Once Taco Tuesday is over, what do you do? Traditional tacos are great, but sometimes you need to repurpose them, which is where these fabulous leftover taco meat recipes come in.
Taco Night is always a good idea… until you get tired of them. In fact, these delicious Mexican recipes (or at least Mexican-inspired) may encourage you to make a double batch of taco meat next time just to ensure you can enjoy some of them.
Most of these easy dinner idea recipes work well with both leftover seasoned ground beef and ground turkey from your tacos, so whatever meat you choose to utilize with taco seasonings, you are all set.
Even better, because the protein (leftover meat) is already cooked, these recipes make fabulous weeknight dinners because you already reduced the cooking time with the meal prep!
And if you’re looking for a ground beef taco, I cannot recommend my honey habanero tacos enough. They have so much flavor, and I have kids who come over to my house just so they can enjoy this family favorite.
What is the best way to store leftover taco meat?
The best way to store your taco meat leftovers is to let them cool completely to room temperature and then place them in a tightly sealed container in the fridge.
When you let the meat cool, it ensures you don’t end up with icky condensation that changes the texture and taste of that leftover taco meat. Be sure to refrigerate it within two hours of cooking it, however, for food safety.
Once in the fridge, you can leave it there for three to four days before you need to toss it. Always be sure to follow food safety guidelines!
Can I freeze leftover taco meat?
Absolutely you can! Extra taco meat will last in the freezer for at least a month and up to two months if you remove as much air from your container as possible to prevent freezer burn.
As with when you refrigerate your taco meat leftovers, be sure to let it come to room temperature first, then place it in a tightly sealed container with as little extra air as possible.
When you are ready to use your leftovers, place the container of frozen taco meat in your fridge the night before to thaw.
What to Do with Leftover Taco Meat
1
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Take your taco meat, and reheat it for this cheesy beef and rice casserole that comes together in minutes when you make your rice in advance and use leftover taco meat. It's tasty, and no one will remember that this is leftovers.
I looooove tamales, but it's an all afternoon project to make them. Skillet tamales are much faster and provide the same taste. Even faster? Leftover taco meat instead of browning it to start.
Taco pizza (like the taco pockets above) is like two favorite comfort foods in one. It's a great way to use leftover taco meat. Just add your favorite taco toppings for a loaded, tasty pizza.
This Latinized version of a calzone is so tasty and fun. Use homemade dough, or pick up some pizza dough from the grocery store to use, as that is so readily available now.
These avocado taco boats are an easy way to use repurpose your leftovers. Slice avocados in half, stuff with taco meat, and add your toppings of choice. Bonus? It's keto friendly.
Swap out the chorizo in this recipe, and I can think of no better way to enjoy leftover picadillo (taco meat) than to put it, along with some cheese, into an empanada. These are addictive right out of the pan, but are almost as good cold the next day for lunch.Yes, you CAN make empanadas at home.
Customize this cheesy taco pasta with your favorite toppings to make it a hit with everyone in your family. This easy one pot meal comes together in less than 30 minutes when you use already seasoned leftover taco meat, and it is loaded with taco flavors and is seriously comforting (and nourishing).
These Stuffed Taco Crescent Rolls are a great dinner for the family. It's an excellent way to use up leftover taco meat, and these stuffed rolls are a great last-minute meal.
Like many recipes shared in this list, this recipe assumes that you have to season the ground beef. But if you’ve got it leftover, you’re well on your way to this fabulous taco pie.
In this easy nachos recipe, nestle your seasoned taco meat between two layers of cheese and load it up with toppings like corn, beans, olives, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, sour cream and avocados. It's the perfect game-day appetizer or easy weeknight meal that even picky eaters will devour.
Heat up your leftovers, then combine them with simple pantry ingredients including ground meat, canned tomatoes, beans, and a combination of seasonings and spices. This taco soup is super easy to make on the stovetop or in the slow cooker.Enjoy this delicious protein-packed taco soup with all of your favorite toppings like cheese, avocado, and sour cream.
Totally reinvent your taco meat with this zucchini noodles dish. Mix your leftovers with with light zucchini noodles in a skillet to create a low-carb, filling meal.
Deconstruct your taco with the layered salad that has all your favorite components in a family favorite. This is great not just for quick meals at home but also to take to potlucks and other gatherings.
I love a baked potato as a vehicle for pretty much anything. Forget a simple baked potato with butter and sour cream.Nope, load them up with taco meat, cheese and sour cream. Make sure to serve them with lettuce and tomato and all of the taco toppings you can dream up, too.
Everyone loves tacos; everyone loves spaghetti. Why not combine the two into this one pot dump and go meal? And yes, you do actually cook your pasta in the same pot with your ground beef. SO easy!
