How to Make and Freeze Taco Meat

Three freezer bags filled with taco meat.

How to Make and Freeze Taco Meat

Print Recipe

Course Freezer meals, Main Dishes

Cuisine American, Tex-Mex

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Cooling time 1

Total Time 1 30

Servings servings

Calories 290

Author Dorothy Bigelow

Equipment

Ingredients

4 pounds ground beef
8-12 tablespoons taco seasoning homemade or packaged
2 cups water

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Heat a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Once the pan is hot, add the ground beef, using the end of a wooden spoon to break it up into smaller pieces.
Cook the ground beef, using your wooden spoon to crumble it, until no longer pink.
Drain off the excess fat and liquid.
Sprinkle in 8-12 tablespoons of your favorite taco seasoning, and pour in 2 cups of water.
Stir well to coat the ground beef in the seasoning mixture.
Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until most of the water is evaporated.
Remove from the heat and allow the taco meat to cool for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to release steam and heat.
Label 4 medium-sized freezer bags with the following: “Taco meat. Add ¼ cup of water” and the date.
Divide the meat into 4 sections, and scoop each section into a labeled freezer bag. Push out any excess air and seal the bag.
Press the ground beef into a single, flat layer and repeat with the remaining 3 bags.
Place the bags in the freezer and store them for up to 3 months.

Notes

To prepare: If possible thaw the taco meat beforehand (you can cook it from frozen if needed). Add it to a medium-sized skillet that has been heating over medium heat. Pour in ¼ cup of water and cook until heated through. Serve and enjoy with your favorite taco fixings, or add to your favorite recipes where taco meat is called for.

Freezer bags and containers:

Slow cooker method: Break the ground beef into pieces and place it in a large slow cooker. Add 1 cup of water for 4 pounds, or ½ cup for 2 pounds. Cook on "high" for 2-4 hours, or until no pink color remains. Drain the ground beef, removing the liquid and rendered fat. Return the beef to the crock pot, then add in the water and seasoning called for in the recipe and stir well to combine. Cook on "high" for 30 minutes to help blend the flavors.

Nutrition