These Leftover Taco Meat Bowls are a great way to use up your leftover meat. This post also includes instructions for how to make and season your own ground beef using a homemade spice blend.
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This post was originally published in 2019. It has since been updated.
FOR THE FULL LIST OF INGREDIENTS AND COMPREHENSIVE INSTRUCTIONS, PLEASE SEE THE RECIPE CARD AT THE END OF THIS POST. BEFORE YOU SCROLL, THERE’S IMPORTANT INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG POST.
How to Use Leftover Taco Meat
Typically when I make taco meat it’s for hard or soft shelled tacos for a weeknight dinner. Then, I’m left with what to do with the meat. Pairing the meat with other sides and making it into a bowl is awesome. Here are a few other things you can pair with it.
Leftover Nachos
Keto Taco Soup
Air Fryer Taco Egg Rolls
Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats
How to Make Taco Bowls
1. You will need chopped garlic, chopped onions, ground beef, and the spices noted above.
2. Cook the onions and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the ground beef with the seasonings. Break down the beef and cook until it is no longer pink.
4. Pair the cooked beef with cauliflower rice
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Combine the following: chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. I like to add red pepper as well for additional spice. The serving size of each ingredient is listed in the recipe card below.
What to Pair With the Bowls
- Salsa
- Salsa Verde
- Guacamole
- Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
- Instant Pot Brown Rice
- Shredded Cheese
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
- Jalapenos
- Fresh Mixed Greens
- Spinach
- Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli
How to Store Leftovers
A great question is, How long is it good for? According to the USDA, leftover meat will last in the fridge for 3-4 days. It has to be properly covered and sealed.
Freezer Tips
You can freeze leftover meat in airtight containers or bags for up to 4 months. Prior to freezing, make sure you have drained all excess fat and wait until the beef reaches room temperature. Do not freeze the beef while it’s hot. Defrost in the fridge overnight when you are ready to use. Check out my tips on How to Freeze Cooked Ground Beef here.
Can You Use Chicken?
Absolutely! I love to use chicken for tacos and bowls to switch it up. You can chicken breasts or chicken thighs. I find that chicken thighs are a lot more juicy and typically have more flavor. Chicken breasts will make it easy for shredded chicken if that’s what you’re looking for.
For both chicken breasts or thighs, you can cook them in the Instant Pot along with 1 cup of broth for 10 Minutes on High-Pressure Cooking. Allow the steam to release naturally for 10 minutes.
You can also use either of those in the slow cooker for 8 hours on Low.
Fully cooked rotisserie chicken is also a great option!
You may also enjoy my Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole, Keto Spinach and Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken, and Keto Peanut Butter Cookies recipes.
I love to make this using my Homemade Taco Seasoning.
Leftover Taco Meat Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 pound Butcher Box ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
Homemade Taco Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon red pepper optional spicy
- 1 /2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Get the instructions for Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice here.
- Place a skillet on medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, chopped onions, and garlic.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add the ground beef and all of the homemade taco seasonings.
- Use a meat chopper or spoon to break down the ground beef. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Drain any excess fat.
- Pair the taco beef with the Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice and any optional keto-friendly toppings.
Video
Notes
Calories: 231 Fat: 11G Net Carbs: 6G Protein: 26G You can substitute beef for chicken. For both chicken breasts or thighs, you can cook them in the Instant Pot along with 1 cup of broth for 10 Minutes on High-Pressure Cooking. Allow the steam to release naturally for 10 minutes. You can also use either of those in the slow cooker for 8 hours on Low. Fully cooked rotisserie chicken is also a great option!
Topping Ideas
- Salsa
- Salsa Verde
- Shredded Cheese
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
- Jalapenos
- Fresh Mixed Greens
- Spinach
Pinky
Saturday 20th of February 2021
This was fantastic and filling, and there was not a molecule left of the beef or cauliflower rice! I served it with a few of the suggested toppings, and also sliced black olives and chopped scallions. I put hot sauce on mine because I like it spicy.
staysnatched
Monday 22nd of February 2021
That sounds so good!
Karen
Friday 19th of February 2021
Delish seasoning! Cauliflower rice is great substitution for rice. I combined ground turkey breast and lean ground turkey since I didn’t have any beef! Definitely making again!
staysnatched
Saturday 20th of February 2021
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Blaze White
Thursday 28th of January 2021
One of the best dishes i've made by far this year!
staysnatched
Wednesday 3rd of February 2021
I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Amy
Tuesday 15th of December 2020
I love this recipe! It’s one of those things I felt like I should have known how to make but never did. One night, I had planned to make this, got all the ingredients, thawed the beef, but then was not in the mood to cook. But I did it anyway and it was so quick and easy I was glad I did it. I’ve since made it several more times! So tasty, so easy to make, so easy to adjust to your taste preferences.
staysnatched
Thursday 17th of December 2020
Yay! This is one of the meals that is actually quick and easy to make!
Stephanie
Friday 27th of November 2020
This recipe was delicious and I especially loved the taco seasoning blend. It’s much more flavorful than any store bought taco seasoning I’ve had. We’ve made the recipe twice already and I’m looking forward to making it again soon.
staysnatched
Sunday 29th of November 2020
Yay! This one is in my frequent rotation!