Delicious Keto Turkey Recipes: Low-Carb Ideas for Leftovers and More

Thanksgiving and other holiday meals often leave us with a delightful surplus of turkey. For those following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle, repurposing this leftover turkey into new, exciting dishes is both practical and delicious. This article explores a variety of keto turkey recipes, from comforting casseroles to innovative takes on classic dishes, ensuring that no bit of your holiday bird goes to waste.

Making the Most of Leftover Turkey

After a holiday feast, the question arises: what to do with the remaining turkey? Instead of the same old sandwiches, consider transforming it into a low-carb culinary adventure. These recipes are designed to be easy, flavorful, and compliant with a ketogenic diet.

Low-Carb Turkey Casserole

This dish is a standout for its simplicity and comforting flavors. The Low-Carb Turkey Casserole combines turkey with mushrooms, mozzarella, and cauliflower rice, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• Leftover turkey
• Mushrooms
• Mozzarella cheese
• Cauliflower rice
• Butter
• Onion
• Chicken paste
• Sage
• Garlic
• Thyme
• Pepper
• Cream
• Nutritional yeast (optional)
• Parsley (optional)
• Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Melt butter in a cast iron skillet or regular skillet.
3. Add onion, mushrooms, and chicken paste. Sauté until onion and mushrooms begin to caramelize (about 20-40 minutes).
4. Add sage, garlic, thyme, and pepper. Stir for one minute.
5. Add cream and nutritional yeast (optional) and stir occasionally at medium heat until thickened, about 5-10 minutes.
6. Stir in turkey, parsley (optional), and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese and remove from heat.
7. If using a non oven-safe skillet, pour ingredients into an oven-safe baking dish.
8. Sprinkle mozzarella and remaining Parmesan on top.
9. Place skillet or dish into oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until bubbly and slightly golden.

Greek Peperoncini Turkey Salad

For a refreshing lunch option, try swapping chicken for turkey in this Greek Peperoncini Salad. This salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• Leftover turkey
• Peperoncini peppers
• Greek dressing
• Your favorite salad ingredients

Instructions:

1. Combine leftover turkey with peperoncini peppers and Greek dressing.
2. Serve over a bed of your favorite salad ingredients.

Turkey Bone Broth Soup

This hearty soup not only uses leftover turkey but also utilizes the bones to create a nutrient-rich bone broth. It's especially comforting during cold and flu season.

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Ingredients:

• Turkey carcass
• Vegetables (carrots, celery, onion)
• Herbs and spices
• Water

Instructions:

1. Simmer the turkey carcass with vegetables, herbs, and spices in water for several hours to create a flavorful bone broth.
2. Shred leftover turkey meat and add it to the broth.

Skinny Turkey Fried “Rice”

For an Asian-inspired twist, Skinny Chicken Fried "Rice" can easily be adapted with turkey. This dish is quick, easy, and brings a change of pace from traditional holiday flavors.

Ingredients:

• Leftover turkey
• Cauliflower rice
• Soy sauce or coconut aminos
• Toasted sesame oil
• Vegetables (peas, carrots, onions)
• Eggs

Instructions:

1. Sauté cauliflower rice with vegetables.
2. Add leftover turkey and soy sauce or coconut aminos.
3. Stir in toasted sesame oil for added flavor.
4. Scramble eggs and mix into the "rice."

Gumbalaya

Inspired by classic Cajun cuisine, Gumbalaya can be made with turkey instead of chicken. The smoked sausage and hearty seasonings complement the turkey, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish.

Ingredients:

• Leftover turkey
• Smoked sausage
• Cajun seasoning
• Vegetables (bell peppers, onions, celery)
• Cauliflower rice

Instructions:

1. Sauté smoked sausage and vegetables with Cajun seasoning.
2. Add leftover turkey and cauliflower rice.
3. Simmer until flavors are combined.

Keto Turkey Tetrazzini Skillet

This recipe offers a comforting and easy way to use leftover turkey. By omitting the traditional pasta, it remains keto-friendly without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients:

• Leftover turkey
• Mushrooms
• Onion
• Garlic
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Nutritional yeast (optional)
• Butter
• Spices (sage, thyme, pepper)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Melt butter in a skillet. Add onion and mushrooms, sauté until softened.
3. Add garlic, sage, thyme, and pepper. Stir for one minute.
4. Add heavy cream and nutritional yeast (optional). Simmer until thickened.
5. Stir in turkey and Parmesan cheese.
6. Top with mozzarella cheese and bake until bubbly and golden.

