Creamed Turkey over Mashed Potatoes

This creamed turkey over mashed potatoes recipe features a rich, savory sauce and tender chunks of turkey nestled over buttery mashed potatoes. This new idea for Thanksgiving leftovers is the perfect way to remix your holiday leftovers, creating a dish where each bite comforts and satisfies.

The recipe is simple to make and comes together in about 20 minutes. A quick saute of onions, a simple roux and a splash of milk transform a few simple ingredients into a creamy turkey and mashed potatoes dish you’ll want to make throughout the year.

Ingredients for Creamed Turkey over Mashed Potatoes

• Turkey breast: Turkey adds a hearty, lean protein to the dish, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal. You can use leftover roast turkey or prepare a slow-cooker turkey breast or grilled turkey breast specifically for this recipe.
• Onion: The onion adds a savory, aromatic base to the dish and enhances the overall flavor.
• Butter: Butter provides richness and helps saute the onions, creating a flavorful foundation.
• All-purpose flour: Flour thickens the sauce, giving it a smooth, velvety texture that coats the turkey and vegetables.
• Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the dish, making each ingredient taste like the fullest version of itself.
• White pepper: White pepper adds a mild heat without altering the pale color of the sauce, keeping it visually appealing.
• Milk: The milk serves as the liquid base, creating a creamy sauce that ties all the ingredients together.
• Frozen mixed vegetables: The vegetables add color, texture and balanced flavor, as well as a variety of nutrients.
• Mashed potatoes: The mashed potatoes provide a comforting, starchy base that pairs perfectly with the creamy turkey mixture.

Directions

Step 1: Make the sauce

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In a large saucepan, saute the onion in butter until tender. Sprinkle with the flour, salt and pepper, then stir in the milk until blended. Bring the mixture to a boil. Cook and stir for two minutes or until the sauce thickens and is bubbly.

Editor’s Tip: Look for the onions to become tender and translucent before adding the flour. Then, when adding the milk, whisk constantly to prevent lumps.

Step 2: Add the turkey and vegetables

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Stir the cubed cooked turkey and frozen mixed vegetables. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan and simmer until the mixture is heated through. Serve the creamed turkey mixture over hot mashed potatoes.

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Creamed Turkey Variations

• Serve creamed turkey over toast or biscuits: Instead of serving this creamed turkey recipe with mashed potatoes, spoon the turkey mixture over toasted bread or warm, flaky biscuits to create a comforting twist on a classic. Use homemade buttermilk biscuits or save time by using the best store-bought biscuits.
• Change the vegetables: Saute sliced mushrooms with the onions to add an earthy flavor that complements the creamy sauce. Or omit the mixed vegetables to put the focus on the creamy turkey and mashed potatoes.
• Use leftover chicken: If you don’t have turkey on hand, swap in cooked chicken from one of your favorite chicken breast recipes.
• Stir in herbs: Add fresh thyme or parsley for a burst of fresh, aromatic flavor that elevates the creamy sauce.
• Make it cheesy: Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese for a richer, creamier version.

How to Store Creamed Turkey over Mashed Potatoes

To store leftover creamed turkey, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure to store the mashed potatoes separately to keep their texture intact.

Can you freeze creamed turkey over mashed potatoes?

You can freeze creamed turkey and mashed potatoes for up to three months. To maintain the best texture, freeze the components separately. Creamed sauces and mashed potatoes can change consistency after freezing, so reheating them individually will result in a better dish.

Can you make creamed turkey ahead of time?

You can make creamed turkey and mashed potatoes ahead of time by preparing each component and storing them in separate containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy the meal, reheat the dish as directed.

How do you reheat creamed turkey and mashed potatoes?

To reheat creamed turkey, gently warm it in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Reheat the mashed potatoes separately in the microwave or a saucepan on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or butter to restore their creamy texture. If either component is frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Creamed Turkey Tips

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What can you serve with creamed turkey?

In this recipe, we serve creamed turkey over mashed potatoes for a rich, comforting meal. The dish pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple lettuce salad to help balance the richness.

Can you use leftover gravy in creamed turkey?

If you want to repurpose leftover gravy, feel free to use it to replace some (or all) of the milk in the sauce. Simply whisk the gravy into the saucepan with the sauteed onions and adjust the consistency as needed with extra liquid if it gets too thick.

How do you prevent the sauce from getting too thick in creamed turkey recipes?

If the creamed turkey sauce thickens too much, simply add a bit more milk or broth, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Stir constantly while adding the liquid to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.