10+ Dinner Recipes with Taco Meat for Quick and Delicious Meals
Taco meat is a versatile ingredient that can elevate many dinner recipes. With just a pound of taco meat, you can create quick, delicious meals that your whole family will love.
Whether you have leftovers from a taco night or want to whip up something new, there are plenty of creative ways to use taco meat.
You can choose from recipes like casseroles, pasta dishes, and even soups, making dinner prep easier and more enjoyable. These recipes not only save time but also allow you to enjoy bold flavors in every bite.
1) Garlic Beef Enchiladas
Garlic beef enchiladas are a tasty way to use taco meat. You’ll love the blend of flavors in each bite. The soft tortillas are filled with seasoned beef, giving you a satisfying meal.
To make garlic beef enchiladas, start by browning your ground beef with onions, garlic, and any other preferred veggies. Then, add taco seasoning for that classic taste.
Next, roll the beef mixture in corn tortillas and place them in a baking dish. Pour a red enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese.
Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and golden.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 can red enchilada sauce
- 1-2 cups shredded cheese
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the ground beef with onions and garlic in a skillet.
- Stir in the taco seasoning.
- Fill tortillas with the beef mixture and roll them up.
- Place rolled tortillas in a baking dish.
- Pour enchilada sauce over the tortillas.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2) Instant Pot Taco Pasta
Instant Pot Taco Pasta is a quick and tasty dinner option. It combines taco meat with pasta for a filling meal. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
To make this dish, start with lean ground beef. Add taco seasoning for flavor and mix in some cheese for creaminess. You will love how easy it is to prepare in the Instant Pot.
This dish is family-friendly and sure to please everyone at the table. Serve it with a side salad or some tortilla chips.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 envelope taco seasoning
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Cooking Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté and cook the ground beef until browned.
- Add taco seasoning, beef broth, and tomato sauce.
- Stir in uncooked pasta.
- Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Release the pressure, top with cheese, and serve warm.
3) Air-Fryer Taquitos
Air-fryer taquitos are a tasty way to use your taco meat. They are crispy on the outside and filled with delicious flavors. You can enjoy them as a fun dinner or a snack.
To make taquitos, you start with tortillas. Fill them with seasoned taco meat and cheese. Then, roll them tightly to keep the filling inside.
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Place the taquitos in the fryer in a single layer and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes until they are golden brown.
These taquitos pair perfectly with salsa or sour cream.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or other taco meat
- 8 small tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Cooking spray or oil
- Optional toppings (salsa, sour cream)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
- Fill the tortillas with taco meat and cheese.
- Roll the tortillas tightly.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place the taquitos in the basket.
- Cook for 10 to 12 minutes until crispy.
4) Taco Meat Sliders
Taco meat sliders are a fun and easy dinner option. You can make them quickly and they are great for gatherings or family meals. Using slider buns, you can pack them with tasty seasoned meat and cheese.
Start by cooking your taco meat as usual. Once it’s ready, place it inside the slider buns. Then, top them with cheese and even add some sliced jalapeños for extra flavor.
Bake the sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Ingredients
- Slider buns
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Optional toppings: jalapeños, salsa, or guacamole
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet until browned.
- Drain the excess fat and add taco seasoning.
- Fill slider buns with taco meat and top with cheese.
- Bake for 15 minutes until the cheese melts. Enjoy!
5) Taco Mac Recipe
Taco Mac is a delicious and easy dish that combines taco flavors with macaroni for a satisfying dinner. You can make this recipe in just one pot, which makes cleanup a breeze.
For this recipe, you will need ground beef, macaroni, taco seasoning, and shredded cheddar cheese. This meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick and tasty.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
- 2 cups (200 g) elbow macaroni
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups (240 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 cups (960 ml) water
Cooking Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked.
- Drain any excess fat.
- Add the macaroni, taco seasoning, and water to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes until the macaroni is tender.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted. Serve warm.
6) Beef Nachos
Beef nachos are a fun and tasty dinner option. You can make them using simple ingredients you might already have at home. Start with tortilla chips as your base, then pile on seasoned taco beef.
