If you’re someone who isn’t always thrilled about leftovers, this Chipotle Turkey Skillet is for you. Leftover turkey from a big holiday meal is completely transformed with bold Tex-Mex flavors like chipotle, black beans, and salsa. This recipe is perfect for freezing, so you can enjoy a quick and entirely re-invented dinner during a busy weeknight.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients you will need for this Chipotle Turkey Skillet
- How to make and freeze this Chipotle Turkey Skillet
- Tips and tricks for making the best leftover turkey skillet
- FAQ
Ingredients you will need for this Chipotle Turkey Skillet
This recipe uses basic ingredients to create a flavorful and easy meal:
- 3 cups shredded cooked turkey meat
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup store-bought salsa
- 2 tbsp chopped chipotle in adobo sauce
- 1 can (19oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheese (plus ¾ cup for topping)
How to make and freeze this Chipotle Turkey Skillet
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large Ziploc freezer bag, combine the shredded turkey, mashed potatoes, salsa, chipotle in adobo, black beans, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Remove excess air, flatten the bag, and seal it tightly.
- Freeze: Lay the bag flat in the freezer and store until you’re ready to use.
- Thaw Before Cooking: When you’re ready to cook the skillet, remove the bag from the freezer and allow the mixture to thaw in the refrigerator for about 3 hours.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the Skillet: Dump the entire contents of the bag into a 12-inch oven-proof skillet. Scatter another ¾ cup of shredded cheese over the top.
- Cook and Broil: Bake the skillet on the center rack for 30 minutes. Then, turn the broiler to high and broil for about 3 minutes, or until the cheese is brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve the skillet hot, with optional toppings like sour cream, avocado, or chopped cilantro.
Tips and tricks for making the best leftover turkey skillet
- Customize the spice level: Adjust the amount of chipotle to match your spice preference. If you like it milder, reduce the chipotle or substitute with mild chili powder.
- Use any mashed potatoes: Leftover mashed potatoes work great, but you can also use instant mashed potatoes in a pinch.
- Cheese variety: Feel free to swap the shredded cheese with your favorite variety—cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all work well.
FAQ
Can I use other meats instead of turkey?
Yes! This recipe works just as well with leftover chicken or beef, making it versatile for any leftover meat you have on hand.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! You can throw in leftover roasted vegetables or corn for added flavor and texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I make this without freezing?
Yes, if you want to make it fresh without freezing, simply follow the cooking instructions without freezing the mixture first.
And that’s it for this Chipotle Turkey Skillet! If you make it, please tag me on Pinterest or Instagram so I can see! For more creative ways to use your Thanksgiving leftovers, check out my other recipes here. Feel free to leave any questions, comments, or reviews—I’d love to hear from you!
PrintChipotle Turkey Skillet
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Mix everything in a large Ziploc freezer bag, remove air, flatten and seal.
2. When you want to cook the burrito skillet remove the bag from the freezer and allow the mixture to thaw (3hrs in fridge).
3. Preheat oven to 350F
4. Dump the entire contents of the bag into a 12” oven proof skillet and scatter another ¾ cup of shredded cheese on top.
5. Bake on the centre rack for 30min. Turn the broiler to high and broil for 3min or until the cheese is brown and bubbly.
6. Serve.






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