What to Do With Leftover Taco Meat: Delicious Ideas for Your Next Meal

If you're anything like us, tacos are one of your favorite meals. What's even better than tacos? Leftover taco meat – especially when re-purposed and transformed into a new, delicious meal! Whether you came back with extra taco beef from your local taqueria or you cooked it up at home, there are so many tasty and creative ways to use it up. We've rounded up some of the best ideas to get you started on your next culinary adventure.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Taco Meat

Before you can create a new dish with your leftover taco meat, it's important to make sure it's properly stored. If your taco beef is sitting in a large bowl, first use a slotted spoon or spatula to scoop it onto a plate. This will help separate the excess liquid, which can cause your taco meat to spoil quickly. Then, cover the plate with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator.

To safely warm up the meat before using it in your dish, be sure to reheat over low-medium heat. You should also thoroughly stir it while you wait for it to be heated throughout. If you plan on having the taco beef as a topping for something like a taco salad, you may not need to reheat at all.

Taco Salad

This is one of the quickest and easiest uses for leftover taco beef! Just chop up some fresh ingredients – like lettuce, tomatoes, black beans, peppers, corn, and avocados – and mix them together in a large bowl. Top with your taco meat, sprinkle with cheese, and drizzle on a generous helping of guacamole or sour cream. Enjoy!

Fajitas

Nothing screams “taco night” quite like fajitas! Slice up your favorite vegetables – bell peppers, onions, garlic, mushrooms, and more – and sauté until softened. Then, add in your leftover taco beef, season with fajita spices, and serve over warm tortillas. Top with cheese, sour cream, and a dollop of delicious guacamole.

Tacos

We couldn't forget about one of our favorite dishes – tacos! To make tacos with leftover taco beef, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your meat. Stir occasionally until the beef is heated throughout and begins to crisp up on the edges. Layer it into warm crispy tortillas or soft flour tacos shells with a few of your favorite toppings – cheese, tomatoes, onions – then enjoy!

Burrito Bowls

Burrito bowls are always a hit when lunchtime rolls around. To make your own with leftovers, start by adding rice to a large bowl. Then layer in cooked black or pinto beans and your leftover taco beef. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and your favorite spicy sauce or salsa. This one is always a crowd pleaser!

Quesadillas

Not in the mood for tacos? Transform taco beef into delicious quesadillas instead! Just warm two large tortillas over your stovetop, add a layer of cheeses and taco beef in between them, and press firmly together. Grill each side of the quesadilla for about 3-4 minutes then serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Nachos

Nachos are always a party favorite, and of course our delicious leftover taco beef can be used to make them too! Toast some chips in the oven while melting cheese in on the stovetop over low-medium heat. Then pour in tomato sauce and taco beef – make sure everything is heated throughout and add more cheese as desired. Once everything is melted together top with freshly chopped peppers or tomatoes and enjoy!

Taco Soup

One of the tastiest ways to use leftovers is to whip up a tasty taco soup. Start by sautéing onion and bell peppers until they become soft. Next add diced tomatoes with juice, chicken broth and taco beef. While everything is simmering together add the perfect mix of spices like chili powder, cumin and paprika. Let simmer for about 10 minutes then serve with freshly chopped avocado for a complete meal!

Loaded Baked Potatoes

Take ordinary baked potatoes to the next level by topping them off with leftover taco beef! All you need to do is bake regular potatoes until all the way through then pour your prepared taco beef over top. Drizzle on some melted cheese and a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro for extra flavor if desired. Perfect as a lunch or dinner side dish – enjoy!

Enchiladas

Enchiladas are always surprisingly easy to prepare and make even easier when using pre-made taco beef! Spread some enchilada sauce onto the inside of each tortilla then spoon your taco beef into the center of each one. Roll each tortilla up and place seam side down onto a baking dish then cover with more enchilada sauce and melted cheese. Bake for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbling then let cool before serving.

Wraps

Wraps make an excellent option for lunch or dinner when you're short on time! Begin by grabbing a large wrap from the store then fill it with lettuce, tomatoes, and your leftover taco beef. Drizzle on some melted cheese, homemade guacamole, and top with spicy salsa if desired. Fold it up tight then enjoy while still warm.

Pizza

Last but certainly not least – pizza loaded with leftover taco beef! Start off by preheating the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and rolling out your pizza dough onto a lightly oiled baking sheet. Spread pizza sauce over the entire dough then sprinkle on taco beef and cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted and crust is golden brown. Slice into pieces and serve immediately.

Egg Scrambles

For something extra tasty in the morning scramble together some eggs with your leftover taco beef! Heat up a skillet over medium-high heat then add two beaten eggs (add milk if desired) into the pan. Scramble until cooked through then stir in your pre-cooked leftovers. Serve alongside toast or over a bed of freshly chopped lettuce.

Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd's pie is a classic comfort food that we love to eat during cold winter months – just think of the delicious flavors of mashed potatoes mixed with taco beef! Start off by preheating oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit then prepare mashed potatoes according to package instructions (you'll want enough to top an 8-inch pie dish). Next spread cooked corn across the bottom of an 8 inch pie dish followed by taco beef mixed with gravy. Top off with mashed potatoes and bake for 25-30 minutes or until potatoes become golden brown.

Sloppy Joe Tacos

Sloppy Joe tacos are perfect for busy weeknight meals when you don't have a lot of time to cook dinner! All you need to do is brown some ground beef in a skillet over medium heat then stir in your leftover taco beef along with a can of sloppy Joe sauce (homemade sauce works too!) until combined. Simmer on low heat for 12-15 minutes then serve inside warm tortillas.

Chili Con Carne

Combine homemade chili con carne with leftover taco beef for an irresistible new flavor! Start by sautéing onion, garlic, bell pepper, ground beef and chili powder in a large skillet until vegetables become tender. Next stir in bean (black or pinto) along with chopped tomatoes and tomato sauce until combined. Simmer on low heat for 20 minutes before adding in pre-cooked leftover taco beef. Let simmer for 5 minutes more before serving.

Casseroles

Casseroles offer so much versatility – how about trying out one made with leftover taco beef? Start by preheating oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit then prepare a tasty casserole mix – mix together cooked rice or noodles, diced tomatoes (canned or fresh), black beans, corn, taco seasoning and shredded cheese in a large bowl. Transfer mix into an 8 inch baking dish then layer prepared Mexican taco beef on top followed by more cheese. Bake for 25 minutes or until cheese is melted then serve hot.

From tacos to burrito bowls, quesadillas to pizza – there are so many delicious meals that can be created using leftover taco meat. Whatever dish you choose to make: don't forget to enjoy every step of the creation process as you turn this delightful Mexican staple into something entirely new that your whole family will love.