Check out these 40+ leftover taco meat recipes for fresh ways to use that leftover meat from tacos. Everything from nachos to casseroles, and even pasta. Your family will never know they are eating leftovers!
You will never wonder what to do with leftover taco meat again after checking out this recipe collection. Every recipe is kid-approved, family friendly, and filled with all the flavor you are looking for. Skip the trouble of creating a new meal each night of the week by adding any of these meal ideas to your menu!
All recipes are gluten-free, just watch to ensure you’re using gluten-free brands of some of the ingredients.
There is rarely a week that goes by that our family doesn’t celebrate Taco Tuesday with a delicious taco recipe. Every week, we end up with leftover taco meat (we will even make extra) that then appears on the dinner table another night of the week. It is one of our favorite ways to meal prep.
We decided it was time to share all the creative ideas we turn to! You will find that many of these recipes use ground beef + taco spices. Simply skip over the steps of browning ground beef and seasoning by replacing it with your leftover taco meat! It is an excellent time-saving tip to get dinner served ever quicker.
Make sure to share the first recipe you plan to make below to inspire everyone!
Taco stuffed shells with ground beef are bursting with ground beef, tomatoes, enchilada sauce, and gooey cheese. They’re baked to perfection, resulting in a delicious and kid-friendly dinner that will satisfy everyone’s taste buds!
Classic taco flavors make this turkey filling a favorite of the healthy lettuce wrap recipes. You'll love how fast and easy it is to make. It's a huge hit and no one will miss the taco shells or realize they are practicing healthy eating either.
These Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes will take your taco night to a new and healthy level! Nutritious sweet potatoes are filled with your favorite taco toppings and ready in under 20 minutes. The perfect quick and healthy dinner!
A deliciously smoked queso dip that's loaded with cream cheese, spicy tomatoes, and flavor.
This Turkey Taco Bowl Recipe is a well-balanced, easy lunch or dinner that’s perfect for meal prep! These bowls are good for picky eaters too; you can set up a “taco bowl bar” so everyone can add their favorite toppings.
Everyone needs a Homemade Taco Salad Recipe in their menu arsenal. Packed with all your favorite taco flavors but easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
It's time to make the BEST Taco Tater Tot Casserole. This easy, cheesy Mexican-inspired recipe has all your favorites, including ground beef, beans, and tater tots topped with enchilada sauce and cheese!
This easy Mexican taco salad recipe is ready in only 20 minutes and is loaded with ground beef and all of your favorite taco toppings! It's a healthy dinner or meal prep idea that you'll crave making again and again.
Serve this cheesy Layered Taco Dip with ground beef and cream cheese at your next get together. It's a crowd pleasing party dip!
These Keto Taco Stuffed Avocado Boats are a tasty twist on Mexican tacos but using avocado taco boats! An easy low carb meal using taco stuffed avocados!
Taco Tuesday can get a little old if you don’t throw in a creative curveball every once in a while. A filling and delicious dinner option, Instant Pot Taco Stuffed Baked Potatoes is the perfect twist for family dinner.
When it comes to appetizers, these nacho bites are so good! It brings all of the flavor of regular nachos without all the mess!
Serving this low carb keto taco bowl in a cheese shell makes this recipe even more delicious and perfect for meal prep.
This Keto Taco Bowl is a heavenly, low-carb lunch or dinner option! It’s filled with fresh greens, colorful veggies, hearty taco-flavored meat, cheese, and sour cream. You’ll love this healthy ground beef taco salad for a fast family dinner that each person can make with their favorite toppings!
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with this quick and easy Beef Taco Dip Recipe. Simple taco inspired ingredients transform this beef dip into a flavor packed, creamy appetizer. You can use the leftovers as a filling for quesadillas or enchiladas. Your family will love this protein packed dip!
Quick, easy, and healthy, this Beef Burrito Bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice is an amazingly easy meal for prepping, or for a tasty weeknight dinner. You’ll love the uber-tasty Southwest flavor of this yummy dish!
This Chopped & Layered Taco Salad Recipe is a family favorite. Serve this healthy layered taco salad at parties and potlucks.
This easy Mexican Zucchini is made in one skillet and is sure to be a family favorite. You will love your favorite taco ingredients mixed with light zucchini noodles creating a low-carb, filling meal.
Take tacos and quesadillas and combine them to make these taco quesadillas! These cheesy ground beef quesadillas are perfect for on the go eating or at home. You’ll only need 6 ingredients and 20 minutes for this family friendly dinner recipe.
A spicy fiesta of flavors, these Mexican stuffed jalapeno taco boats are simple to make. Perfect as a snack or a main course this dish is easy to cook on the grill.
An easy weeknight meal with all the flavor and goodness of ground beef tacos that you can throw together in just 30 minutes!
This one skillet meal makes prep and clean-up easy!
This Gluten Free Taco Pasta Salad is creamy, hearty, a little spicy, and the best side dish! This Paleo pasta salad is bold and hearty enough for any time of the year. It is great as a side dish, easy appetizer, or light meal. The flavors make this pasta salad unique and unforgettable!
This Slow Cooker Taco Soup is so delicious and easy to throw together. It’s perfect for busy days, lazy weekends, and everything in between! It’s always a crowd pleaser, especially on a chilly day!
All your favorite taco flavors in a protein-packed pasta dish! Black Bean Spaghetti adds a new twist on regular pasta with the flavors of black beans. Layered with a salsa pasta sauce with ground turkey piled high with taco toppings for a fresh crunch.
*** To Make The Following Recipes Gluten-Free, Swap Corn Tortillas or Gluten-Free Tortillas for Flour Tortillas or Gluten-free pasta for regular.
An easy Mexican style dinner that tastes delicious!
Taco pinwheels only take minutes to make! Even if you decide to change out the mix-ins and create a different taco pinwheel every time!
Looking for ideas for what to do with Taco Tuesday leftovers? Try my easy Taco Pasta! It's full of bell peppers, onions, and garlic, and topped with traditional taco toppings like sour cream, cheddar cheese, and cilantro.
How To Store Leftover Taco Meat
Whether you are making chicken, pork, or beef taco meat, let the meat cool completely then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
You can even freeze taco meat if you aren’t planning to use it within the week by freezing it in a labeled Ziploc bag for up to 3 months once completely cooled. Thaw overnight in the fridge then use as directed.
Sides For Tacos
We couldn’t share our favorite taco night ideas without also sharing the most popular sides for tacos. Enjoy Canned Corn Salad, Gluten Free Spanish Rice, Best Refried Beans Recipe, Seven Layer Bean Dip, and/or Mexican Coleslaw Recipe with any of these leftover taco meat ideas!
If you enjoyed any of the recipes make sure to leave a comment below! Then follow me on social media and tag #createkidsclub if you make the recipe. I love seeing what you come up with!
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