Description
Thanksgiving Leftover Smash Burger Tacos are a delicious and creative way to transform your holiday leftovers into a flavorful, crispy taco meal. Combining finely chopped turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy into a smash burger-style filling, then cooked on a skillet until golden and topped with melted cheese and cranberry sauce, these tacos offer a unique twist on traditional Thanksgiving flavors perfect for an easy and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 2 cups cooked leftover turkey, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup stuffing, crumbled
- 1/4 cup gravy plus more for serving
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Tacos
- 6 small flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil for cooking
Toppings (optional)
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce for topping
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare filling mix: In a bowl, combine finely chopped turkey, mashed potatoes, crumbled stuffing, gravy, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and moistened.
- Form meatballs: Shape the mixture into six evenly sized balls, making sure they are compact enough to hold their shape when pressed.
- Heat skillet: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add butter or oil, allowing it to melt and coat the pan evenly to prevent sticking while cooking.
- Assemble tacos on tortillas: Lay each tortilla flat, place one meatball on each tortilla, and press down firmly to spread the mixture evenly across the surface in a thin layer.
- Cook the tacos: Transfer the tortilla, meat-side down, onto the hot skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the meat is browned and crispy. Flip the tortilla carefully to the other side.
- Add cheese and finish cooking: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the cooked side of the tortilla and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
- Repeat for remaining tacos: Remove from the skillet and repeat the cooking process with the remaining tortillas and meat mixture.
- Add toppings and serve: If desired, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard on each taco, then top with cranberry sauce. Serve with extra gravy on the side for dipping.
Notes
- These tacos are an excellent way to use any leftover Thanksgiving dinner ingredients.
- You can substitute chicken for turkey if preferred.
- Add green beans or roasted vegetables inside the tacos for extra texture and nutrition.
- Serve with extra gravy on the side to enhance flavor and moisture.