For your beef, cook it with taco seasoning and a bit of water until it’s well combined. Then, spread the beef over the chips and layer on refried beans, cheese, and your favorite toppings like tomatoes or jalapeños.
Bake the nachos in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese melts. This usually takes about 10 minutes. Serve your beef nachos hot, and enjoy sharing them with family or friends!
Ingredients
- Tortilla chips
- Ground beef
- Taco seasoning
- Refried beans
- Shredded cheese
- Toppings (tomatoes, jalapeños, etc.)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook ground beef with taco seasoning and a little water.
- Lay out tortilla chips on a baking sheet.
- Spread beef and refried beans over the chips.
- Top with shredded cheese and other toppings.
- Bake for about 10 minutes, until cheese is melted.
- Serve hot.
7) Taco Cottage Cheese Bowls
Taco cottage cheese bowls are a tasty and nutritious meal. You can easily prepare them with just a few ingredients.
Start with your favorite taco meat as the base, then layer cottage cheese on top for creaminess. Add your choice of toppings like salsa, shredded cheese, or veggies. Mix everything together for a fulfilling dish.
You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. This meal is great for lunch or dinner and is perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
- Taco meat
- Cottage cheese
- Shredded cheese
- Salsa
- Optional: diced tomatoes, green onions, or bell peppers
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the taco meat in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked.
- In a bowl, add a layer of cottage cheese.
- Top with taco meat and desired toppings.
- Mix well and enjoy!
8) Taco Empanadas
Taco empanadas are a fun and tasty way to enjoy taco meat. You can easily make them using pre-made dough, like refrigerator biscuits or pie crust. Just fill them with your favorite taco ingredients.
Start with cooked taco meat, refried beans, and cheese. You can also add veggies for extra flavor. Once filled, fold the dough and crimp the edges to seal.
Bake the empanadas in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) until they are golden brown. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Serve with salsa or sour cream for dipping.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound taco meat (ground beef, turkey, or chicken)
- 1 can refried beans
- 2 cups cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 package refrigerated biscuit or pie crust
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook your taco meat and mix with refried beans.
- Roll out your dough and cut it into circles.
- Fill each circle with the meat mixture and cheese.
- Fold the dough over and seal the edges.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
9) Taco Soup
Taco soup is a quick and tasty way to use taco meat. It’s packed with flavor and is perfect for a cozy dinner. You can make it in about 30 minutes.
Start with your cooked taco meat. Then add canned tomatoes, beans, corn, and taco seasoning. Let everything simmer together to blend the flavors, and top it off with your favorite toppings like cheese or sour cream.
This recipe is flexible, so feel free to add veggies or use leftover taco meat to save time. Enjoy your warm and hearty bowl of taco soup!
Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked taco meat
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can black beans
- 1 can corn
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups water (or broth)
- Optional toppings: cheese, sour cream, cilantro
Cooking Instructions
- In a pot, combine taco meat, tomatoes, beans, corn, and seasoning.
- Add water or broth and stir well.
- Heat over medium until it simmers for about 10 minutes.
- Serve hot and add your favorite toppings.
10) Ground Beef Taco Casserole
Ground beef taco casserole is a delicious and easy dinner option. This dish combines all your favorite taco flavors in a warm, filling casserole. It’s perfect for gatherings or family meals.
To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need ground beef, taco seasoning, refried beans, cheese, and your favorite toppings like lettuce and tomatoes.
Cooking is simple. First, brown the ground beef with onions in a pan. Then mix in the taco seasoning and refried beans.
Next, layer the mixture with cheese in a baking dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and golden.
This casserole is satisfying and sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy your homemade taco experience!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 oz taco seasoning
- 15 oz can refried beans
- 2 cups cheese
Cooking Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Brown the ground beef and onion in a pan.
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Mix in taco seasoning and refried beans.
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Layer the mixture in a baking dish, adding cheese on top.
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Bake until bubbly, about 25-30 minutes.
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Enjoy!