Is it Possible to Prepare Taco Meat in Advance and Freeze It?

Yes, absolutely! Preparing taco meat in advance and freezing it makes taco night a breeze, especially in the busy months of fall and winter. This helpful guide will walk you through the steps to prepare and season your ground meat, cook it, and store it for future use.

Ingredients and Materials

For this recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:

16 oz ground turkey 1 onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 tsp garlic powder 1 dash black pepper McCormick Taco Seasoning (1 package) 1/2 package chicken broth 1 can (15 oz) Hunts tomato sauce 1/2 can water

Preparation and Cooking

Start by browning the ground turkey in a large skillet over medium heat. Use a potato masher to break the turkey into smaller pieces as it cooks, ensuring even cooking. Once the turkey is browned, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

Next, add the chicken broth, tomato sauce, and water to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the meat mixture simmer for 35-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

If the seasoning is too strong, you can add a small amount of water to balance it out. Taste the seasoning and make minor adjustments as needed.

Cooling and Storage

Once the taco meat is fully cooked and seasoned to your liking, remove it from the heat and let it cool to a comfortable temperature. Transfer the meat to your preferred storage containers, making sure to chill it thoroughly. The meat can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.

To freeze the meat, label the containers with the date and store them in the freezer. When ready to use, allow the meat to thaw in the refrigerator or transfer it to a separate bowl and heat it up on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Quick Prep for Taco Night

Having prepped and frozen taco meat makes taco night easy and convenient. Simply shred a block of cheddar cheese, chop your favorite lettuce, and keep tortillas on hand. Cook the taco meat on the stovetop with your choice of toppings and serve.

If you want to get creative, you can also use the cooked taco meat to make a Mexican casserole, similar to a lasagna. Layer the ingredients in a baking dish and bake until heated through.

Conclusion

Preparing taco meat in advance is a fantastic way to reduce stress and save time during the busy cooking season. Experiment with different seasonings and ingredients to make your taco night as delicious as possible. Happy cooking!