7 Creative Ideas For Thanksgiving Leftovers With Beef Jerky

Thanksgiving is around the corner, and we simply cannot wait to dig into our favorite appetizers and sides with our favorite people. Indeed, Thanksgiving dinner is a special time that comes with cheers, ample time with the family, and a huge meal!

However, the morning after is usually a very different tale. We are often left with lots of leftovers after Thanksgiving dinner. I hate to waste food and so I've come up with some creative ways to add a few more quick and easy meals for the entire weekend.

This guide will reveal creative recipes that will help you turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into 4-star meals that your guests will rave about. We have some favorite paleo recipes that can double duty from the big day and beyond.

Grilled Turkey & Dairy-free Cheese Sliders 

Here's what you will need for the recipe; English muffins, leftover turkey, dairy-free butter, beef Jerky slices, and dairy-free cheese slices. My kids can tolerate goat and sheep’s cheese so sometimes we sub those in as well sometimes. 

Steps

First off, you will need to warm some slices of leftover turkey in a non-stick frying pan (we use greenpan) on medium heat. Once done, set it aside and cover it to keep it warm. Now, cut a couple of leftover paleo english muffins  in half and spread some dairy-free butter on the tops and bottoms. Now slice some beef jerky and dairy-free cheese. Add these two [The beef jerky and dairy-free cheese slices] on each half of your buttered muffin. .

Then place the muffins on the pan and cover it to let the cheese melt. After this, add your turkey and any of your favorite toppings and combine the halves to make sliders. Cook slightly until the cheese is melted and the muffins are browned. Your Thanksgiving leftover dish is ready to be served.

Note: Grilled Turkey and Cheese Sliders are a Thanksgiving leftover classic. Although this combo is already perfect, making it paleo & adding beef jerky and dairy-free cheese to the equation will significantly enhance its taste.

Leftover Jerky Casserole

Casseroles are a Thanksgiving leftover staple. Whether it is the traditional mix of bread and savory seasons, cranberry sauce, and turkey or a vegetable-heavy brussel sprout casserole, there's always some leftover in the morning. We use a sweet and savory recipe from Danielle Walker’s Celebrations Cookbook. 

Adding jerky to your casserole is an easy way to boost its flavor profile and give it new life. You can do this by chopping up some PREVAIL Umami Beef Jerky and stuffing it into your casserole. Place in the oven for a few minutes, and voila, your leftover jerky casserole is ready!

Leftover Turkey And Stuffing Reubens

You will need leftover paleo dressing, slices of paleo bread, leftover turkey, dairy-free cheese slices, and beef jerky for this recipe. 

Steps

Position your rack 4 inches from the broiler heat source and preheat. After this, line a baking sheet with foil. Spread some dairy-free butter on one side of each slice of bread. Once done, place four slices, buttered side down, on your baking sheet. 

Spread some dressing, not all, on the sides facing up and top each slice with cheese and beef jerky slices. Lastly, top each slice with some leftover turkey. Place the open-faced sandwiches under a broiler to cook until the cheese melts. 

Remove the baking sheet from the broiler and spread the rest of the dressing on the uncovered side of the four remaining slices, then place on top melted cheese and push down, buttered side up to finish the sandwiches. Place the sandwiches back in the broiler and cook carefully until both sides are golden brown. Serve your dish.

Leftover turkey and stuffing Reubens are a great way to transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a delightful breakfast.

Biscuits, Turkey, and Jerky Gravy with Fried Eggs

This is a new take on the southern biscuits and sausage gravy breakfast. The recipe is quite simple. Instead of using the usual sausage gravy, try mixing things up by adding some spicy beef jerky with leftover turkey to your gravy. The spicy beef jerky will add some much-needed texture, while the thanksgiving turkey will harmonize the roasted herbs and spices. 

Fried Stuffing Bites with Cranberry Sauce Pesto

You will need avocado oil, leftover stuffing, eggs, coconut milk, crushed pork rinds, cranberry sauce, and black pepper for this recipe.

Steps

Preheat the oil to 350 degrees F. Now, cut leftover stuffing and beef jerky into bite-sized cubes and set it aside. Once you've set it aside, whisk eggs and coconut milk in a small bowl. After this, coat each stuffing with the egg mix, then dredge in the pork rinds until it's fully coated. 

Blend some cranberry sauce, walnuts, and pepper in a food processor and set it aside when done. Once your oil is hot enough, fry each piece of stuffing until it's golden brown. Drain them on a paper towel to remove excess oil and serve with your cranberry pesto

Grilled Turkey, Goat Cheese, and Apple Butter Sandwich with Arugula

You will need 8 slices of paleo bread, dairy-free butter, store-bought Apple Butter (Trader Joes), leftover Turkey, beef jerky, goat cheese, and arugula for this recipe.

Steps

Spread all four slices of bread with dairy-free butter. After this, spread each with one tablespoon of apple butter. Top off each slice of bread with slices of turkey, beef jerky, and three slices of goat cheese. Lastly, place some arugula leaves on top. Once done, spread the remaining bread slices with ½ tablespoons of dairy-free butter and lay them buttered sides down over the goat cheese.

Heat your cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add some coconut oil and let it melt evenly to help coat the bottom of the pan. Now, place two sandwiches comfortably and cook for 3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the goat cheese begins to melt. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove your sandwiches and cut them in half. Your dish is ready to be served.

Turkey Frittata 

For this recipe, you will need avocado oil, chopped onions, green bell pepper, boiled sweet potatoes, leftover turkey, eggs, a cup of coconut cream, salt, pepper, parsley, grated sheep cheese (or other dairy-free option), and some beef jerky.

Steps

Start by preheating your broiler. After this, heat some oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add your onions and bell peppers and cook for three minutes. Stir in the sweet potatoes and cook until they are golden brown. Add your leftover turkey and beef jerky. Toss to coat. 

Next, beat eggs and coconut cream together in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Pour your egg mixture into the skillet and stir in your chopped herbs. Top it off with sheep cheese and place your mix under the broiler for about 3 minutes until the frittata puffs. Serve your dish hot.