Wild Turkey Burritos
A hearty Mexican-inspired dish that turns leftover wild turkey into cheesy, cilantro-flecked burritos with sautéed peppers and onions. It’s a simple, kid-friendly recipe perfect for using up game meat.
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
- Salt and pepper, to taste
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 and 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 from heat.
- Spoon 1 cup of the warm turkey mixture along the center of the tortilla; fold sides in 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
Since the turkey is already cooked, this comes together quickly—just make sure the vegetables are golden and tender before adding the meat so the flavors have time to develop. Warming the tortillas directly over a flame gives them nice char spots and makes them more pliable for rolling.
Ingredient Swaps
Any cooked poultry, such as regular turkey or chicken, can stand in for the wild turkey, and pepper jack or cheddar can replace the Mexican cheese blend. Feel free to add black beans, corn, or diced tomatoes for extra bulk, as the original recipe encourages creativity.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the burritos warm with extra salsa, sour cream, or guacamole on the side. They also pair well with a simple rice or bean side dish for a fuller meal.
Storage & Reheating
Wrap leftover burritos individually in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, or microwave until warmed through.
Common Questions
Can I use fresh turkey instead of leftover cooked turkey?
Yes, just cook and dice about 4 cups of turkey meat first, then proceed with the recipe as written.
Can these burritos be frozen?
Yes, wrap them tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven.
What can I do if I don’t have a gas stove to warm the tortillas?
Simply warm each tortilla in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for about 30 seconds per side until soft and lightly browned.