Keto-Friendly Ground Turkey Recipes

Ground turkey is a versatile ingredient that can be used in numerous keto recipes. It provides a lean source of protein and can be seasoned to create a variety of flavorful dishes.

Jalapeño Turkey Burgers

Spice up your burger game with Jalapeño Turkey Burgers. These patties are seasoned to perfection and cooked to juicy, mouthwatering perfection.

Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide

Ingredients:

• Ground turkey
• Jalapeños, diced
• Spices (chili powder, cumin, garlic powder)
• Cheese (optional)
• Low-carb buns or lettuce wraps

Instructions:

1. Combine ground turkey with diced jalapeños and spices.
2. Form into patties and grill or pan-fry until cooked through.
3. Serve on low-carb buns or lettuce wraps with cheese and your favorite toppings.

Turkey Meatloaf Muffins

For portion control and convenience, try Turkey Meatloaf Muffins. These bite-sized meatloaves are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• Ground turkey
• Eggs
• Almond flour
• Vegetables (onion, bell pepper)
• Spices (garlic powder, onion powder)
• Ketchup (sugar-free)

Instructions:

1. Combine ground turkey with eggs, almond flour, vegetables, and spices.
2. Spoon mixture into muffin tins.
3. Top with sugar-free ketchup.
4. Bake until cooked through.

Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps

Take your ground turkey on a Mexican flavor trip with classic taco seasonings and crispy lettuce. These wraps are a quick and easy weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• Ground turkey
• Taco seasoning
• Lettuce leaves
• Toppings (salsa, avocado, cheese)

Instructions:

1. Brown ground turkey and season with taco seasoning.
2. Spoon mixture into lettuce leaves.
3. Top with salsa, avocado, cheese, and your favorite taco toppings.

Ginger Sesame Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Elevate your ground turkey with a kick of ginger, soy, and sesame, all wrapped up in crisp fresh lettuce leaves. This dish is both flavorful and light.

Ingredients:

• Ground turkey
• Ginger, grated
• Soy sauce or coconut aminos
• Sesame oil
• Garlic, minced
• Lettuce leaves
• Toppings (sesame seeds, green onions)

Instructions:

1. Brown ground turkey and drain excess fat.
2. Add ginger, soy sauce or coconut aminos, sesame oil, and garlic.
3. Spoon mixture into lettuce leaves.
4. Top with sesame seeds and green onions.

Spicy Turkey Cauliflower Rice

Enjoy fried rice without the carbs by using cauliflower rice. This spicy turkey version is a flavorful and satisfying alternative.

Ingredients:

• Ground turkey
• Cauliflower rice
• Soy sauce or coconut aminos
• Spices (ginger, garlic, chili flakes)
• Vegetables (peas, carrots, onions)
• Eggs

Instructions:

1. Sauté cauliflower rice with vegetables and spices.
2. Add ground turkey and soy sauce or coconut aminos.
3. Scramble eggs and mix into the "rice."

Buffalo Turkey Meatballs

Kick things up a notch with these buffalo turkey meatballs! They are perfect as an appetizer or main course.

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

Ingredients:

• Ground turkey
• Buffalo wing sauce
• Spices (garlic powder, onion powder)
• Blue cheese dressing (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine ground turkey with buffalo wing sauce and spices.
2. Form into meatballs and bake or pan-fry until cooked through.
3. Serve with blue cheese dressing, if desired.

Ground Turkey Stroganoff

For a creamy and comforting meal, give Ground Turkey Stroganoff a try. It’s filling and oh-so-creamy, perfect for a cozy night in.

Ingredients:

• Ground turkey
• Mushrooms
• Onion
• Garlic
• Sour cream
• Beef broth
• Spices (paprika, mustard powder)

Instructions:

1. Brown ground turkey with mushrooms, onion, and garlic.
2. Stir in sour cream and beef broth.
3. Season with paprika and mustard powder.
4. Simmer until thickened.

Thai Turkey Meatballs in Coconut Curry

These meatballs are super good for the body-gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo-friendly. The combination of Thai flavors and coconut curry is a delightful treat.

