Taco Tuesday is always a favorite day of the week because we all know that everyone loves tacos and all the toppings. But what happens when you have leftover taco meat?
I have over a dozen delicious and creative ways for you to use that flavorful taco meat in other recipes.
Have you ever wondered what to do with taco meat besides tacos?
From taco pizza to taco soup, taco salad and more, get ready for 13 delicious ideas for using that leftover meat.
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What to do with Leftover Taco Meat
The possibilities are endless and these taco meat recipe ideas are some of the easiest and most delicious ways to use that leftover taco filling.
So let’s make the most of your leftovers, shall we?
What is taco meat?
Taco meat is typically ground beef that is cooked with taco seasoning. Tomatoes, salsa, sauce and other ingredients can also be stirred in.
Other meats that can be used to make taco filling are ground chicken, ground turkey, steak and pork.
Tacos filled with seafood, such as shrimp or cod, will make delicious fish tacos.
Taco fillings can be vegetarian and can also be made with a vegan ground beef substitute.
And if you are looking for a basic ground beef taco filling recipe, just scroll down to the recipe card (or click Taco Ground Beef Recipe in the Table of Contents above). You can easily double or triple this recipe or make even more!
How to store leftover taco meat
Leftover taco filling should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Leftover taco meat will stay fresh for 3-4 days when refrigerated.
As always, I find it helpful to visit the FDA website for food storage guidelines
How long is taco meat good for?
Leftover taco meat is good for 3-4 days when refrigerated.
Can I freeze leftover taco meat?
Yes, you can certainly freeze leftover taco meat.
Cool your taco meat and transfer to a ziplock freezer bag or freezer glass container.
Taco meat can be frozen for 3-4 months.
Be sure to label the freezer bag or container with the date you are freezing the filling so you will be able to keep track of how long it has been frozen.
Can you reheat leftover taco meat?
It is very easy to reheat leftover taco meat on your stovetop.
Reheat over medium heat, adding a few tablespoons of water to prevent sticking, and stirring with a wooden spoon to break up any large chunks of filling.
The best taco meat recipes
Give these recipes with taco meat a try and if you have any leftover filling, scroll down and you'll know what to do!
- Walking Taco Bar
- Mexican Shredded Beef
- Taco Cups
- Spiced Skirt Steak Tacos
- Cauliflower Tacos
- Taco Charcuterie Board
13 Ideas for leftover taco meat
No need to wonder what to make with leftover taco meat anymore.
You are going to love these easy leftover taco meat recipes and ideas.
Each leftover taco meat recipe idea is a great way to make another delicious meal, especially on those busy weeknights.
1. Taco Salad
You can turn your leftover taco meat into a delicious main dish salad.
To make a taco salad, fill a serving bowl with chopped lettuce and top with the leftover taco meat, chopped tomatoes, shredded cheese, chopped avocado and corn kernels.
Drizzle with your favorite salad dressing, such as a cilantro lime vinaigrette or creamy salsa dressing, then add a handful of crushed tortilla chips for added texture and crunch.
This taco salad is a refreshing way to use up that leftover taco meat.
2. Loaded Taco Nachos
Nachos will be elevated to a new level when you top them with leftover taco meat.
Simply layer tortilla chips with the meat filling, black beans, sliced scallions, minced fresh jalapenos, or pickled jalapenos, then top with shredded cheese and warm up in the oven until the nachos are heated through and the cheese is melted.
Serve the nachos with sour cream, salsa and guacamole too!
3. Taco Stuffed Crescent Rolls
This is an easy and delicious way to use taco meat.
Unroll refrigerated crescent roll dough, top with leftover taco filling, sprinkle with shredded cheese and roll up.
Bake as directed on the package or until golden and heated through.
I love serving these tender bites of deliciousness as an appetizer or as dinner with a chopped side salad and Mexican corn.
4. Taco Stuffed Peppers
To make taco stuffed peppers, cut bell peppers in half and remove the seeds. Then fill each pepper half with a combination of taco meat, black beans, cooked rice and corn.
Top the filling with shredded cheese and bake or air fry the peppers until the filling is heated through and the peppers are tender.
Add a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with fresh cilantro
5. Taco Pizza
Everyone will love Mexican pizza night and there are two ways that you can make a taco pizza.
You can simply arrange the taco meat over a frozen pizza, sprinkle with shredded cheese and then bake the pizza according to the package directions or until heated through.
