Festive Leftovers: Creative Ideas for Using Up Meat

Christmas Day is over, the feast has been devoured, and your fridge is now bursting with leftovers – especially all that delicious meat. Rather than letting any of it go to waste, transform your festive leftovers into creative, hearty dishes that keep the holiday spirit alive for days to come. From classic pies to refreshing salads, here’s how to make the most of every last bite of your Christmas meats.

1. Christmas Leftovers Pie

A warming pie is the ultimate comfort food and a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey, ham, or beef.

Ingredients:

• Leftover cooked meat (turkey, gammon, or beef), roughly chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 200g leftover vegetables (e.g., carrots, sprouts, or parsnips)
• 1 tbsp plain flour
• 500ml chicken or beef stock
• 100ml double cream
• Ready-rolled shortcrust pastry
• 1 egg, beaten (for glazing)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
2. In a large pan, fry the onion and garlic until soft. Add the chopped meat and sprinkle over the flour, stirring to coat everything evenly.
3. Slowly add the stock, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a creamy sauce. Stir in the vegetables and cream. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Transfer the mixture to a pie dish and cover with the pastry. Trim the edges, crimp the sides, and brush with beaten egg.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

This easy-to-make pie is perfect for feeding a crowd and can even be frozen for later!

2. Boxing Day Bubble and Squeak

An old British classic, bubble and squeak is perfect for using up leftover meats and vegetables, giving you a quick and hearty meal.

Ingredients:

• Mashed potatoes (or roast potatoes, mashed down)
• Leftover vegetables (e.g., sprouts, carrots, or cabbage), finely chopped
• 200g leftover meat (turkey, gammon, or beef), shredded
• 2 tbsp butter or oil
• 2 eggs (optional for serving)

Instructions:

1. Heat the butter or oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
2. Mix the mashed potatoes with the chopped vegetables and meat. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Add the mixture to the frying pan, pressing it down to form a thick “cake.” Fry until the underside is golden and crispy (about 5-7 minutes), then flip and repeat.
4. Top with a fried egg for extra indulgence and serve warm.

This dish is quick to prepare and wonderfully versatile – you can use any leftovers you have to hand.

3. Festive Meat and Cranberry Sandwich

Who says leftovers can’t be exciting? Upgrade your sandwich game with a festive twist that’s perfect for lunch or a quick snack.

Ingredients:

• Slices of leftover turkey, gammon, or beef
• 2 slices of crusty bread or a soft brioche bun
• 1 tbsp cranberry sauce
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional)
• Fresh salad leaves
• Sliced brie or mature cheddar

Instructions:

1. Lightly toast the bread or warm the brioche bun.
2. Spread cranberry sauce on one side and mayonnaise on the other.
3. Layer the sliced meat, cheese, and fresh salad leaves. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Serve as is or lightly toast the sandwich in a pan for a melty, indulgent treat.

Perfect for an easy lunch, this sandwich lets you enjoy Christmas flavours in every bite.

4. Turkey and Ham Carbonara

Leftover turkey and ham can be transformed into a creamy, indulgent pasta dish that the whole family will love.

Ingredients:

• 300g spaghetti or tagliatelle
• 200g leftover turkey, shredded
• 100g leftover ham, chopped
• 2 eggs
• 100ml double cream
• 50g grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp butter or oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions. Reserve a little pasta water.
2. While the pasta cooks, fry the garlic in butter or oil until soft, then add the turkey and ham to heat through.
3. In a bowl, whisk the eggs, cream, and parmesan cheese together.
4. Drain the pasta and add it to the pan with the meat. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the egg and cream mixture, adding a little pasta water to loosen it.
5. Serve with extra parmesan and freshly ground black pepper.

This quick and creamy dish is ideal for busy days between Christmas and New Year.

5. Leftover Lamb Curry

If you’ve enjoyed a festive lamb roast, turn the leftovers into a warming curry to bring bold and aromatic flavours to your dinner table.

Ingredients:

• 300g leftover roast lamb, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tin chopped tomatoes (400g)
• 200ml coconut milk or stock
• 1 tbsp oil
• Fresh coriander, for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Fry the onion, garlic, and ginger until soft.
2. Add the curry powder and cook for 1-2 minutes to release the flavours.
3. Stir in the diced lamb, chopped tomatoes, and coconut milk. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Season to taste and serve with fluffy rice, naan bread, and a sprinkle of fresh coriander.

This is a fantastic way to add spice to your festive leftovers and create something completely new.

6. Leftover Turkey Curry

Spice up your leftover turkey with this fragrant and flavourful curry, perfect for warming up on a chilly winter evening.

Ingredients:

• 300g leftover cooked turkey, shredded or diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp curry powder (mild or medium, to taste)
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tin chopped tomatoes (400g)
• 1 tin coconut milk (400ml)
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp sugar (optional)
• Fresh coriander for garnish
• Rice or naan bread, to serve

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and fry until soft and golden.
2. Stir in the garlic, ginger, curry powder, and turmeric. Cook for 1-2 minutes to release the flavours.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes and sugar, then simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Pour in the coconut milk, stir well, and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Add the leftover turkey and cook for 10-15 minutes until heated through and tender.
6. Season to taste, garnish with fresh coriander, and serve with fluffy rice or naan bread.

Final Thoughts

With a little creativity, festive leftovers can become meals just as delicious as the Christmas Day feast itself. Whether you’re whipping up a hearty pie, a simple sandwich, or a warming curry, there are endless ways to use up your leftover meats.

At Butchery Bocs, we’re passionate about high-quality meats that bring families together during the holidays – and beyond. So don’t let anything go to waste this festive season! Try these recipes and enjoy every last bite.

Happy cooking! 🎄