When it comes to food safety, how long you can keep leftover taco meat is a question many people have. Whether you have taco meat from a restaurant or a big batch of leftovers at home, knowing the right way to store it and what to look for can help you avoid getting sick.
When stored in the fridge, cooked taco meat will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. This is because the spices used in the recipe have antimicrobial properties to kill bacteria that can cause spoilage.
The easiest way to preserve cooked taco meat is to simply throw it in an airtight container and place it towards the back of your refrigerator where it is coldest. This will ensure that the meat stays at a constant temperature, which is important to maintain its freshness and flavor.
You can also freeze cooked ground beef or shredded chicken for use later. Just make sure to keep the freezer bag or container tightly sealed and label it with a date.
If you’re preparing a large amount of taco meat, a great option is to cook it ahead of time and freeze the meat in individual portions or meal-sized packages. This will save you both prep and storage time on taco night and allow you to quickly thaw the meat for reheating when you’re ready to serve dinner.
