Thanksgiving dinner is the gift that keeps on giving, but by day two, you might be craving something other than another plate of reheated turkey and mashed potatoes. Instead of reheating the same meal, why not give your leftovers a bold, flavorful makeover? Transform them into Mexican street tacos! They won’t quite rival the street tacos in NH that you’ll find at La Vaka, but they’re still a quick, creative, and delicious way to reinvent your holiday feast.
Reimagine Mexican street tacos in NH with Thanksgiving leftovers! Here’s how to turn day-old turkey and stuffing into a Mexican-inspired feast.
Prep the Meat and Veggies
Start by gathering your leftover proteins and veggies. Whether your main course was turkey, ham, roast beef, or something else, you can put it in a taco. Shred or chop your meat and veggies into small, bite-sized pieces. Heat a skillet with a drizzle of oil, and toss in your leftovers with some classic taco seasonings: chili powder, cumin, garlic, paprika, and a squeeze of lime. A quick sear will wake up those flavors and give your protein a crispy, caramelized edge.
Pick Your Tortilla and Spice Up Your Fillings
Next comes the base: corn or flour tortillas. Warm them on a skillet or open flame for that signature street-taco char. Then, it’s time to get creative with toppings. Repurpose your Thanksgiving sides in unexpected ways. Mashed potatoes can turn into a creamy taco spread, stuffing can add texture (think of it as a Mexican-style “rice” layer), and cranberry sauce transforms into a sweet-tart salsa. You can even whisk together leftover gravy with chipotle peppers or hot sauce for a smoky taco drizzle.
To add freshness, pile on chopped onions, cilantro, avocado, or shredded lettuce. A sprinkle of cheese—cotija, queso fresco, or whatever’s in your fridge—ties it all together. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime for that final zesty punch.
Thanksgiving Weekend Taco Bar
If you’re feeding a crowd, set up a “leftover taco bar” where everyone can mix and match fillings and toppings. It’s a fun, low-stress way to keep the holiday spirit going without spending hours in the kitchen.
With a bit of creativity, your Thanksgiving leftovers can become something entirely new—vibrant, flavorful, and far from boring. So skip the cold-turkey sandwich this year and celebrate the season with a plateful of festive, homemade street tacos. Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you.