Description
These Thanksgiving Leftover Smash Burger Tacos are a creative and delicious way to repurpose your holiday leftovers into a quick and satisfying meal. Ground turkey is seasoned and smashed on a warm tortilla to create a juicy turkey patty base, then topped with savory stuffing, melty cheese, and a dollop of tart cranberry sauce for a perfect balance of flavors. Ready in just 20 minutes, these tacos make an ideal dish for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Main
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 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 and shape turkey: Divide the ground turkey into 8 equal portions and roll each into a ball for even cooking and portion control.
- Preheat skillet: Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat to ensure a nice sear on the turkey and crisp up the tortillas.
- Prepare taco base: Place one tortilla on the hot skillet, then immediately place one turkey ball in the center of the tortilla.
- Smash turkey: Using a spatula or burger press, flatten the turkey ball evenly over the tortilla, spreading it all the way to the edges to form a thin patty that cooks quickly and crisps nicely.
- Season and cook: Season the turkey with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the turkey is browned on the bottom and cooked through.
- Flip tortilla: Flip the entire tortilla so that the turkey side is now facing down to allow the tortilla to crisp and the turkey to finish cooking.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese and a spoonful of crumbled stuffing evenly over the turkey side of the tortilla.
- Finish cooking: Continue to cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts and the tortilla becomes crisp and golden.
- Remove and top: Remove the taco from the skillet and top each with a spoonful of cranberry sauce for a burst of sweet and tart flavor.
- Serve: Fold the taco carefully and serve immediately while hot for best texture and taste.
Notes
- Use a nonstick skillet or griddle to prevent sticking and achieve a crispy tortilla and perfectly cooked turkey.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or leftover turkey meat for a different twist.
- For extra spice, add a dash of chili powder or smoked paprika to the turkey before cooking.
- Corn tortillas can be lightly toasted before starting for extra crispiness.
- Leftover cranberry sauce adds a wonderful tangy contrast but can be replaced with salsa or hot sauce for variation.
- These tacos are best enjoyed immediately as the tortilla will lose its crispiness upon cooling.
