Easy Recipes to Make the Most of Your Thanksgiving Leftovers

Thanksgiving dinner is wonderful, but the leftovers might be the real star of the week. Instead of reheating the same plate again, why not turn what’s left into something fresh and delicious? A bit of creativity can stretch your feast into several easy, comforting meals.

From turkey sandwiches to hearty soups and flavorful casseroles, there are plenty of simple ways to make use of every bit. These ideas help you save time in the kitchen while still enjoying that cozy, post-holiday flavor everyone loves.

Whether you’re feeding the family again or just want quick meals for the week, these recipes make it easy to repurpose leftovers without the fuss. They’re practical, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to make you look forward to what’s in the fridge.

Biscuit Topped Beef Pot Pie

This comforting dish layers tender beef and vegetables under a blanket of fluffy, golden biscuits. The filling is rich and savory, bringing all the classic pot pie flavors together in every spoonful. It’s the kind of hearty meal that warms you up from the inside out. Perfect for chilly evenings when you want something cozy and homemade.
Get the Recipe: Biscuit Topped Beef Pot Pie

Homemade Beef Broth

Creating your own beef broth gives you a rich, flavorful base for soups, stews, and gravies. Simmering bones with herbs and vegetables draws out deep flavors and nutrients. It’s a simple process that transforms basic ingredients into something hearty and versatile. Once made, it can elevate any dish you use it in.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Beef Broth

Slow Cooker Turkey Pot Pie

This version of the classic pot pie uses your slow cooker to deliver tender turkey and vegetables in a creamy sauce. The aroma alone makes waiting worth it. It’s an effortless way to use leftover turkey while still feeling like a brand-new meal. Add biscuits or puff pastry for a delicious finishing touch.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey Pot Pie

Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

Quick, creamy, and full of comfort, this casserole uses convenient ingredients like Pillsbury dough to make dinnertime easy. The flaky topping pairs beautifully with the creamy chicken and veggie filling. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels homemade without the extra work. Great for family dinners or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole

This dish combines creamy spinach artichoke dip flavors with tender chicken for a rich, hearty meal. It bakes beautifully, creating a warm and comforting casserole that’s as easy as it is impressive. Serve it as a main course or with a light salad for balance. A great choice when you’re craving something creamy and pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Tarragon adds a subtle, fresh flavor to this twist on a traditional chicken pot pie. The creamy gravy ties together the chicken and vegetables for a smooth, comforting filling. It’s perfect for when you want a familiar favorite with a touch of sophistication. Every bite feels both homey and refined.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl

Fresh and light, this grain bowl brings together juicy grilled shrimp, whole grains, and colorful vegetables. It’s balanced and nutritious, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. The combination of textures and flavors makes it both fulfilling and refreshing. Easy to customize with your favorite dressings or add-ins.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl

Leftover Prime Rib and Gnocchi Skillet

This skillet meal turns leftover prime rib into something new and delicious. The tender beef pairs perfectly with soft gnocchi and a savory sauce that brings everything together. It’s a quick way to make a restaurant-quality dish right at home. Ideal for making leftovers feel exciting again.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Prime Rib and Gnocchi Skillet

Prime Rib Quesadilla

Crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, this quesadilla makes great use of leftover prime rib. Each bite is packed with bold flavor and melty goodness. It’s perfect for a casual meal or snack that feels indulgent but comes together fast. A fun twist on classic comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Prime Rib Quesadilla

Ground Beef Zucchini and Rice Casserole

This wholesome casserole layers ground beef, zucchini, and rice in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. It’s hearty yet light, making it great for weeknight dinners. The ingredients blend beautifully while baking, creating a one-pan wonder that’s simple and enjoyable. A great way to sneak in extra veggies, too.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Zucchini and Rice Casserole

Homemade Turkey Broth

Simmering turkey bones with vegetables and herbs creates a flavorful broth perfect for soups and sauces. It’s a great way to use every part of your bird after a big meal. The slow cooking process extracts all the rich, savory essence you can’t get from store-bought. Once made, it freezes beautifully for future use.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Turkey Broth

Homemade Vegetable Broth

A simple mix of vegetables, herbs, and water can produce a surprisingly rich broth. It’s a wonderful base for soups, grains, or sauces and easy to customize with what you have on hand. Making it yourself lets you control the flavor and salt level. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use vegetable scraps efficiently.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Vegetable Broth

Leftover Turkey Salad

This refreshing dish turns holiday leftovers into a light, flavorful meal. Mixed with crisp vegetables and a creamy dressing, it’s both easy and pleasing. Serve it on greens, bread, or crackers for a quick lunch or snack. It’s proof that leftovers can be just as enjoyable as the main feast.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Salad

Chicken Pot Pies

Individual chicken pot pies make dinner feel extra special. Each one has a buttery crust filled with tender chicken, vegetables, and creamy sauce. They bake up golden and flaky, perfect for a comforting homemade meal. Great for portion control or freezing for later.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pies

Turkey Tetrazzini

This creamy pasta dish transforms leftover turkey into something decadent and filling. The sauce coats every strand of pasta with rich flavor, complemented by mushrooms and cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest, simple, hearty, and always a hit. Ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Tetrazzini

Vegetarian Biryani Rice

Fragrant rice layered with vegetables and warm spices makes this dish aromatic and full of flavor. It’s vibrant and hearty enough to stand on its own. Each spoonful offers a mix of textures and colors that make it as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for vegetarians or anyone who loves bold, balanced meals.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Biryani Rice

Chicken Sheet Pan Quesadillas

These quesadillas are a fun, easy way to feed a crowd without the hassle. Baking them on a sheet pan keeps things simple while ensuring crispy edges and melty cheese throughout. They’re customizable with your favorite fillings and toppings. Great for busy nights or casual get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sheet Pan Quesadillas

Slow Cooker Mushroom Broth

This rich, earthy broth brings out the deep flavors of mushrooms through slow simmering. It’s perfect for soups, risottos, or as a base for vegetarian dishes. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing layers of umami goodness. A comforting staple to keep on hand.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mushroom Broth

Spinach Lasagna Rolls

These neatly rolled lasagna portions are filled with spinach and creamy ricotta, baked until bubbly. They’re elegant enough for guests but easy enough for weeknights. Each roll delivers the perfect balance of pasta, cheese, and sauce. Serve with garlic bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Lasagna Rolls

Cornbread Cereal

A nostalgic twist on breakfast, this dish uses crumbled cornbread mixed with milk or cream for a sweet, comforting start to the day. It’s warm, hearty, and surprisingly simple. Great for using up leftover cornbread while enjoying a taste of old-fashioned comfort. Sprinkle with sugar or fruit for extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Cereal

Turkey Pot Pie

Creamy filling, tender turkey, and golden crust, this classic pot pie has it all. It’s a wonderful way to make the most of leftover holiday meat. The blend of vegetables and herbs keeps every bite flavorful and cozy. Best enjoyed fresh from the oven on a cool day.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pie

Texas French Toast Casserole with Leftover Turkey

This creative casserole pairs the sweetness of French toast with savory turkey for a fun, unexpected flavor combo. The contrast between the custardy bread and tender meat makes it special. Perfect for brunch or post-holiday mornings. It’s a great reminder that leftovers can be surprisingly versatile.
Get the Recipe: Texas French Toast Casserole with Leftover Turkey

How to Make Chicken Broth

A good chicken broth starts with simple ingredients: bones, vegetables, herbs, and time. As it simmers, it develops layers of flavor that can be used in countless dishes. It’s easy to prepare and worth keeping in your freezer for quick meals. Once you’ve made it from scratch, it’s hard to go back to store-bought.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Chicken Broth