Scrambled Eggs, Cheese, and Avocado Tortilla Bowl Recipe
September 16, 2025
Leftover Turkey Tamales Recipe
Leftover Turkey Tamales recipe takes time but proves well worth the effort as great ways to transform holiday leftovers into exciting new meals. This practical recipe extends holiday celebrations while eliminating food waste through creative tamale preparation techniques. The effort investment ensures exceptional results and memorable dining.
This leftover turkey tamale recipe takes some time, but it is well worth the effort. The tamales are a great way to use up leftover holiday turkey. They are also healthier than many standard tamale recipes, which are made with lard. These freeze well and can later be either microwaved or re-steamed. Garnish with lime wedges.
Prep Time:
45 mins
Cook Time:
1 hr 5 mins
Additional Time:
1 hr
Total Time:
2 hrs 50 mins
Servings:
10
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)
Ingredients
1 (5 ounce) package cornhusks
Dough:
3 cups masa harina
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup corn oil
1 quart turkey broth, divided
Filling:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 ½ cups finely chopped cooked turkey
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
Directions
Soak corn husks in a bowl of warm water until softened, about 1 hour; drain.
Whisk masa, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 tablespoon chili powder, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, and 1 teaspoon salt together in a bowl; stir in corn oil. Stir in 3 ½ cups broth, 1 cup at a time, until dough is smooth and the consistency of thick peanut butter. Set aside remaining ½ cup turkey broth for the filling.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and minced garlic; cook until softened and translucent, 5 to 10 minutes. Off heat, add turkey, 1 teaspoon paprika, oregano, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir in reserved ½ cup turkey broth until moistened.
Spoon 1 heaping tablespoon dough in center of each corn husk; top with 1 heaping tablespoon turkey filling. Roll husk around dough and filling, tucking bottom of husk into tamale. Tie a corn husk strip or string around each tamale to secure.
Place a steamer insert into a saucepan; fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Stand tamales upright in steamer, cover, and steam until cooked through, about 1 hour. Add more water as needed.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| 442 | Calories |
| 28g | Fat |
| 31g | Carbs |
| 19g | Protein |
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| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings Per Recipe 10 | |
| Calories 442 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 28g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat 4g | 21% |
| Cholesterol 37mg | 12% |
| Sodium 656mg | 29% |
| Total Carbohydrate 31g | 11% |
| Dietary Fiber 6g | 23% |
| Total Sugars 1g | |
| Protein 19g | 39% |
| Vitamin C 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium 84mg | 6% |
| Iron 4mg | 24% |
| Potassium 418mg | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
