Are you tired of eating the same old tacos every day after a big gathering or party? Do you find yourself with a stash of leftover taco meat, wondering what to do with it all? You’re not alone! We’ve all been there – faced with a mountain of delicious but potentially bland leftovers. But fear not, amigos! We’ve got 18 creative and scrumptious ways to use up that leftover taco meat and breathe new life into your mealtime routine.
From breakfast scrambles to pizza toppings, and from stuffed peppers to cheesy casseroles, we’re sharing our favorite recipes to help you get the most out of your taco meat. Whether you’re a fan of classic Mexican flavors or like to mix things up with international twists, there’s something on this list for everyone. So go ahead, get creative, and turn that leftover taco meat into a culinary masterpiece!
Taco Meat Stuffed Bell Peppers
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines the bold flavors of taco meat with the sweetness of bell peppers.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or beans for a vegetarian option)
– 1/2 cup taco seasoning
– 1/2 cup cooked white rice
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers, removing seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add taco seasoning, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with the taco meat mixture, filling to the top.
6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and top each pepper with shredded cheese. Return to the oven and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Leftover Taco Meat Quesadillas
Transform leftover taco meat into a tasty and satisfying quesadilla, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup leftover taco meat
– 2 large tortillas
– 1/4 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional toppings: diced onions, sour cream, salsa, avocado
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix the leftover taco meat with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the cheese on half of the tortilla.
4. Add the taco meat mixture on top of the cheese.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also crispy and the cheese is melted.
8. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes per quesadilla
Taco Meat Loaded Nachos
Elevate your snack game with this easy-to-make recipe that combines the flavors of tacos and nachos for a deliciously loaded treat. Perfect for game day, movie night, or just because.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup taco seasoning
– 8-10 tortilla chips
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
– 1/4 cup diced onion
– 1/4 cup diced bell pepper
– 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, diced tomatoes, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
3. Add taco seasoning and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Arrange tortilla chips on a baking sheet.
5. Spread refried beans, diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño pepper evenly over the chips.
6. Top with cooked taco meat and shredded cheese.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove from oven and add desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Taco Meat Breakfast Scramble
Start your day with a flavorful twist on traditional scrambled eggs and bacon. This recipe combines the savory taste of taco meat with fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy tortilla chips, and melted cheddar cheese.
Ingredients:
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup cooked taco meat (beef or turkey)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/4 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 6-8 tortilla chips, crushed
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk together with a fork. Add cumin and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Pour in the egg mixture and scramble until almost set, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Stir in the cooked taco meat and crushed tortilla chips.
5. Transfer the scrambled eggs to a serving dish and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Taco Meat Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Add a twist to traditional stuffed zucchini by filling them with taco meat and cheese. This recipe is perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer for a party.
Ingredients:
– 4 medium-sized zucchinis
– 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or beans for a vegetarian option)
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, diced tomatoes, avocado
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides, leaving about 1/4 inch of flesh.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add the taco seasoning to the cooked ground beef and stir to combine.
5. Stuff each zucchini boat with the taco meat mixture, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
6. Place the stuffed zucchinis on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Leftover Taco Meat Pizza
Transform leftover taco meat into a delicious and unexpected pizza that will become a new family favorite. This recipe is perfect for using up leftovers and saving time in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup leftover taco meat
– 1 pre-made pizza crust or 1 package of pizza dough
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: diced onions, bell peppers, jalapeños, sour cream, salsa
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the pizza crust or spread the dough on a baking sheet.
3. Spread the leftover taco meat evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and cilantro over the taco meat.
5. Drizzle olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
7. Add optional toppings and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Taco Meat and Cheese Empanadas
Taco Meat and Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Get ready to twist up the flavors of Mexico with these crispy empanadas filled with seasoned taco meat and melted cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of empanada dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the chopped onion and taco seasoning to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Roll out the empanada dough to desired thickness (about 1/8 inch).
5. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the taco meat mixture onto one half of the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the taco meat.
7. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press edges together with a fork to seal.
8. Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
9. Bake empanadas in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Taco Meat Mac and Cheese
Taco Meat Mac and Cheese: A Twist on a Classic Comfort Food
This recipe combines the creamy richness of macaroni and cheese with the bold flavors of taco meat, creating a unique and delicious twist on a classic comfort food.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or beans for a vegetarian option)
– 1/2 cup taco seasoning
– 2 cups milk
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add taco seasoning and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, milk, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
6. Add the cooked taco meat to the macaroni mixture and stir until combined.
7. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with additional shredded cheese if desired.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Taco Meat Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Transform ordinary sweet potatoes into a flavorful and filling meal by stuffing them with taco-seasoned beef, cheese, and veggies. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or game-day snack.
Ingredients:
– 4 large sweet potatoes
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup black beans, cooked
– 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, cilantro, avocado
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake sweet potatoes for 45-50 minutes or until soft.
3. Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, adding taco seasoning according to package instructions.
4. Stuff each sweet potato with the cooked ground beef mixture, black beans, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese.
5. Serve hot, topped with your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Leftover Taco Meat Shepherd’s Pie
Transform leftover taco meat into a hearty shepherd’s pie that’s perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe is a creative way to reuse leftovers and serve a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups leftover taco meat (ground beef, chicken, or beans work well)
– 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
– 1 cup mashed potatoes
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the leftover taco meat and stir to break up any clumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
4. Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook until thawed and heated.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top of the taco meat mixture, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potatoes.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown and the filling is hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Taco Meat and Rice Casserole
A hearty, flavorful casserole that combines the classic flavors of tacos with a comforting bowl of rice. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until onion is translucent.
4. Stir in cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, water, and taco seasoning. Bring mixture to a simmer.
5. Transfer mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Taco Meat Stuffed Mushrooms
Elevate your snack game with this flavorful twist on traditional stuffed mushrooms. This recipe combines the savory goodness of taco meat with the earthy taste of mushrooms, perfect for a quick and satisfying appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (such as portobello or cremini)
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup taco seasoning
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add taco seasoning, onion, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Stuff each mushroom cap with the taco meat mixture, dividing evenly among the caps.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each mushroom.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the mushrooms and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Leftover Taco Meat Tacos Dorados
Transform leftover taco meat into a flavorful, crispy taco dorado recipe that’s perfect for using up leftovers.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups leftover taco meat (ground beef or turkey)
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 6 corn tortillas
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the leftover taco meat and stir until heated through.
4. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble the tacos dorados: Place a spoonful of taco meat onto a warmed tortilla, followed by a sprinkle of cheddar cheese.
6. Fold the tortilla into a triangle or curl it into a cylinder to enclose the filling.
7. Place the tacos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Sprinkle paprika and salt to taste over the tops.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Taco Meat and Bean Burritos
This recipe is a classic combination of seasoned ground beef, black beans, and tortillas that yields flavorful and filling burritos perfect for any meal or snack. With minimal prep time, this dish is ideal for busy households.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
– 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (15.5 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 packet (0.25 oz) taco seasoning
– 8-10 tortillas
– Shredded cheese (optional)
– Salsa and sour cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño; cook until vegetables are tender.
3. Add garlic and taco seasoning; stir well.
4. Stir in black beans and cook for 1-2 minutes.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble burritos by spooning meat mixture onto tortillas, adding cheese and/or toppings as desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Taco Meat Stuffed Pasta Shells
Elevate your pasta game with this creative take on stuffed shells, combining the flavors of taco meat and cheese into a satisfying and filling dish.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or beans for alternative options)
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until onion is translucent.
5. Stir in taco seasoning and cook for 1-2 minutes.
6. Stuff each pasta shell with about 1/4 cup of the taco meat mixture.
7. Place stuffed shells in a baking dish, cover with cheese, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Leftover Taco Meat Tostadas
Transform leftover taco meat into a delicious and crunchy snack with this easy recipe. Use up any remaining taco meat, perfect for using up that last bit of Tuesday’s dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup leftover taco meat
– 6-8 corn tortillas
– 1/4 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
– 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
– 1/4 cup diced green chilies
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Fry tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side, until they’re crispy and golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
3. In the same skillet, add taco meat and cook until heated through.
4. Assemble tostadas by placing a spoonful of warmed taco meat onto a fried tortilla, followed by a sprinkle of cheese, diced tomatoes, and green chilies.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Servings: 6-8 tostadas
Enjoy your tasty and satisfying leftover taco meat tostadas!
Taco Meat and Cornbread Bake
This hearty casserole combines the flavors of taco meat with the comfort of cornbread, perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp baking powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup cornbread mix
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Brown ground beef in a large skillet, breaking up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add diced onion and taco seasoning; cook until onion is translucent.
4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, milk, egg, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Stir cornbread mix into the wet ingredients until just combined.
6. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread half of the cornbread mixture on the bottom.
7. Top with taco meat, then sprinkle with cheese and corn kernels.
8. Spread remaining cornbread mixture on top and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Taco Meat Stuffed Avocados
Elevate your snack game with this creamy and savory recipe! Crunchy taco meat fills the center of ripe avocados, creating a deliciously unique treat.
Ingredients:
• 4 ripe avocados
• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or beans for alternatives)
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, cilantro, salsa
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add chopped onion and taco seasoning to the skillet; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Cut the avocados in half and remove the pit. Scoop out some of the avocado flesh to make room for the taco meat mixture.
5. Fill each avocado half with the cooked taco meat, dividing it evenly among the four avocados.
6. Place the stuffed avocados on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the avocado is slightly softened.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Summary
Transform leftover taco meat into 18 creative and delicious recipes. From savory dishes like Taco Meat Loaded Nachos and Taco Meat Mac and Cheese, to breakfast options like Taco Meat Breakfast Scramble and sweet treats like Taco Meat Stuffed Sweet Potatoes, there’s something for everyone in this collection of flavorful ideas. Get inspired to reduce food waste and elevate your mealtime game with these tasty taco meat recipes.
