Leftover Turkey & Mashed Potato Magic | Lovemyinstantpot
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Leftover Turkey &
Mashed Potato Magic

Leftover Turkey and Mashed Potatoes

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Turn your leftover turkey into a delectable feast with our Leftover Turkey and Gravy over Mashed Potatoes recipe. It's the ultimate comfort food, combining tender shredded turkey, rich and savory gravy, and creamy mashed potatoes. This quick and easy recipe is the perfect way to enjoy those Thanksgiving, Christmas or Holiday leftovers, transforming them into a mouthwatering meal that's as good as the first time around. Get ready to savor every bite and relish the comfort of homemade goodness.

You Will Need

For the Turkey:

  • 1 (5-pound) Butterball Turkey (If you are wanting to make Turkey broth to freeze, follow this recipe first.)

  • 4 cups Turkey Broth

  • Gravy Packet from Turkey

  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder

  • 1/2 tsp Pepper

  • 1/2 tsp Salt

  • 2 Heaping TBSP Flour

  • Enough water to make a thin paste

For the Mashed Potatoes:

  • 8 medium Potatoes

  • 1/2 Stick Of Butter

  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream

  • 1/2 tsp Pepper

  • 1/2 tsp Salt (if your gravy isn't salty)

  • 1/2 cup Half & Half

  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder

For the Broccoli:

  • 3 Cups Broccoli

  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder

  • 1/2 Stick Butter

  • Salt and Pepper to taste

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Instant Pot Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Experience the ease and deliciousness of our 'Quick and Easy Instant Pot Turkey and Gravy' recipe, perfect for making the most of your leftover frozen turkey. This one-pot wonder brings together tender shredded turkey with a rich and velvety homemade gravy—all effortlessly prepared in your trusty Instant Pot. With the Instant Pot's convenience, this Instant Pot-inspired dish becomes a breeze to whip up, making it an ideal weeknight meal. So, indulge in the comfort of home-cooked goodness with our Instant Pot frozen turkey,  gravy and mashed potato recipe!

  1. Prepare the Broccoli:

    • On the stovetop, cook the broccoli by adding it to a pan with enough water to cover.

    • Boil until the desired tenderness is reached (about 10-15 minutes on rapid boil).

    • Drain the broccoli and transfer it to a serving dish.

    • Add garlic powder, butter, and salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

  2. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:

    • Cut, peel, and wash the potatoes. Cut them in half lengthwise and then into chunks.

    • Pressure cook the potatoes for 10 minutes on high.

    • Transfer the cooked potatoes to a bowl and add the butter, sour cream, pepper, salt (if needed), half & half, and garlic powder.

    • Mash the potatoes until smooth. Set aside.

  3. Prepare the Turkey:

    • Rinse the Instant Pot insert after cooking the potatoes.

    • Add the Gravy Packet and 4 cups of Turkey Broth to the Instant Pot.

    • Place the frozen cooked Turkey inside the Instant Pot.

    • Pressure cook (Manual) for 15 minutes.

  4. Thicken the Gravy:

    • When the pressure valve goes down, carefully open the lid.

    • Add garlic powder, pepper, salt, and the flour mixture (flour mixed with enough water to make a thin paste mix well).

    • Turn on the sauté function and stir until the gravy thickens.

  5. Assemble the Dish:

    • Serve the turkey gravy over the mashed potatoes.

    • Top with a pinch of Colby Jack cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

    • Serve with the prepared broccoli on the side.

​​

Enjoy your homemade Instant Pot Turkey and Mashed Potatoes with Broccoli, a delicious and hearty meal that's quick and easy to make, even using leftover turkey!

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Stove Top Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Let's dive into the sheer simplicity and scrumptiousness of our 'Quick and Easy Stovetop Turkey and Gravy' recipe, created especially for your leftover frozen turkey. Imagine this: tender, shredded frozen turkey harmonizing with a homemade, velvety gravy—all effortlessly crafted right on your stovetop. This delightful dish is served atop fluffy mashed potatoes, crowned with a generous layer of cheese. So, why not join in and relish the heartwarming flavors of home-cooked goodness with our shredded turkey and gravy recipe?

Thaw the Turkey:

Make sure to thaw the leftover turkey completely in the refrigerator if it's frozen. Thawing times may vary depending on the turkey's size, so plan ahead.

Prepare the Broccoli:

In a large saucepan, add the broccoli and enough water to cover. Bring it to a boil and cook until desired tenderness is reached, usually about 10-15 minutes. Drain the broccoli and return it to the pan. Add garlic powder, butter, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well and keep it warm.

Mashed Potatoes:

Peel, wash, and chop the potatoes into chunks. In a large pot, add the potatoes and cover with water. Boil until they're tender, usually about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them with butter, sour cream, salt, pepper, half & half, and garlic powder until creamy. Keep warm.

Turkey and Gravy:

In a separate large saucepan, combine the shredded turkey, gravy packet, and turkey broth. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it's heated through.

Thicken the Gravy:

In a small bowl, mix the flour with enough water to make a thin paste. Gradually add this paste to the turkey and gravy mixture while stirring continuously. Allow it to simmer until the gravy thickens, usually about 5-10 minutes.

Serve:

To serve, spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto each plate. Top the potatoes with the turkey and gravy mixture. Sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese on top for added flavor and creaminess. Serve alongside the seasoned broccoli.

Top Cooking Tips for Success

Prep Work: Before you start, make sure to have all your ingredients measured, chopped, and ready to go. This will help streamline the cooking process and prevent any last-minute scrambling.

Turkey Broth: If you don't have leftover turkey broth, you can use store-bought chicken or turkey broth. It will still add great flavor to your gravy.

Thickening Gravy: When adding the flour mixture to thicken the gravy, be sure to whisk it well into the broth to avoid lumps. If lumps do form, you can strain the gravy to remove them.

Turkey Selection: If you're using leftover turkey, make sure it's fully cooked and safe to eat. You can also use fresh turkey, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Customize Flavors: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. If you like your mashed potatoes creamier, add more sour cream or butter. If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, increase the garlic powder.

Cheese Variation: While the recipe suggests Colby Jack cheese, you can experiment with other cheese varieties like cheddar, Parmesan, or even a blend to customize the flavor.

Broccoli Doneness: Boil the broccoli to your preferred level of tenderness. Some people like it with a bit of crunch, while others prefer it very tender. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Garnish: Consider adding some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color and extra flavor to your finished dish.

Leftovers: This dish is great for leftovers. Store any extra turkey, mashed potatoes, and broccoli separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for quick and easy meals.

Safety Reminder: Whether you're an experienced cook or just starting out, always prioritize safety in the kitchen. Familiarize yourself with safety guidelines and follow proper cooking and handling practices to ensure a safe and enjoyable meal.

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How to Elevate Your Turkey and Mashed Potatoes: 10 Flavorful Variations

  1. Herb-Infused Gravy: Enhance the flavor of your gravy by adding fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage. Simmer the herbs in the gravy for a few minutes to infuse their aromatic essence.

  2. Sweet Potato Mash: Swap out the regular potatoes for sweet potatoes or a combination of both. Sweet potato mash adds a naturally sweet and earthy element to the meal.

  3. Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheese types like sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or Swiss to create unique flavor profiles for your mashed potatoes.

  4. Cauliflower Mash: For a lower-carb option, replace some or all of the potatoes with cauliflower. Steam or boil cauliflower until tender, then mash it with the other ingredients for a creamy cauliflower mash.

  5. Garlic Lovers' Delight: If you're a garlic enthusiast, increase the amount of garlic powder or roast some garlic cloves to mix into the mashed potatoes for an extra burst of garlic flavor.

  6. Spicy Broccoli: For a kick of heat, toss the boiled broccoli with red pepper flakes or drizzle it with a spicy sauce like sriracha or buffalo sauce.

  7. Real Bacon Bits: For a savory twist, top the mashed potatoes with crispy bacon bits before pouring the gravy.

  8. Chicken Substitution: If you prefer chicken, use cooked and shredded chicken in place of turkey. The recipe works equally well with this substitution.

  9. Creamy Cheddar Mashed Potatoes: Replace the standard mashed potatoes with creamy cheddar mashed potatoes. Incorporate sharp cheddar cheese into the mashed potatoes for a cheesy and comforting side.

  10. Sour Cream and Chive Potatoes:​ Create tangy mashed potatoes by mixing in dairy-free sour cream and freshly chopped chives. The combination of creamy and tangy flavors is a delightful addition.

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