Two Delicious Slow-Cooker Recipes for Thanksgiving Leftovers (2024)

After spending the day in the kitchen, we can use a break by making these Thanksgiving leftover recipes in the slow cooker.

I don’t know about you, but I feel that the leftovers are even better than the delicious Thanksgiving dinner itself. Who’s with me? I even go to the point of roasting an extra-large turkey and including more sides than my family of five needs to have those yummy leftovers. Aside from heating them up the next day, I try to make creative Thanksgiving leftover meals with them.

Today, I’m sharing some slow cooker options for those leftovers.

Even better, they’re made easily and a step above the usual Thanksgiving leftover sandwiches.

I really believe the slow cooker helps me in the long run. I seriously use mine all the time. As much as I like to pretend I’m a pioneer lady, mama does not have time for that!

One of the great things about a slow cooker is that you can set it up and forget about it. Well, sort of. After spending most of the day in the kitchen the day before, we can use a break! Am I right? These options don’t take long to make, and the exact measurements aren’t necessary. Because… leftovers. Double bonus.

Option One: Slow Cooker Leftover Turkey Dinner

This is more of a heating method to recreate your original meal without using a microwave. Food comes out fresher and less dry than the microwave tends to make it. You can use sweet potatoes or mashed potatoes. Pair it with a nice salad, and you get a second run at your spectacular turkey day meal.

The recipe below has exact amounts, but this is one of those recipes where you can measure with your heart.

Ingredients

• Turkey
• Gravy
• Mashed Potatoes
• Stuffing (I have an excellent recipe for Sage Stuffing)
• Green Bean Casserole
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup Shredded Cheese (optional)

Instructions

Mix the leftover turkey and gravy together and set aside. Add the leftover green bean casserole to the slow cooker. Approximately 1- 1½ cups of each leftover. Exact amounts aren’t super important. Add the leftover stuffing. Layer the turkey and gravy mixture. The last layer is the leftover mashed potatoes. If you’d like to add some shredded cheddar cheese to the top.

Heat on low in the slow cooker for approximately 40 minutes or until warmed and heated through. The time will vary depending on how many Thanksgiving leftovers you have. Salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

Option Two: Slow Cooker Mock Turkey Pot Pie

Baking a turkey pot pie can be as tedious as making the original dinner. I use carrots, peas, and green bean casserole, but you can add whatever leftover vegetables you have on hand. Celery and mushrooms are a nice addition.

Ingredients

• 1 cup shredded Turkey (approximately)
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup of leftover Gravy
• 1-2 medium Carrots, sliced
• 1/3 cup Peas
• 1/3 cup leftover Green Bean Casserole
• 3/4 – 1 cup leftover Stuffingor4-6 leftover Rolls/Biscuits (I have an excellent recipe for Sage Stuffing)

Instructions

Mix turkey, gravy, leftover green bean casserole, and peas in the slow cooker dish, and set aside. Slice carrots and add to the turkey mixture. Layer leftover stuffing.

Heat on low-medium for approximately 40 minutes or until carrots are soft but not overdone. Time will vary depending on how many leftovers you use.

Layer biscuits on top of pot pie mixture and heat up until soft (if using instead of stuffing). Salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy.

Make Sure to Use ALL Your Leftovers

What do you do with those turkey bones after you’ve pulled the meat off them? Around here, we try to be as frugal as possible. So, we use the turkey carcass to make a delicious bone broth – just like grandma used to make and store it for later use. Check out some of the benefits of bone broth and step-by-step instructions onhow to make a delicious broth. Guess what? It’s a slow cooker-friendly recipe, too!

Also, be sure to check out my recipe for making potato pancakes using your leftover mashed potatoes. It’s a great way to enjoy those leftover pancakes for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

What are your favorite ways to enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers?