Recipes for Thanksgiving Leftovers

Stephen Chiang / Getty ImagesWhether it was weeks of preparation leading up to Thanksgiving or just days, and whether you had an intimate dinner for 4 or a holiday blow-out for 20, everyone seems to wind up with a refrigerator full of leftovers. And while we all love turkey sandwiches, it would be nice to have a few other options.

We've got 8 recipes that make full meals out of the leftovers. Each one introduces completely new flavors -- they're not just a rehashing (and reheating) of the original dish. In other words, these aren't your usual Thanksgiving leftover recipes. We used our Traditional Thanksgiving and Vegetarian Thanksgiving as the spring board (each of these recipes uses up leftovers from those menus), but these are doable no matter what you served.

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Turkey-Cheddar Tetrazzini
This rich, creamy casserole combines two classics in one: turkey tetrazzini and mac and cheese. What's not to like?

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Turkey Salad
Slices of leftover turkey make a perfectly fine sandwich, but this zesty salad is a definite step up. Serve it on rye with a pickle or alongside tossed greens and a glass of crisp white wine.

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Quick Shepherd's Pie
Facing a mound of uneaten mashed potatoes? Celebrate -- it saves you a step when making this hearty beef shepherd's pie.

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Turkey Banh Mi
Vietnamese sandwiches -- with their great combination of pickley, spicy, and rich flavors -- have taken America by storm. This version substitutes easy-to-find liverwurst and salami for the traditional pâtés.

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Cauliflower Purée and Spinach Lasagna
Leftover cauliflower purée stands in for bechamel sauce in this vegetarian lasagna...it might just taste better than the original!

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Chipotle Turkey Chili
Everyone loves chili, and this version is exceptionally good thanks to the power of canned chipotle peppers in adobo. They lend a deep, smoky flavor and just the right touch of heat.

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Ravioli with Green Beans and Brown Butter Sauce
The nutty richness of brown butter transforms leftover green beans. Pair them with store-bought cheese ravioli, and you have a quick and delicious weeknight meal.