20 Easy To Make Leftover Taco Meat Recipes
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If you have some leftover taco meat but aren’t in the mood for taking the time to prepare a few more the next day, the good news is that there are a huge number of other recipes that can make use of some second-hand meat that will taste just as good, if not better, than the tortilla snack we are all so familiar with.
Whether you have some meat left over that you want to make use of, or you know you’re going to have some extra in the near future that you would hate to see go to waste, here are 20 delicious recipes that you can use your leftover taco meat to prepare.
How Long Does Leftover Taco Meat Last?
As long as you keep cooked taco meat in the fridge, it can be stored and safely eaten for up to three to four days, however it’s never advised to go over this limit since bacteria may have spread through it by this point, making it inedible and potentially dangerous to eat.
Therefore, once you’ve finished a taco feast, always place any of the leftover meat in the fridge rather than leaving it on the counter so that you can use it for some of these delicious recipes rather than throwing it away.
1. Beef Enchilada Casserole
Alongside the leftover ground beef from the tacos, this casserole is also packed with beans, tortillas and some cheese to make for the perfect blend of flavors that is elegantly topped off with some enchilada sauce.
2. Spicy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers
With the spicy peppers being stuffed with chicken, crunchy veggies and a few spices to ramp the heat up just a little bit more, these are perfect as an afternoon treat.
3. Nachos
This recipe can also work with tater tots, simply mix in any leftover meat you may have and you can create a downright delightful appetizer that goes down perfectly for parties and family gatherings.
4. French Bread Taco Pizza
5. Homemade Crunchwrap Supreme
Additionally, this DIY crunchwrap supreme can also be made in just a few minutes, making it perfect as a quick lunch or an evening appetizer than can be made on the go.
6. Burritos
Since they often already share the same meat as their filling, you can easily use some leftover taco meat to pack a burrito full of that deep and rich meaty flavor that is complimented so well by some beans, rice, tomatoes and lettuce, and the best part is that since there are so many ingredients packed into this burrito, you won’t need too much leftover meat to make them.
7. Hash Brown Taco Casserole
8. Cheeseburger Mac And Cheese
With a few cloves of garlic thrown into the mix along with some tomato sauce and a few onions, this is a unique recipe that you really won’t want to miss out on if you or someone you know loves the meaty taste of a hamburger.
9. Taco Style Spaghetti
10. Homemade Sloppy Joe’s
It’s advised to always serve a sloppy joe sandwich in a buttered and toasted bun to add that extra bit of crunchiness to an otherwise fairly soft dish.
11. Southwest Frittata
Alongside the vegetables, this hearty recipe also makes use of rice, cheese and of course, some leftover meat to create a dish that really can be enjoyed at any time of the day whether that be as a tasty brunch to keep you going for the day ahead, or even as a fulfilling breakfast option.
12. Chili
Once the extra ingredients are ready to go, that really all there is to making this luscious appetizer or evening meal that contains the perfect blend of being both meaty, but also slightly fruity thanks to the tomatoes.
13. Taco Tomatoes
The ripe beefsteak tomatoes in this dish are packed with a few ingredients including mushrooms, lettuce and leftover ground beef to give it a very poignant and rich flavor that blends so elegantly with the juiciness of the tomatoes.
Don’t forget to add a wallop or two of sour cream to add a bit of soft creaminess to the overall taste and texture.
14. Loaded Taco Bake
If this is the case, then a delicious loaded taco bake might be just what you’re looking for, being packed full of contrasting ingredients that come together to make a dish that can be shared around the dinner table easily since so much can be made at once.
With some extra vegetables and fruit also being part of the mixture including some crunchy broccoli and juicy tomatoes, you can also be sure this recipe is a little healthier when compared to the standard tacos we are all so familiar with.
15. Baked Empanadas
16. Taco Crescent Rolls
All you need to do to make these light snacks is wrap your leftover taco meat and some cheese in the puff pastry, and then proceed to fry them up, and these satisfying snacks will be ready to serve.
17. Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
The real star of the show however is the crunchiness of the sweet potato which helps to add another layer of crunchiness to make for a pleasant sensation each time you go to take a bite, and trust us, it’s hard not to go for seconds once you do.
18. 20 Minute Taco Pie
When it’s prepared and ready to eat, serve it alongside some rice or a side salad and you will have yourself a fulfilling meal that is perfect to whip up when you need something to eat on the go for when you’re in a hurry.
19. Keto Taco Cups
While they do resemble tacos a little in their taste, since they are a lot smaller and far easier to make, these are a great substitute when you want to prepare something a little different, not to mention, they are a must-have at parties and gatherings as a miniature but delicious treat for everyone to try out.
20. Quesadilla
Make sure to prepare a big batch if you have enough meat left-over since you can be sure people will be asking for seconds as soon as that first bite is taken.
Summary
No matter how much leftover taco meat you have left, you will still be able to make a delicious recipe the day after that will taste just as good, if not better than the real thing.
Wife, Mom of 4 and so much more living in the Sonoran desert. I am passionate about making meals and snacks healthier without sacrificing flavor! I promise you that if you buy healthy foods and make healthy foods, YOUR KIDS WILL EAT HEALTHY FOODS! My motto: Live as naturally as you want to feel.