How do I make a Smoked turkey breast last all week and not get boring? This is how.
How to use smoked turkey breast leftovers
Let’s face it, I’m lazy. I smoke one turkey breast a week so that I don’t have to cook the rest of the week. That’s 100% pure laziness right there. Call me the queen of leftovers, and the captain of cereal. But really, if homemade smoked turkey is being tossed in everything from pasta to these spicy burritos, who’s really going to complain? It ain’t Hamburger Helper at least. (which by the way costs more than a take out pizza after you buy the kit and the burger and still tastes like it did in the 90s. And let’s be real, there can’t be an ounce of nutritional value in there…
Want to guess who rolled the bones and gave it a shot recently?)
So leftover chopped turkey and some zesty fajita spices got this weeknight back on track.
And then it was gone in a matter of minutes.
Not sure how to smoke a Turkey Breast? I’ve got you covered!
Where do I find turkey breast to smoke?
Not sure why turkey breasts aren’t more easy to find, like chicken. Chicken gets an entire aisle of case space. Turkey, you have to buy a whole turkey usually. But if you can’t find plain turkey breasts, then make a point of asking at the meat counter.
They will either know where to direct you, or they will start trying to explain why they don’t have any turkey breasts handy. Either way you will get an answer and hopefully a set of turkey breasts to smoke.
Should I brine my turkey breast?
Brining is a great idea if you have time, space, and inclination. By brining you help make the meat more moist and tender. That makes a huge difference when you smoke the meat especially.
For brining, the basic rule of thumb is four tablespoons of salt to four cups of water.
Can I smoke a chicken breast like a turkey breast?
If you want to substitute smoking a chicken breast for turkey, then go for it. You won’t smoke it as long. Try to brine it for sure, since chicken is easier to dry out than turkey. You can smoke duck too by the way.
More delicious dishes to try
Tacos and burritos are my happy place! From the super simple, to the loaded twisted tacos you’ll find on this site. I want all of them. Try these out next Tuesday! Do it!
If you’ve tried my Weeknight Smoked Turkey Burritos, or any other recipe on GirlCarnivore.com please don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know where you found it in the comments below. I get inspired by your feedback and comments! You can also FOLLOW MEon Instagram @girlcarnivore as well as on Twitter and Facebook.
Down and Dirty Weeknight Turkey Burritos
Ingredients
- 1 tbs olive oil
- 1 red pepper sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms sliced
- 1/2 onion sliced
- 1 lbs cooked turkey or chicken chopped
- 1 tbs Fajita seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- burrito shells
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice
- romaine
- sour cream
- tomatoes
- black beans
- chipotle sauce
- cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and swirl to coat pan. Cook the onion and pepper about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook 2 to 3 minutes longer. Add the cooked turkey, fajita spices, and water. Stir to coat the. Reduce heat and let the liquid thicken and turkey become heated through.
- Meanwhile, arrange burrito shells with desired toppings, rice, lettuce, tomatoes, beans, and such.
- Scoop the turkey and veggie filling into burritos and fold bottoms up and sides into to create delicious pockets of flavor.
Nutrition
Emily @ Life on Food says
Haha, I could never even attempt Hamburger Helper. And I wouldn’t call one night of cooking and leftovers all week lazy. I would call it genius. I strive to do this every week. I normally only make it till Wednesday, then cereal and eggs hit the table.
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says
Making things this delicious from leftover meat is awesome. Is it lunch time yet?
Denise says
Man (or Lady) I should take your lead and smoke a breast a week – would be great to lunches, as I get so tired of hummus and pita! Have had a hunkering for a burrito lately, you have just confirmed that I should make that happen really soon …. Happy weekend to ya!
Melanie @ Just Some Salt and [email protected] says
Sounds yummy, wish I had a smoker!