Or you can spread salsa or refried beans over pizza dough, top with leftover taco meat, shredded cheese, sliced jalapenos and diced bell peppers. Bake the pizza until the pizza dough is cooked through and crispy and the pizza is hot.
Remove from the oven and finish with a drizzle of taco sauce and a sprinkle of sliced scallions and fresh cilantro.
6. Taco Quesadillas
Everyone loves a cheesy quesadilla especially when there’s leftover taco meat on it too!
To make Taco Quesadillas, place a tortilla in a skillet, top with shredded cheese, taco meat and more cheese.
Top with another tortilla and cook until it is crispy and golden brown, turning once.
Slice into quarters, sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream and salsa for dipping!
7. Taco Soup
A bowl of Taco Soup made with leftover taco meat will warm you up on the coldest of days.
In a medium pot, combine beef broth or chicken broth with black beans, canned corn, taco meat and canned diced Rotel tomatoes.
Bring to a boil over high heat then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 20 minutes until the flavors have combined.
Serve bowls of this taco soup recipe with shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, fresh cilantro leaves and sliced avocado.
This hearty soup is perfect for chilly nights.
8. Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a low-carb twist on the traditional taco and a fun way to use up that leftover taco filling.
Slice zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Then fill each zucchini half with the leftover taco meat, chopped black olives, diced tomatoes and shredded cheese.
Bake until the zucchini is tender and the filling is heated through.
Garnish the stuffed zucchini with chopped green onions.
9. Taco Mac and Cheese
Tacos and mac and cheese, two classic comfort foods, combine into one indulgent dish!
Making a cheesy taco pasta couldn’t be easier.
Simply prepare your favorite mac and cheese recipe, stir in leftover taco meat, diced tomatoes, and canned green chilies.
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a cast iron skillet or a baking dish.
Then top with breadcrumbs and lots and lots of shredded cheese!
Bake until golden brown, bubbly and heated through. Garnish with sliced green onions.
This cheesy and flavorful dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite!
10. Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Taco stuffed sweet potatoes will be a hearty and nutritious meal.
Bake sweet potatoes until tender, then slice them down the center and fluff the insides with a fork.
Top each sweet potato with leftover taco meat and black beans and return them to the oven until heated through.
Top with diced avocado, and a drizzle of chipotle mayo.
Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of fresh citrus flavor.
You can also make taco stuffed potatoes with baking potatoes too!
11. Taco Egg Muffins
Taco Egg Muffins are a delicious and protein-packed way to start your day.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, taco seasoning and shredded cheese.
Stir in leftover taco meat, diced red bell peppers and baby spinach.
Grease your muffin tin and divide the egg mixture evenly between the muffin cups, then bake until the eggs are set.
Feel free to top these egg muffins with your favorite toppings too!
12. Taco Casserole
Combine leftover taco meat and salsa in a casserole dish. Top with corn muffin mix (prepared according to package directions) and bake until heated through.
Serve with your favorite taco toppings.
You can also top the taco meat mixture with tater tots and shredded cheese instead of corn muffin mix.
13. Walking Tacos
You can reheat leftover taco meat and use it to make Walking Tacos.
Crush small bags of chips, such as doritos or fritos, top with reheated leftover taco meat and your favorite traditional taco toppings.
So much fun!
Taco Ground Beef Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 Tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes & green chilies
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.
Instructions
- Heat a 10-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and cook ground beef and taco seasoning until beef is browned, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in diced tomatoes & chilies and tomato paste and simmer until beef is cooked through and mixture is thick and saucy, about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition
In Conclusion
As you can see, leftover taco meat is such a versatile ingredient and can be transformed into a variety of delicious dishes.
Taco meat doesn't have to be limited to just taco night!
If you're craving a salad, pizza, soup, or stuffed vegetables, there are endless ways to reuse your leftover taco filling and create new, exciting and easy weeknight meals.
Make one leftover taco meat recipe or several of the suggestions above or let your own creativity take over. I’m sure you have already come up with other ways that you can turn your leftover taco meat into culinary masterpieces.
So go ahead and and give one of these 13 tasty ideas a try and you'll certainly impress your family and friends the next time you find yourself with leftover taco meat
There are so many ways and all so creative. All these different ideas are great!
This taco recipe is fantastic. Thanks for all the delicious ideas too!
These ways are awesome, they are so innovative and you can tell that you put thought into these ideas!
What a great list of ideas to use that leftover meat. I usually make more tacos, but next time I will try your walking tacos. My family is going to love it.