Are you tired of the same old taco Tuesday routine? Do you find yourself with a ton of leftover taco meat after a gathering or meal prep session, wondering what to do with it all? Look no further! We’ve got 18 delicious and creative ways to use up that leftover taco meat, from classic comfort foods to innovative twists on familiar dishes. From stuffed bell peppers and quesadillas to nachos and breakfast scrambles, we’ll show you how to take your taco game to the next level.
In this article, we’ll dive into our favorite recipes for using up leftover taco meat, including everything from savory sides to sweet treats. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for quick and easy meals or a foodie seeking inspiration for your next dinner party, these creative ideas will have you covered.
Taco Meat Stuffed Bell Peppers
This recipe combines the flavors of tacos with the convenience of a one-dish meal. Tender bell peppers filled with savory taco meat, cheese, and rice make for a delicious and nutritious dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or beans for a vegetarian option)
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Shredded cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
– Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, avocado, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add onion, garlic, cooked rice, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, and cumin to the skillet. Cook until heated through.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with the taco meat mixture and top with shredded cheese.
6. Place peppers in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes.
7. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until bell peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Leftover Taco Meat Quesadillas
Transform leftover taco meat into a delicious and easy quesadilla recipe. Perfect for using up leftovers and satisfying your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup leftover taco meat (ground beef, shredded chicken, or beans work well)
– 2 large tortillas
– 1/4 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt to taste
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced avocado, sour cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the taco meat on half of the tortilla.
3. Sprinkle half of the cheese on top of the taco meat.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
6. Flip the quesadilla and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients to make a second quesadilla.
8. Serve hot with desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Taco Meat Loaded Nachos
Elevate your snack game with these loaded nachos packed with flavorful taco meat, melted cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or beans for a vegetarian option)
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
– 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 1 bag tortilla chips (your favorite brand and flavor)
– 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 it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño; cook until vegetables are softened.
4. Stir in taco seasoning and garlic; cook for 1 minute.
5. Arrange tortilla chips in a single layer on a baking sheet.
6. Spoon taco meat over the chips, followed by shredded cheese.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Sprinkle with cilantro (if using) and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Taco Meat Breakfast Scramble
Start your day with a flavorful twist on traditional scrambled eggs by adding taco meat and savory spices. This breakfast scramble is perfect for a quick morning meal or brunch with friends.
Ingredients:
– 6 eggs
– 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or beans for a vegetarian option)
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1 minced garlic clove
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, diced bell peppers, salsa, avocado
Instructions:
1. Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the taco seasoning to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Crack in the eggs and scramble them with a spatula until they’re cooked through.
5. Serve the egg scramble hot, topped with your choice of optional toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Taco Meat Stuffed Zucchini Boats
A twist on traditional tacos, these zucchini boats are stuffed with a flavorful taco meat mixture and baked to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 4 medium zucchinis
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup taco seasoning
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Shredded cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out insides, leaving a shell about 1/4 inch thick.
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, onion, bell pepper, and diced tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Stuff each zucchini boat with the taco meat mixture, dividing it evenly among the four boats.
6. Place stuffed zucchinis on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until tender.
Taco Meat and Cheese Empanadas
Elevate your empanada game with this tasty recipe that combines the flavors of Mexico with the comfort of a warm pastry. Perfect for a quick snack or meal, these bite-sized treats are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of empanada dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
– 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat a deep fryer or a large skillet with about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil 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, bell pepper, and jalapeño to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are soft.
4. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
5. Roll out the empanada dough and cut into squares or circles.
6. Place a spoonful of the taco meat mixture onto one half of each square, leaving a small border around the edges.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the meat.
8. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges to seal.
9. Fry the empanadas for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
10. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Taco Meat Shepherd’s Pie
A twist on the classic shepherd’s pie, this recipe combines the flavors of taco meat with a comforting casserole.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add taco seasoning, onion, garlic, peas and carrots, and diced tomatoes with green chilies to the skillet. Cook until the mixture is heated through.
4. Transfer the meat mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Top with shredded cheese and crushed tortilla chips.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Taco Meat Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Elevate your taco game with this unique twist on a classic comfort food! Sweet potatoes provide the perfect canvas for a flavorful filling of seasoned ground beef, cheese, and spices.
Ingredients:
– 4 large sweet potatoes
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake sweet potatoes for 45-50 minutes, or until soft.
3. While sweet potatoes are baking, cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet and cook until vegetables are tender.
