Tacos, loved by everyone, even those picky eaters that sometimes just make dinnertime so stressful. This recipe is sure to bring everyone running to the dinner table, ready to eat and enjoy.
Hey there, fellow parents and food-loving friends with big hearts! Are you on a mission to make life a bit easier for busy parents everywhere? Well, you’re in the right place because today, we’re diving into the delicious universe of Ground Beef Tacos Freezer Meal
Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly seasoned, savory ground beef cradled in warm tortillas, adorned with all your favorite taco toppings. It’s a mouthful of joy that’s not only scrumptious but also incredibly practical, making it a must-have in your collection of make-ahead meals.
As parents who understand the daily hustle and bustle, we’re excited to share this freezer-friendly Ground Beef Tacos recipe with you. It’s your ticket to enjoying a homemade dinner without the usual time-consuming prep.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the easy steps of creating these delectable tacos, offer tips on freezing and reheating, and share creative serving suggestions that’ll make you the dinnertime champion. Let’s turn busy evenings into taco fiestas, one delightful taco at a time!
Why you’ll love this Make Ahead Ground Beef Tacos
Flavorful and Delicious
You can (and should) make it in advance
Versatile dish
Time Saver
Kid Friendly
Minimal Clean up
Ground Beef Tacos Freezer Meal Recipe
Tacos, loved by everyone, even those picky eaters that sometimes just make dinnertime so stressful. This recipe is sure to bring everyone running to the dinner table, ready to eat and enjoy.
Ground Turkey: You can substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey for a healthier twist on traditional beef tacos. It’s a lower-fat option that still delivers a flavorful and protein-packed filling.
Vegetarian Crumbles: For a meatless alternative, consider using vegetarian crumbles or plant-based ground meat substitute. These products mimic the texture and flavor of ground beef, making them suitable for vegetarian or vegan tacos.
Green Salsa: Instead of tomato salsa, opt for green salsa (salsa verde) to add a tangy and slightly spicy twist to your tacos. It complements the spices and herbs in the seasoning mix and offers a unique flavor profile.
Additions:
Avocado Slices: Add creamy avocado slices as a topping to your tacos. Avocado not only enhances the texture but also brings a rich, buttery flavor that pairs wonderfully with the seasoned beef.
Pickled Jalapeños: For a kick of heat and tanginess, include pickled jalapeño slices as a topping. They add a zesty punch to your tacos and contrast nicely with the savory filling.
Black Beans: Boost the fiber and protein content of your tacos by mixing in cooked black beans with the seasoned ground beef. It’s a hearty addition that enhances both the flavor and nutritional value of the meal.
These substitutions and additions allow you to customize your Ground Beef Tacos, catering to various dietary preferences and taste preferences while ensuring that the ingredients are freezer-friendly.
How to Reheat and Store Ground Beef Tacos after cooking?
Best way to store Make-Ahead Ground Beef Tacos?
When you are wanting to store your leftovers, allow the cooked Ground Beef Tacos to cool slightly before storing them. This helps prevent excess condensation inside the storage container.
If you are planning to consume your leftovers within a few days, storing in the fridge is your best option. For longer storage times, storing in the freezer would be your best option. Either way you choose to store, use airtight containers or freezer safe zipper bags.
You can store them individually or as a batch, depending on your preference. If you are stacking multiple tacos, place a small piece of parchment paper or wax paper between each taco to prevent sticking. Label the containers with contents and prep date, this ensures you can keep track of how long the tacos have been in storage.
How long will Ground Beef Tacos last in the fridge?
With proper cooling and storing techniques, your leftover ground beef tacos will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Always check your leftovers before reheating to make sure that your leftovers have not spoiled in the fridge. Spoiled food has a distinct smell to it, and should not be consumed.
Can I freeze homemade Ground Beef Tacos after cooking?
