pair with a bright green salad or leftover roasted veggies For a drink serve with sparkling cider or a light red wine like Pinot Noir

Cultural and Seasonal Context

Smash burger tacos are a popular food trend and this version honors the spirit of reimagining American classics with a Thanksgiving twist Tacos bring everyone to the table even after the main holiday and this playful mashup is a modern comfort food move

Seasonal Adaptations

In the winter layer in sautéed greens or sweet potatoes with the stuffing In spring swap out cranberry sauce for a tart apple chutney In the summer try grilling tortillas quickly before assembly for a smoky note

Once my nephew insisted on customizing his taco with extra stuffing and a drizzle of leftover gravy The results were so good we now encourage everyone to add their own creative twist Dishes like this keep the holiday fun rolling

Common Recipe Questions

→ What meat works best in these tacos?

Ground turkey gives classic Thanksgiving flavor, but leftover chopped roast turkey works as well for extra convenience.

→ Can I swap the cheese type?

Yes, cheddar and Monterey Jack melt nicely, but feel free to use your favorite meltable cheese or a blend.

→ How do I get the tortilla crispy?

Press the turkey flat onto the tortilla and cook in a hot skillet until golden underneath before flipping for a toasty finish.

→ Is cranberry sauce necessary?

Cranberry sauce adds tang and balances richness, but you can substitute with salsa or skip if preferred.

→ Can the stuffing be omitted or replaced?

If you don’t have stuffing, use seasoned breadcrumbs or skip this step; herbs like parsley or thyme work well, too.