Cheesy Rotel Beef Tacos
Savory tacos featuring seasoned ground beef in a creamy cheddar and Rotel sauce, served in crispy taco shells for a flavorful, indulgent weeknight meal.
Equipment
- 1 large pot for cooking beef and sauce
- 1 baking sheet for warming taco shells
- 1 whisk for making roux and sauce
Ingredients
- 3 pounds ground beef
- 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- Taco seasoning to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 2 cans 10 oz each Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 2 blocks cheddar cheese freshly shredded
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- A few dashes of hot sauce to taste
- Nacho cheese-flavored hard taco shells
- Optional: Spanish rice for serving on the side
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent.
- Add ground beef and season generously with taco seasoning. Cook until browned, breaking into crumbles.
- Remove cooked beef and onions from pot, leaving a small amount of drippings.
- Melt butter in the same pot over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a light roux.
- Gradually pour in milk, whisking continuously until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Stir in both cans of Rotel, including liquid.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese gradually, stirring until melted and sauce is creamy.
- Mix in sour cream, hot sauce, and additional taco seasoning to taste.
- Return cooked beef and onions to the pot, stirring well to combine.
- Simmer mixture over low heat for about 10 minutes until thick and creamy.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange taco shells on a baking sheet and warm for 5 minutes until crispy.
- Fill each taco shell generously with cheesy beef mixture, allowing slight overflow.
- Serve hot with optional Spanish rice on the side.
Notes
- Avoid pre-shredded cheese for best melting texture.
- Overstuff tacos for extra cheesy indulgence.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently to maintain creamy sauce texture.