Wild Turkey Burritos
A quick, savory way to turn leftover cooked wild turkey into cheesy, veggie-packed burritos the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 red onions, sliced
- 2 bell peppers (preferably 1 red and 1 yellow), seeded and sliced
- 4 cups diced leftover cooked wild turkey meat
- 3/4 cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 (8-ounce) package grated Mexican 4-cheese blend (about 2 cups)
- 3/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 6 burrito-size flour tortillas
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add onions and bell peppers; sauté until tender and golden, about 15 minutes.
- Add turkey, salsa, and cumin; stir until heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in cheese and cilantro; season generously with salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat; cover to keep warm.
- Working with one tortilla at a time, heat directly over a medium-high gas flame (or in a dry skillet over medium-high heat) until warm, softened, and browned in spots, about 30 seconds per side.
- Remove tortilla from heat; spoon 1 cup warm turkey mixture along the center, fold in the sides over the filling, then roll up to enclose.
- Place burrito seam side down on a baking sheet and place in the oven to keep warm.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
Cook’s Notes
Using leftover cooked wild turkey makes this a fast weeknight meal since the meat just needs to be heated through, not cooked from raw. Warming the tortillas directly over a flame adds nice char and flexibility, but a dry skillet works just as well if you don’t have a gas stove.
Ingredient Swaps
Any leftover cooked poultry, like domestic turkey or chicken, can stand in for wild turkey, and a different color bell pepper or onion works fine. You can also swap the cheese blend for cheddar or Monterey Jack, or use corn tortillas for a smaller, gluten-free option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the burritos warm with extra salsa, sour cream, or guacamole on the side, along with a simple rice or bean side dish.
Storage & Reheating
Wrap leftover burritos individually in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days; reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. They can also be frozen for up to a month and reheated from frozen, adding extra time in the oven.
Common Questions
Can I use raw turkey instead of leftover cooked turkey?
Yes, just cook diced raw turkey through in the skillet before adding the salsa and cumin, then proceed with the recipe as written.
What can I do if I don’t have a gas stove to warm the tortillas?
Simply heat each tortilla in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for about 30 seconds per side until warm and pliable.
Can these burritos be made ahead?
Yes, assemble and wrap them, then refrigerate or freeze; reheat in the oven until hot before serving.