Whether you have leftover taco meat or make it in batches for busy nights, these ground beef recipes are perfect for using up an entire pound.
24 Recipes You Can Make with a Pound of Taco Meat
Updated on May 18, 2024
Garlic Beef Enchiladas
Beef enchiladas are typically prepared with corn tortillas, but my husband, Jeff, and I prefer flour tortillas. I use them in this saucy casserole that has irresistible home-cooked flavor and a subtle kick. —Jennifer Standridge, Dallas, Georgia
1/24
2/24
Instant Pot Taco Pasta
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Instant Pot taco pasta is a welcome change from boring meals. I’ve taken all the flavors of tacos and created an easy pasta dish. Kids love the taste, and Mom loves how quick and easy it comes together. To lighten things up, use ground turkey. —Christine Hadden, Whitman, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 598 calories, 25g fat (11g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 1845mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 40g protein.
3/24
Air-Fryer Taquitos
Total Time
35 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love these any-occasion appetizers. Spice them up by adding sliced jalapenos, if desired. &mash; Mark Webber, Valdez, Alaska
Nutrition Facts:
1 taquito: 168 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 336mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
4/24
Enchilada Casser-Ole!
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband loves this casserole, so it never lasts too long in our house. Packed with black beans, cheese, tomatoes and southwestern flavor, it's an impressive-looking entree that's as simple as it is delicious. —Marsha Wills, Homosassa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 357 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 864mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
5/24
Air-Fryer Taco Twists
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Why serve tacos only in ordinary flour or corn tortillas? For a mouthwatering change of pace, try these air-fried tacos baked in flaky, golden crescent rolls. My family enjoys them for a warm lunch or light dinner. —Carla Kreider, Quarryville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 taco twist: 371 calories, 21g fat (5g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 752mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 16g protein.
6/24
Taco Skillet Pizza with Cornbread Crust
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family loves taco pizza, and I have made so many versions of it. This recipe is like a deep-dish skillet pizza. It’s a hearty meal and can be served straight out of the pan. — Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 329 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1052mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.
7/24
Tacos Deluxe
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I first tried this recipe in my junior high school home economics class some 20 years ago. As an adult, I wrote home for the recipe and have enjoyed it ever since!—Katie Dreibelbis, Santa Clara, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 taco: 312 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 874mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
8/24
Slow-Cooker Enchiladas
Total Time
5 hours 30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As a busy wife and mother of two young sons, I rely on this handy recipe. I layer enchilada ingredients in the slow cooker, turn it on and forget about it. With a bit of spice, these hearty enchiladas are especially nice during the colder months. —Mary Luebbert, Benton, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 734 calories, 32g fat (16g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 1672mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 11g fiber), 49g protein.
9/24
Beef Taco Chili
Total Time
7 hours 25 min
Servings
6 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This one of my husband’s absolute favorite dishes. It was also voted Best Chili in our county’s autumn Harvest Festival. If you like less broth, use just 1-3/4 cups water and 1-1/2 tsp. bouillon. —Dana Beery, Ione, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 337 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 1657mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 10g fiber), 23g protein.
10/24
Taco Baked Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Stuffed with your favorite fixings, this baked potato recipe is an easy meal in one. Make it vegetarian by using smashed black beans instead of ground beef. —Anne Ormond, Dover, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed potato: 484 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 600mg sodium, 70g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 29g protein.
11/24
Burritos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My cousin is of Mexican heritage, and I’ve watched her make this crunchy beef burrito recipe for years. The very first time I made them for my own family, they instantly became a favorite meal. They’re even better warmed up the next day in the microwave. —Debi Lane, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 519 calories, 24g fat (10g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1539mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 8g fiber), 27g protein.
12/24
Nacho Tots
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is an easy, versatile party appetizer that everyone loves. If you can't find chorizo, ground beef or ground chicken are wonderful, too. Top with anything you like! —Connie Krupp, Racine, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 378 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 1152mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 13g protein.
13/24
Mexican Pasta Bake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This casserole makes a delicious change of pace from ordinary pasta casseroles. The corkscrew noodles? They make it fun! —Joy Smith, Bigfork, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 434 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1034mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein.
14/24
Skillet Nachos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom gave me a fundraiser cookbook, and this is the recipe I’ve used most. My whole family is on board. For toppings, think sour cream, tomatoes, jalapeno and red onion. —Judy Hughes, Waverly, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 676 calories, 31g fat (10g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1293mg sodium, 74g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein.
15/24
Taco Lasagna
Total Time
45 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like foods with southwestern flair, this just might become a new favorite. Loaded with cheese, meat and beans, the layered casserole comes together in a snap. There are never any leftovers when I take this dish to potlucks. —Terri Keena, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 454 calories, 21g fat (9g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 1138mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein.
16/24
Spicy Shepherd's Pie
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Taco seasoning adds zip to this hearty main dish. It's easy to top with instant mashed potatoes, which I stir up while browning the beef. —Mary Malchow, Neenah, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 516 calories, 25g fat (13g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 1337mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein.
17/24
Mini Phyllo Tacos
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
For a winning appetizer, serve crispy phyllo cups filled with taco-seasoned ground beef and shredded cheese. These handheld bites will be a surefire hit with a hungry crowd. —Roseann Weston, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 63 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 156mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
18/24
Taco Salad Casserole
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This taco casserole recipe tastes like a taco salad and is a breeze to assemble. I crush tortilla chips to form a bottom layer, then spread on refried beans, a spicy meat mixture and cheese. —Rhonda McKee, Greensburg, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 527 calories, 28g fat (12g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 1529mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 5g fiber), 33g protein.
19/24
Presto Mexican Peppers
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Traditional stuffed peppers get a southwestern twist! The filling also makes a delicious meat loaf that we even like cold as a sandwich with Mexican-blend or cheddar cheese, mayo and salsa.” — Traci K Wynne, Denver, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 435 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 518mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 30g protein.
20/24
Layered Taco Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I invented this taco salad to make my kids happy. Make it with ground beef, ground turkey or ground chicken and it's equally good. —Betty Nickels, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 442 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 925mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 31g protein.
21/24
Taco Spaghetti
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this kid-friendly taco spaghetti recipe one afternoon when I was using up leftover spaghetti and ground beef. When I'm lucky enough to have extra time, I make two batches and freeze one. —Johanna Van Ness, Wichita, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 439 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 927mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein.
22/24
Chicken Taco Pie
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is truly a family fave and is perfect for a busy night of rushing to soccer, swimming lessons or scouts. I put it together in the morning and pop it in the oven when we get home. —Karen Latimer, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece (calculated without sour cream and additional salsa): 328 calories, 17 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 58 mg cholesterol, 1122 mg sodium, 25 g carbohydrate (5 g sugars, 1 g fiber), 17 g protein.
23/24
Beef Nacho Pie
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to spend time in the garden, so I look for recipes that don't require hours in the kitchen. This savory southwestern pie has a short list of ingredients and is quick to prepare. —Doris Gill, Sargent, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 391 calories, 25g fat (9g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 765mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein.
24/24
Taco Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Every time I have to bring a dish to a party, friends ask for my taco salad. Even players on my son's football team ask for it. —Lori Buntrock, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 416 calories, 27g fat (12g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 830mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
