Ground Taco Beef, 4 Ways: Stop Food Waste
Published Apr 23, 2020 Updated Jul 11, 2023
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Food prep is something I always do on Sunday afternoon. My favorite prep item to make is 4 pounds of Ground Taco Beef. Cooking Ground Beef in bulk and adding in my own homemade seasoning and tomato sauce makes for the perfect item that can be used many different ways. Additionally, if I still have any beef left at the end of the week, I will simply freeze and thaw and enjoy later in the month.
This post was sponsored by Beef. It’s Whats for Dinner. on behalf of the Beef Checkoff. I received compensation, but all opinions are my own.
Food waste has become a big issue in the United States. I have always been an advocate for using what I have on hand and not going to the grocery store every single day. From experience, I always have ground beef on hand because it can be very versatile in creating different meals that the whole family will enjoy.
Although beef is one of the least wasted commodities produced in the U.S., at around 20 percent of edible products going to waste, consumers could help improve beef sustainability by 10 percent simply cutting that waste in half. Below are some ideas and recipes that you can use throughout the week using Ground Beef. These will cut down on food waste while providing delicious and nutritious dinners. Simply click on each title to be directed to each recipe.
1. Beef Taco Pasta
Click here for the Beef Taco Pasta recipe
2. Taco Beef Burrito Bowls
Spinach, Ground Taco Beef, brown rice, black beans, chopped tomatoes and onions, topped with greek yogurt and salsa.
3. Beef Taco Cauliflower Crust Pizza
Pizza sauce, Ground Taco Beef, Mexican Blend cheese, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, taco sauce.
4. Soft Beef Tacos
Whole wheat tortillas, Ground Taco Beef, Mexican Blend cheese, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, taco sauce.
Different Ways to Use Ground Taco Beef
- Burrito Bowls
- Taco Pizza
- Pasta with Taco Beef
- Tacos
- Frittatas
- Omelets
- Taco Salads
- Cheesy Taco Rice Casserole
- Quesadillas
- Nachos
- Creamy Taco Dip
- Taco Soup
- Stuff in baked or sweet potatoes
Tips to Prevent Food Waste
- Creativity begins with leftovers. One night’s dinner can lead to unlimited possibilities.
- Smart food storage saves food and flavor. Cooked beef can be stored in the refrigerator at 40 degrees F for a total of 3-4 days to keep beef safe and fresh.
- Need an ally in the fight against food waste? Try your freezer. Raw beef, steaks and roasts last for 6-12 months when stored in your freezer properly.
- Use what you have. Could tonight’s dinner be hiding in your kitchen? Feel confident using ingredients you already have and waste less with the help of BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com.
- Cooking better beef in bulk and creating new meals throughout the week.
Ground Taco Beef
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Ground Beef
- 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat, along with a tbsp of olive oil.
- Add the Ground Beef to the skillet and brown for about 8-9 minutes or until meat is cooked through. Drain fat.
- Add the tomato sauce along with taco seasoning to the beef. Allow to simmer on low heat for about 3 minutes.
Notes
- Double the recipe to make 4 pounds of Taco Beef
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Be sure to pin this recipe to your Pinterest Board
This post was sponsored by Beef. It’s Whats for Dinner. on behalf of the Beef Checkoff. I received compensation, but all opinions are my own.
My husband always wants me to use those packets of taco seasoning, but I hate that I’m putting junk in our bodies. I’ve been trying for years to find a homemade taco seasoning he won’t complain about…found it! Thank you Ashley 😘
WOW! This is such a compliment. THANK YOU!
This is so good! I love that it’s spices I already have! I made a triple batch for meals throughout the week and some to freeze for quick meals.
This is a great idea. So happy you love this recipe
(Same Barbara as above)
I wanted to tell you two things about this delicious recipe:
1) I use it with chicken too! Usually in the crockpot.
2) Recently I actually had taco leftovers – that never happens at our house! Anyways, I added black beans, Rotel and cheese to the taco meat, scooped the mixture into red, yellow & orange peppers and baked them for a friend in need — rave reviews!!
I’m currently making your taco meat recipe again today (pretty much a weekly occurance) for dinner guests tomorrow!
This is the best recipe for taco seasoning! It packs just the right amount of heat and has so much flavor. Another Healthy Little Peach 5/5 !
Always a good recipe from Mac! Thanks for the delicious easy taco meat and plenty of yummy meal ideas!
Love this recipe! My kids love it too! We usually make burritos and burrito bowls. Works great with ground turkey as well.
Thank you so much for your feedback!