Using leftover turkey, gravy and herbs, this turkey hash is a quick, flavorful way to transform Thanksgiving leftovers into an easy weeknight meal.
Thanksgiving is over, but the best part for many is the days that follow — the leftovers. This turkey hash is a simple, flexible recipe that turns leftover turkey, gravy and herbs into a satisfying meal. It’s easy to customize based on what you have on hand and comes together quickly.
I actually made this before Thanksgiving, because turkey doesn’t have to be reserved for one day. Whether you cooked a turkey for the holiday or have packaged leftovers, this hash highlights the turkey and gravy, letting those flavors shine.
If you need a gravy recipe, a make-ahead turkey gravy works great here. You can also adapt the dish to use leftover mashed potatoes in place of fresh potatoes for a creamier texture — both versions are delicious.
Recipe Ingredients
- Unsalted butter — adds richness and helps brown the potatoes.
- Sweet onion, green bell pepper, russet potatoes, garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage — aromatics and herbs for flavor and texture.
- Turkey — leftover, roughly chopped works best.
- Salt and black pepper — to taste.
- Turkey gravy — warmed, to serve on top.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Parboil the potatoes: cut into even ½” cubes, add to cold salted water, bring to a boil and simmer 3–5 minutes until edges soften but centers remain firm. Drain and cool.
- Heat butter (or bacon fat) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green pepper and cook about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the parboiled potatoes and cook about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes start to brown and develop a crust.
- Toss in the turkey, minced garlic and chopped poultry herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage). Season with salt and black pepper and cook another 4–5 minutes until the turkey is heated through and the potatoes have some char.
- Adjust seasoning, spoon warm turkey gravy over the top and serve.
Side Dish Options
Turkey hash is essentially a complete meal, but you can add extra vegetables (spinach, peas, or roasted carrots) or swap potato types — Yukon Golds add creaminess while russets crisp up nicely.
Can I Use Mashed Potatoes?
Yes. If using leftover mashed potatoes, you only need to heat them and crisp the surface to create texture. They won’t need as long in the skillet as raw or parboiled cubes.
Pro Tips / Recipe Notes
- Cut potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Start with cold butter in a cold skillet and heat until it shimmers before adding onions and peppers; this helps control browning.
- Avoid constant stirring while the potatoes cook so they can form a nice charred crust.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Other Turkey Recipes
- Leftover Turkey Enchiladas
- Turkey Dumpling Soup
- Instant Pot Turkey Breast
- Turkey Tamale Pie
- Turkey Meatballs
If you try this turkey hash, leave a comment to share how it turned out. Tag your photos on social media to show variations and additions you enjoyed.
Turkey Hash
Ryan Beck
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs russet potatoes, diced into ½” cubes
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter or bacon fat
- 1 large sweet onion, diced
- 1 large green pepper, diced
- 4 cups leftover turkey, roughly chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon poultry blend (rosemary, thyme, sage), chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup turkey gravy, warmed
Instructions
- Parboil the potatoes: cut evenly, add to cold salted water, bring to a boil and simmer 3–5 minutes until edges soften but centers remain firm. Drain and cool.
- Heat butter or bacon fat in a large skillet over medium. Add diced onion and green pepper and cook about 3 minutes until translucent.
- Add potatoes and cook about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown. Add turkey, garlic, herbs, salt and pepper and cook 4–5 minutes until heated through and potatoes develop char.
- Check seasoning, top with warm turkey gravy and serve.
Nutrition
Leave a comment or tag your photos to show how you served it.