16 Great Recipes For Your Leftover Taco Meat

Taco nights can result in a lot of leftover taco meat, so much so that you may be wondering of ways to use them up.

Since the idea of more tacos may not appeal to you, we have compiled a list of all the best recipes to use your leftover taco meat.

From sloppy joe’s to burritos to a quesadilla, we have produced 16 recipes that are sure to transform your leftover taco meat into a whole new meal.

In fact, you may even want to cook up a batch of taco meat to simply try out some of these recipes!

So why not do it?

This will make your life so much easier. Simply cook a big batch of ground beef or turkey at the beginning of the week, and you can put together the recipes listed all throughout the week.

The general rule of thumb is simple: replace any recipe that calls for ground beef with taco meat.

This is a quick and easy alternative to cooking a whole new meal each day. Likewise, taco meat is seasoned wonderfully, so sometimes boring meals will turn out amazing.

Move over Taco Tuesdays! With these recipes, you may end up eating tacos (meat) every day of the week.

1. One Pot Taco Pasta

There is nothing better than a one-pot meal. That combined with leftovers is a busy parents’ dream.

Luckily for you, this recipe incorporates these two things!

In just about 30 minutes, you’ll be rewarded with pasta shells smothered in a creamy sauce with taco meat and tomatoes.

2. Healthy Taco Lettuce Wrap

Forget the traditional taco shells; why not try this healthier alternative to tacos?

Lettuce is an incredibly versatile food and when mixed with taco meat they become a healthy low-carb and high-protein meal packed with many delicious ingredients.

Pair with some sour cream and guacamole for your next Taco Tuesday.

3. Taco Stuffed Peppers

Replace the ground turkey with taco meat for some delicious stuffed peppers!

This makes for a simple, low-carb meal that your whole family will enjoy. With just seven ingredients, you can’t go wrong.

Once baked, you’ll be rewarded with a combination of cheesy and meaty peppers. It is sure to become a regular in your meal plans.

4. Enchilada Casserole

This Mexican dish already has similar flavorings to the taco, from the juicy tomatoes to the creamy cheese, so why not simply use taco meat instead?

In addition to being extremely tasty, it is also incredibly easy to make. Simply throw all your favorite enchilada toppings into a crockpot, and you’re done!

The perfect meal for those days when spending hours in the kitchen is the last thing you want to do.

5. Burritos

Burritos are known as the cousin to tacos. They share similar flavors and makings which makes them perfect for incorporating taco meat.

Just layer some taco meat on a tortilla and add whatever toppings you desire such as rice, beans, tomatoes, corn, cheese, and lettuce, then roll it into a burrito.

If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can skip out on the tortilla and instead make a burrito bowl.

Just like before, add all your favorite burrito fillings and you’ll be rewarded with a healthy burrito.

6. Taco Spaghetti

Here’s something that both the kids and the kids-at-heart will enjoy: taco spaghetti!

Leftover taco meat meets spaghetti to create a dish full of flavor and texture, turning ordinary spaghetti into a masterpiece.

To go one step further, you could even turn your regular spaghetti into a casserole.

Simply place the spaghetti into a baking dish, pile it high with shredded cheese, then place it in the oven! It’s that simple.

7. Nachos

If Taco Tuesday doesn’t sound appealing to you, why not have a nacho party?

Simply lay out all the ingredients you would put on top of your nachos, including the taco meat, and you have yourself a fun nacho bar.

In addition to nachos, another ingredient you could include is tater tots!

Don’t knock it until you try it – it’s like a party in your mouth! These crispy spuds make the perfect addition to nacho parties.

8. Taco Lasagna

Give a Mexican twist to the traditional Italian lasagna. Rather than using beef, use taco meat instead!

Since we’re already mixing up the classic recipe, why not throw in some beans as well for a true Mexican feel to the dish?

Loaded with meat, beans, and cheese – these loaded casseroles come together in a snap. It’s sure to be a crowd favorite at any potluck.

9. Cheeseburger Mac And Cheese

Here’s another pasta transformation that will blow your mind!

Enhance your regular mac and cheese by including taco meat into the mix.

Perfect for those families with picky eaters, this recipe will give them a little of everything that they are sure to love.

10. Homemade Pizza

It’s time to say goodbye to boring, plain mozzarella cheese pizzas and say hello to taco meat pizza, instead!

The great thing about pizzas is that they are completely customizable to your tastes. Whether you’re a pineapple person or not, it doesn’t matter when you’re eating your pizza.

With this homemade pizza, stay on the Mexican theme by including toppings such as sour cream, beans, salsa, and piles of cheese!

11. Shepherd’s Pie

Enhance your regular shepherd’s pie by including taco meat into the mix! The combination of taco meat encompassed in a bed of creamy mashed potatoes is to die for!

For this recipe, use Worcestershire sauce to season your taco meat, then add carrots, peas, and corn to the mixture.

Spread the blend onto the bottom of a baking dish, layer with mashed potatoes, then bake until golden brown.

12. Homemade Sloppy Joe’s

Simply add brown sugar, green chilis, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce to your leftover taco meat, and what do you get? A delicious Sloppy Joe!

This recipe is simple, yet oh so delicious; you won’t be able to get enough of it.

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, then don’t worry! You can simply substitute this out with soy sauce instead.

13. Taco-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

You can’t go wrong with baked potatoes. Even when served on their own with a slab of butter, they make for a delicious meal.

However, when you add taco meat into the mix, everything gets infinitely more interesting.

For an irresistibly hearty dish, top your potatoes with scallions, sour cream, shredded cheese, and of course, taco meat. You’ll never look at potatoes the same way again!

14. Taco Crescent Rolls

These are sure to be a hit at any parties or get-togethers!

These funky taco crescent roll appetizers are simple to make but taste amazing.

All you have to do is wrap the taco meat in puff pastry and fry them; such an easy yet effective way of using leftover taco meat.

Whether you serve them on their own or pair them with creamy ranch dressing, you’re sure to be in for a treat.

15. Quesadillas

While quesadillas may sound like a complicated meal, they are, in fact, one of the easiest recipes in this article to make!

With only three ingredients – taco meat, flour tortillas, and cheese – you’ll have these bad boys whipped up in no time.

Place your quesadillas into a pan and allow it to cook until the cheese is melted, then you’re done!

This is the perfect mid-week meal that requires minimal effort but produces great results!

16. Chili

Another beloved dish that can easily be adjusted to incorporate taco meat chili!

Since the leftover taco meat is already cooked, this cuts down a large chunk of the cooking time.

Essentially, all you have to do is toss the rest of your ingredients into the pan, and you’re basically done!

Whether you cook this in a crockpot or on the stove, either way it’ll turn out delicious.

To make the chili using taco meat all you have to do is mix the meat with canned sweet tomatoes, green chilies, baked beans, and all your other favorite chili ingredients.

Then for approximately 10 minutes over medium heat, you’ll be rewarded with a hearty meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How To Store Leftover Taco Meat?

Unused taco meat that is covered and wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil can be stored in the refrigerator for between 3 to 4 days.

Can You Freeze Leftover Taco Meat?

Yes! Store in a sealed plastic bag and place in the freezer. Frozen ground beef can last between 2 to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

When the thought of making more tacos out of your taco meat doesn’t sound appealing, you should try these leftover taco meat recipes!

Hopefully, this guide has provided you with some inspiration for your next batch of taco meat.