36 Leftover Taco Meat Recipes [Keto & More]

Is Taco Tuesday your favorite day of the week? It is in my house. Sometimes I have leftover taco meat, so I prepared a list of the best recipes for leftover taco meat to help you feel inspired with your next batch of leftovers. Try one of these recipes and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long is Leftover Taco Meat Good For?

The USDA recommends using cooked meats within three to four days of first cooking if properly stored in a refrigerator. Store your cooked taco meat at 40 °F or below. 

Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. USDA recommends using cooked leftover meats within three to four days.

How to Reheat Leftover Taco Meat in a Pan?

Reheat leftover taco meats in a pan by first coating the pan in a small amount of cooking oil. Reheat the meat over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until the heat reaches a temperature of 165 °F.

How to Reheat Leftover Taco Meat in the Oven Without Drying it out?

Reheat leftover taco meats in a pan by first coating the pan in a small amount of cooking oil. Reheat the meat over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until the heat reaches a temperature of 165 °F.

If you are concerned about drying out the meat, then try adding a small amount of broth, a splash of fresh Picante salsa, or a can of crushed or diced tomatoes to your leftover taco meat. The juices from the broth, salsa, or tomatoes will help influence your leftover taco meat with moisture and prevent it from drying out while reheating.

Final Considerations

Your window for safely consuming leftover cooked meats is very short. The USDA recommends using cooked meats within three to four days of first cooking, so I recommend using one of these fantastic leftover taco meat recipes the next time you are looking for a use for your Taco Tuesday leftovers.