Leftover Taco Night Ideas: Creative Ways to Use Up Cinco de Mayo Ingredients

You’ve had your fun on Cinco de Mayo with tacos, margaritas, and salsa but now your fridge is full of half-used toppings, extra tortillas, and a container of seasoned meat. Instead of letting those ingredients go to waste, it’s time to turn leftovers into something just as crave-worthy.

This collection of creative leftover taco night ideas helps you make the most of what you’ve got, whether it’s turning taco meat into a delicious pizza or layering leftovers onto totchos.

Delicious Taco Lasagna

This taco lasagna recipe combines layers of tortillas with refried beans, ground beef and all the usual taco toppings, like cheese, cilantro, and salsa. It has all the ingredients you would stuff into a taco, but in the form of a lasagna, with layers of taco goodness. 

Get the Taco Lasagna recipe.

Totchos

If you love nachos and tater tots, why not combine them into the ultimate snack? Totchos are crispy tater tots loaded with melty cheese, savory toppings, and all your favorite nacho fixings. They are a fun twist on comfort food. They’re easy to customize, ridiculously delicious, and guaranteed to disappear fast.

Get the Totchos recipe.

Easy Taco Pizza

This easy Taco Pizza is loaded up with refried beans, seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, lettuce and cheese. It’s a fusion that everyone loves. The best thing about taco pizza is that you can load it up with whatever favorite taco toppings you want or have left over.

Get the Taco Pizza recipe.

Baked Chimichangas

Crispy Baked Chicken Chimichangas are a satisfying, flavorful meal. These golden, oven-baked chimichangas deliver all the crunch you crave without the hassle of frying. These have shredded chicken filling but you could use any taco ingredients you have left over.

Get the Chicken Chimichanga recipe.

Cheesy Taco Pasta

This fusion dish takes the irresistible flavors of tacos and infuses them into a comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its cheesy tomato sauce, seasoned ground beef, and zesty taco spices, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Get the Cheesy Taco Pasta recipe.

Carnitas Burritos

Making Carnitas Burritos is a great way to indulge in the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine. The tender shredded carnitas, combined with the Mexican red rice, refried beans, and cheesy goodness make a tasty meal.

Get the Carnitas Burritos recipe.

Carne Asada Quesadillas

Carne Asada Quesadillas are filled with tender cuts of grilled carne asada steak, stretchy cheese, and smoky green chiles. The outside of the tortilla gets super crispy, and the meat inside is so tender and juicy. These wonderful textures are only made better with a hefty helping of melted cheese! 

Get the Carne Asada Quesadillas recipe.

Baked Taco Egg Rolls

Crispy Baked Taco Egg Rolls are the perfect finger food for a party or just for snacking, with the super crispy exterior and cheesy taco filling. They’re a crowd pleaser. The taco egg rolls are stuffed with seasoned ground beef, onion, refried beans and cheese. Then just make a quick creamy dipping sauce with sour cream and hot sauce, and you’re all set.

Get the Crispy Baked Taco Egg Rolls recipe.