5. Stir in taco seasoning and cook for 1 minute.
6. Split cooked sweet potatoes open and top with taco meat mixture, cheese, salt, and pepper.
7. Return sweet potatoes to oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Taco Meat and Rice Casserole
A classic comfort food dish that combines the flavors of taco meat with creamy rice and melted cheese, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1 can (10.5 oz) of condensed cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
– Optional: chopped bell peppers, diced tomatoes, or sliced olives for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
4. Stir in taco seasoning and cook according to package instructions.
5. In a separate saucepan, combine cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, milk, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
6. Combine the cooked ground beef mixture with the rice mixture; stir well.
7. Transfer mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Taco Meat Stuffed Mushrooms
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful twist on traditional stuffed mushrooms. Filled with taco-seasoned ground beef, cheese, and spices, these bite-sized treats are sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (such as portobello or cremini)
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, sour cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the taco seasoning and stir to combine. Cook for an additional minute.
4. Stuff each mushroom cap with the taco meat mixture, dividing it evenly among the caps.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of each mushroom.
6. Place stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until mushrooms are tender and filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Taco Meat Loaded Baked Potatoes
Elevate your baked potato game with this flavorful recipe! Crunchy taco meat and creamy toppings come together to create a satisfying and filling meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 large baking potatoes
– 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or beans for alternative options)
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced avocado, salsa
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake potatoes for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
3. Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Add taco seasoning and cook according to package instructions.
5. Top baked potatoes with taco meat, shredded cheese, sour cream, and cilantro.
6. Add desired toppings (if using).
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Taco Meat and Egg Breakfast Burritos
Start your day with a flavorful twist on traditional breakfast burritos by adding taco meat and eggs to the mix. These filling breakfast wraps are perfect for a quick morning meal or an afternoon snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 6 large eggs
– 6 tortillas
– Shredded cheese (optional)
– Cilantro or scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until they are softened.
3. Add the taco seasoning packet and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them together. Pour the eggs over the taco meat mixture in the skillet. Scramble the eggs until they are fully cooked.
5. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble the burritos by spooning the egg and taco meat mixture onto each tortilla, adding shredded cheese and cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Taco Meat Pizza with Jalapeños
Combine the flavors of a classic taco with the comfort of a pizza, and you’ll get this unique and delicious Taco Meat Pizza with Jalapeños. Perfect for adventurous eaters who love a little heat!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup taco seasoning
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup pizza sauce
– 1 pre-made pizza crust or 1 package of pizza dough
– 4-6 jalapeños, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cook ground beef with taco seasoning until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Spread the pizza sauce on the crust or dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Top with cooked ground beef, diced tomatoes, cilantro, and cheddar cheese.
5. Arrange sliced jalapeños on top of the pizza.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Taco Meat and Black Bean Chili
This hearty chili combines the flavors of taco meat with the richness of black beans, making it a perfect meal for any time of day. With its bold spices and savory aroma, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup beef broth
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the canned tomatoes, black beans, and beef broth to the pot; bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let the chili simmer for 20-25 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Taco Meat Stuffed Pasta Shells
Taco Meat Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe
A creative twist on traditional pasta shells, this recipe combines the flavors of tacos with the comfort of a warm, cheesy casserole.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta shells according to package directions; 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 chopped onion and taco seasoning to the skillet, cooking until onion is translucent.
5. Stir in diced tomatoes and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the taco meat mixture, placing them in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the stuffed shells, followed by grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Drizzle olive oil over the top and cover with aluminum foil; bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Taco Meat and Cornbread Muffins
A flavorful twist on traditional cornbread, these muffins are packed with seasoned taco meat and perfect for a quick snack or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/2 cup taco meat (seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and paprika)
– Cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, vegetable oil, and beaten egg.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in taco meat.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Top with shredded cheese (if using).
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Taco Meat and Avocado Salad
This recipe combines flavorful taco meat with creamy avocado and crunchy greens for a delicious and healthy salad. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 medium onion, diced
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 4 cups mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula)
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add diced onion and taco seasoning to the skillet, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled cheese.
5. Assemble salads by placing cooked taco meat on top of greens mixture, then topping with diced avocado.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Taco Meat and Cheese Stuffed Jalapeños
Get ready to spice up your snack game with this addictive recipe! These bite-sized jalapeño poppers are filled with taco meat, melted cheese, and a hint of fiesta flavor.
Ingredients:
– 12 large jalapeños
– 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/bacon)
– 1/2 cup taco seasoning
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 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 and stir to combine. Set aside.
4. Cut jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes.
5. Stuff each jalapeño with 1-2 tbsp cooked taco meat, followed by a dollop of cream cheese and sprinkle of shredded cheddar.
6. Place stuffed jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get creative with your leftover taco meat! This article shares 18 delicious and innovative recipes to transform yesterday’s tacos into today’s mouthwatering meals. From stuffed bell peppers and quesadillas to nachos, breakfast scrambles, and more, these recipes showcase the versatility of taco meat. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a satisfying meal, this list has something for everyone. Say goodbye to boring leftovers and hello to flavorful fiestas with these 18 tasty ideas!
