Weeknight meal planning can feel like a lot of work. And then you’ve got to cook the stuff, too? Who invented this crackpot system, anyway? Fear not, fowl-loving friend. We’re here to help you hack it.
If you’re reading this, then you’re no stranger to the succulence that is the roast turkey. And there’s a bonus: one roast bird can last you all week long—and make meal planning (and even prep!) a breeze. Here’s how we make the most of one mouthwatering turkey:
Saturday
It’s shopping time. Make a list and get the ingredients to make all the dinners through the week. We like chop veggies for the week and prepare the turkey for roasting.
Sunday
Roast your turkey along with potatoes and your favorite vegetables. When it’s done, you can eat your favorite half of the bird (and don’t worry—the second half won’t go to waste). We like to carve the 2nd half of our bird and shred the meat we don’t use, but if you’re short on time, just leave the turkey as-is and pop it in the fridge.
Cook 2 cups dry rice and use it throughout the week depending upon what ends up being on the menu.
Monday
If you have left your turkey whole, carve off the meat and reheat it on the stovetop, making the skin good and crispy. (Yeah, you want that.) Then whip up some easy steamed broccoli (with parmesan and lemon) and a side of rice.
Or, if you spent the few extra minutes it takes to shred or chop your leftover turkey, you'll have a whole lot of options for dinner tonight. Below are a few of our favorites (you’ll see ground turkey used in these recipes, but you can easily swap it out for the shredded meat!) And if you don't use all your shredded turkey, don't worry—just skip ahead to Thursday's Breakfast,
Pop that turkey carcass in the fridge. You're gonna need it.
Tuesday
Put the turkey carcass in a slow cooker and start a simple slow-cooker turkey stock. Let it simmer for up to 12 hours, and then strain to remove any solids.
Roast or steam your favorite veggies, boil some pasta and use half your stock to throw together a hearty minestrone soup. If it sounds easy, it’ll feel easier.
Wednesday
Make a tasty sweet corn risotto or vegetable risotto using the rest of the slow-cooker turkey stock - YUM!
Thursday
Use up any leftover vegetables, grains, and meat in scrambled egg tacos.
--
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! SHARE YOUR TURKEY TIPS & TRICKS FOR MAKING MORE OF YOUR WHOLE BIRD.
Throw it on Instagram and tag @diestelfamilyranch. We’d love to see what you’ve got.
