In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “Can you get sick from eating expired taco shells?” with an in-depth analysis of how to store taco shells and the shelf life of taco shells. Moreover, we are going to share some recipes using taco shells.
Can you get sick from eating expired taco shells?
No, you can not get sick from eating expired taco shells if these are stored properly. But can get sick after eating taco shells if there is a change in its texture or flavor, or any mold is present.
Can expired taco shells cause food poisoning?
Yes, expired taco shells can cause food poisoning because if these are not stored properly various bacteria can grow on them that can cause diarrhea. Food poisoning after consuming moldy food items can cause abdominal pain.
How long are hard taco shells good for?
It is better to use taco shells soon after their opening, almost within 1 to 2 weeks. Unopened tacos shells can last for a longer time, almost 1 year or more.
How to store unused taco shells?
Taco shells can be stored in an airtight container in the pantry to maintain their freshness for a long time. If they remain unsealed they become hard so it’s better to seal them in an airtight container.
Can hard taco shells be frozen?
Freezing taco shells is an effective way for a long shelf life. Taco shells are best to use when consumed fresh. If you want to store them for a long time then freezing is the best option.
For how long do the tacos last in the fridge?
In the fridge, taco meat will usually last for about three to four days. That’s plenty of time if you want a quick meal or are serving tacos at an event where food is being served buffet style, and people can go back for seconds.
How to soften hard taco shells?
To soften the hard taco shells, these are wrapped in the damp kitchen towel or a damp kitchen towel and then placed in a microwave-safe resealable plastic bag. Microwave for 1 minute until it becomes warm and flexible.
How can we use taco shells in different recipes?
Taco shells can be used in the following recipes:
1. Taco pasta salad:
Taco pasta salad can be prepared by the following methods:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of uncooked spiral pasta
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 envelope of taco seasoning
- 3 cups of shredded lettuce
- 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of chopped onion
- 1/2 cup of chopped green pepper
- 1/2 cup of Catalina salad dressing
- Tortilla chips
Method:
- Cook the pasta by following the directions written on the package. In a large skillet, cook beef on low flame until its pink color disappears, breaking them into crumbles and drain.
- Stir taco seasoning in it and cool it. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water.
- Stir the pasta into the meat mixture. Then add tomatoes, cheese, lettuce, green pepper, onion, and dressing. Toss it well to coat and serve it with tortilla chips.
2. Fantastic taco casserole:
Fantastic taco casserole can be prepared by following methods:
Ingredients:
Following ingredients are used in this recipe:
- 1 1⁄2 lbs of ground beef
- 1 large finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons of minced fresh garlic
- 1 bell pepper either red or green
- seasoning salt
- black pepper
- 1 cup of water
- 2 teaspoons dried chili pepper flakes (or to taste)
- 1 (215 ml) bottle of taco sauce
- 2 (4 ounces) cans of diced green chilies
- 1 (14 ounces) sliced ripe olives, either black or green
- 1 (1 1/4 ounce) package of taco seasoning mix
- 1 (4 1/2 ounce) package taco shells
- 4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 large tomato
- 3 sliced green onions (optional)
Method:
- Set the oven to 350 degrees. On a low flame cook beef, bell pepper, onion, garlic, and chili flakes until the beef changes its pink color. Drain it and then season it with the help of seasoning salt and black pepper.
- In water, stir taco sauce, green chilies, taco seasoning mix ,,, and half quantity of olives.Cook it on low heat for 6 to 8 minutes.
- In the bottom of a greased 13×9 baking pan, layer half of the broken taco shells. Cover it with half of the meat sauce, then sprinkle 2 cups of cheddar cheese on it.
- Repeat the same method with remaining taco shells, meat sauce, and cheddar cheese. If you want to prevent cheese from becoming hard then sprinkle it 10 minutes before cooking time.
- Bake it for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted. After baking, top it with remaining olives, tomatoes, and green onions.
Here are some other recipes using taco shells that you may try at home.
How can we store taco shells properly?
- Taco shells should be stored away from sunlight and other sources of heat in a cool, dry, and dark place. So you can easily store taco shells in a cool and dry corner of your pantry.
- Open taco shells should be stored in an airtight container or a plastic zipper bag so that no moisture can degrade their quality.
Conclusion:
In this brief study, we answered the question ” Can you get sick from eating expired taco shells?” with an in-depth analysis of how to store taco shells and the shelf life of taco shells. Moreover, we also shared some recipes using taco shells.