Yes, of course! When you are planning for longer storage, freezing is a great option. Allow your leftovers to cool completely to room temperature. When your leftovers have cooled, place your tacos in a freezer bag, separated by parchment paper. This prevents sticking.
Try to remove as much air as possible from the bags to prevent freezer burn. For best quality, consume the frozen tacos within 2-3 months.
If you are planning to make this Ground Beef Tacos into a raw freezer meal, simply add all ingredients into a gallon freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, seal and freeze. Make sure to label your bags with the date of preparation, and freeze for 3-6 months.
How to Reheat Best Practices for Ground Beef Tacos?
When you are looking to reheat your Ground Beef Tacos, make sure that your tacos have been thawed, if they were frozen. To thaw, place tacos in the fridge the night before you plan to eat them. From a thawed out point, you have a few options of reheating your tacos.
If you want to reheat on the stovetop, warm a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place your thawed tacos in the skillet and heat for a few minutes on each side until they are heated through and the tortillas are slightly crispy.
Another option for reheating is to use your microwave. Place the tacos on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until the are warmed through. Once reheated, assemble your ground beef tacos with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Make-Ahead Ground Beef Taco Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to freeze taco meat?
The best way to freeze taco meat is to first ensure it’s fully cooked and seasoned according to your preferences. Once cooked, allow the meat to cool to room temperature. Portion the meat into meal sized servings and place each portion in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the containers or bags with the date to keep track of freshness.
Is taco meat good frozen?
Yes, taco meat is suitable for freezing. If you plan to freeze, make sure you allow your meal to cool completely and stored correctly.
Frozen taco meat retains flavor and texture for an extended period of time which makes it a great choice for freezing. Freezing is an excellent option to make meal preparation more convenient, especially for busy individuals.
How long will ground beef keep in the freezer?
Ground beef can be safely stored in the freezer for 4-6 months. Proper packaging, which minimizes exposure to air and moisture, is key to maintaining the beef’s quality during long-term storage.
After this period, the meat is still safe to eat, but it may begin to lose its flavor and its texture may be impacted.
What happens to ground beef when frozen?
When ground beef is frozen, its cold temperature slows down bacterial growth and enzyme activity, preserving the meat’s freshness and safety.
However, it may experience freeze burn if not well-sealed, which can result in dry and discolored patches on the meat’s surface.
How many pounds of ground beef to use for a crowd of people?
Ground beef is often a party favorite to be served because of its versatility. To serve crowd tacos, you’ll typically need approximately ½ to ⅔ pounds of ground beef per person. Depending on the serving size of the tacos and the appetite of your guests. For example, if you are making tacos for 20 people 10-12 lbs of ground beef should be enough for your crowd.
Why do Americans use ground beef for Tacos?
Ground beef is often the choice of protein used by Americans when making tacos because of its versatility, availability, and affordability.
It’s easy to prepare, season, and cook, making it a convenient choice for creating flavorful taco fillings that appeal to a wide range of tastes. Everyone wins when making ground beef tacos.
Are tacos considered to be a healthy meal?
Yes, tacos can be a healthy meal option when prepared with lean ground beef or other lean proteins, plenty of fresh vegetables, whole grain tortillas, and modest amounts of cheese and sour cream. The balance of ingredients and portion sizes plays a significant role in determining the overall healthiness of the meal.
Who created a taco?
The exact origin of the taco is debatable. It is believed to have originated in Mexico centuries ago. Tacos have evolved over time, with various regions and cultures contributing to their diverse range of fillings and styles.
Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, ground beef tacos can be prepared ahead of time and frozen as a convenient freezer meal. Beef freezes really well, which allows for batch meal prepping.
When you want the meal for dinner, thaw overnight in the fridge, and heat up as needed for a quick and easy meal.
As a full time working mom of four, I know how hard it is to find time (or energy) to cook. That’s why I’ve spent over a decade perfecting freezer meal recipes to make sure they’re not only quick to prepare but packed with flavors the whole family will love!