Ingredients:

• Ground turkey
• Coconut milk
• Red curry paste
• Lime juice
• Spices (ginger, garlic, lemongrass)
• Vegetables (bell peppers, onions)

Instructions:

1. Combine ground turkey with spices and form into meatballs.
2. Sauté meatballs in a pan until browned.
3. Add coconut milk, red curry paste, lime juice, and vegetables.
4. Simmer until the sauce has thickened and the meatballs are cooked through.

Keto Turkey Meatballs with Cheese and Tomato Sauce

These keto turkey meatballs are a delightful and versatile dish that can be paired with various keto-friendly side dishes. They are relatively easy to make and offer a flavorful alternative to traditional beef meatballs.

Ingredients:

• Ground turkey
• Almond flour
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Onion
• Garlic
• Chili flakes
• Marinara sauce
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Dry oregano

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 390°F (200°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions, garlic, and chili flakes; season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, almond flour, Parmesan cheese, and the cooked onion mixture. Season with sea salt, black pepper, and oregano; mix well using your hands.
4. Form 14 even meatballs.
5. Heat the same skillet over medium-high heat with extra olive oil. Add the meatballs and cook for 6-9 minutes, rotating every 2-3 minutes until golden brown on each side.
6. Add marinara sauce and bring to a light simmer. Cook for 5 minutes.
7. Transfer the meatballs with sauce into a 7x10-inch baking dish.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly.

Tips for Keto Turkey Meatballs

• Fat Content: Use ground turkey thighs instead of ground turkey breasts for a higher fat content, which is beneficial for a ketogenic diet.
• Carb Count: This dish has approximately 7g net carbs per serving (2-3 meatballs with sauce), making it suitable for a keto meal plan.
• Storage: Keto turkey meatballs can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Preparing the Perfect Keto Turkey

Cooking a turkey that is both juicy and flavorful is essential for any holiday meal. Here’s how to prepare a keto-friendly turkey that will impress your guests.

Ingredients:

• Whole turkey (1 lb to 1.25 lbs per person)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Minced garlic
• Chopped herbs
• Chicken broth
• Butter
• Lemon juice
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Carrots
• Onion
• Celery stalks

Equipment:

• Meat thermometer
• Turkey baster
• Roasting pan
• Kitchen twine

Brining the Turkey (24 Hours Prior)

1. Combine salt, black pepper, chopped herbs, and minced garlic into a small rub mixture.
2. Gently separate the skin on the breasts of the turkey, taking care not to pull or rip the skin.
3. Remove the wishbone and giblets from the turkey.
4. Use the rub mixture to season the turkey all over the body, both on top of and underneath the skin.
5. Refrigerate in a roasting pan, uncovered, for 24 hours.

Stuffing and Seasoning (Day Of)

1. After 24 hours, remove the turkey from the refrigerator and allow it to sit out for about an hour to take the chill off.
2. Preheat oven to 300°F.
3. Use kitchen twine to truss the turkey legs (tie them together).
4. Stuff the cavity with carrots, onion, garlic, additional herbs, and celery stalks.
5. In a small dish, melt the butter. Add lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
6. Gently brush this mixture all over the body of the turkey, including underneath the skin.
7. Add the chicken broth and butter to the bottom of the roasting pan.

Roasting

1. Place the turkey into the preheated oven, uncovered.
2. Cook for 3-4 hours, or until the deepest, thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F on your instant-read thermometer.
3. As the turkey roasts, baste the bird with drippings from the bottom of the pan every 30-45 minutes.

This method ensures a juicy, flavorful, and tender turkey with perfectly crisp skin, making it a perfect centerpiece for any keto-friendly holiday meal.

Low Carb Baked Turkey Cordon Bleu Casserole

This easy casserole version of a favorite iconic dish, my Low Carb Baked Turkey Cordon Bleu is made with leftover turkey or chicken! There are so many ways to use leftover turkey and chicken and I just love coming up with different ideas to add it to recipes.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cooked, diced turkey
• 4 ounces diced ham
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven to 350 degrees
2. Spray an 8x8 baking dish with nonstick spray
3. In a large bowl, mix together soup, milk, yogurt or sour cream, and garlic powder
4. Add in poultry and ham and stir to combine
5. Scoop the mixture into the baking dish and top wtih cheese
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese begins to brown and casserole is bubbling.
7. Remove from oven and serve! You can also add a few teaspoons of dijon mustard or lemon juice to the cream sauce.

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