Tyler Smith’s Leftover Thanksgiving Smash Tacos

Total Time:Prep/Total Time: 30 min.
Tyler Smith

By Tyler Smith

Recipe by Tyler Smith, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Tested by Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Published on Nov. 12, 2025

If Thanksgiving leftovers are your favorite part of the holiday, these smash tacos are about to make your week. They're crispy, savory and ridiculously good. —Tyler Smith, Virginia Beach, Virginia

TEST KITCHEN APPROVED

Tyler Smith’s Leftover Thanksgiving Smash Tacos

Yield:3 servings
Prep:15 min
Cook:15 min

Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 cups finely chopped or shredded cooked turkey breast
  • 1-1/2 cups leftover turkey gravy
  • 2 tablespoons cranberry sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 3 flour tortillas, taco size
  • 1 cup cooked stuffing
  • 1 cup mashed potatoes
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Directions

  1. Place chopped turkey in a large bowl. In the microwave or on the stovetop, warm gravy. Gradually add gravy to turkey until you're able to form the turkey mixture into balls with your hand. Form into 3-oz. balls. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine cranberry sauce, mayonnaise, hot sauce and lemon juice. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, place one portion of turkey in the skillet. Immediately top with a tortilla and press down with a burger press or flat spatula until turkey is 1/4 in. thick. Cook 1-2 minutes; flip tortilla. Cook until tortilla is browned, about 1 minute longer. Repeat with remaining tacos.
  4. Serve tacos immediately with warmed stuffing and mashed potatoes on top.
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