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.
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
Slow Cooker Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup
Roasted Creamy Poblano Soup
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
- Smoked Salsa
- Salsa Verde
- Guacamole
- Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
- Pollo Asado Recipe
- Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
- Instant Pot Brown Rice
- Shredded Cheese
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
- Jalapenos
- Fresh Mixed Greens
- Spinach
- Ranch Roasted Potatoes
- 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!
More Popular Recipes
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Keto Peanut Butter Cookies
Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
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Southwest Salad Recipe
Steak Stir Fry
I love to make this using my Homemade Taco Seasoning.
Leftover Taco Meat Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 pound 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
- Everything but the Elote Seasoning from Trader Joe’s
Diana P
Sunday 11th of September 2022
Love this recipe. It’s super quick to make. It satisfies the picky eaters as they can add whatever they like. It’s a great option for when you have friends and family over. Everyone is happy.
staysnatched
Sunday 11th of September 2022
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Amanda G.
Thursday 3rd of February 2022
So good!!!! I used turkey meat and added bell peppers and corn, refried beans and spinach. Topped on your instant pot brown rice with some hot sauce and cheese, it really hit the spot. Chipotle and qdoba who?!
staysnatched
Friday 4th of February 2022
haha! I love to hear it.
Nek C
Thursday 27th of January 2022
I’ve been enjoying making and eating the low carb meals Brandi offers. This was SO good and gave me the taco craving I had. The seasoning?! Say no more…happy to know we don’t need store bought items for much.
staysnatched
Sunday 30th of January 2022
That's what I love, too!
Valerie Smith
Wednesday 12th of January 2022
This was so good and a quick recipe to prepare! Thanks Brandi. I made mine plant base this time with Beyond Meat, your cilantro cauliflower rice and Daiya and Violife cheddar cheese shreds. Also added black beans? tomatoes and cilantro. My family loved it including my 17 month old grandson. Definitely will be making this again...next time using real cheese..lol
staysnatched
Thursday 13th of January 2022
haha yes!
Marissa J
Thursday 6th of January 2022
I cooked this meal today and OMG it was DELICIOUS!!! This was my first time using cauliflower rice and my first time making a taco bowl instead of tacos. I will NEVER make tacos with a shell again!! I was so surprised it tasted so good. I did add some pinto beans, olives and onions because I’m extra. To top it off, this is low carb…..WINNER!!! You definitely need to make this. You won’t regret it!!
staysnatched
Sunday 9th of January 2022
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!