If you’re looking to spice up taco night, these Cheesy Rotel Tacos are your answer! Packed with flavor, gooey cheese, and a delightful kick from the Rotel, this recipe will have your family begging for seconds. With a preparation time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes, you can whip up a mouth-watering dinner that’s sure to please everyone.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is the perfect marriage of cheesy goodness and hearty taco flavor. Ground beef is combined with a rich cheesy Rotel sauce for an indulgent twist on the traditional taco. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can serve these tacos for a family dinner, birthday party, or game day gathering. Whether you choose to enjoy them on their own or pair them with Spanish rice, they will become a household favorite.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Rotel Tacos
- For the best flavor, shred your own cheddar cheese instead of buying pre-shredded varieties, as they often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
- Adjust the hot sauce to suit your spice level. Start with a few dashes and add more if desired.
- Feel free to add toppings like diced avocados, sliced black olives, or chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.
- Consider using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative to beef.
- Make sure not to rush the simmering step for the cheese sauce; it guarantees a creamy texture.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to craft these cheesy delights:
- 3 lbs ground beef
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 package taco seasoning (for both beef and sauce)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups milk
- 2 small cans Rotel (diced tomatoes & 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
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Cheesy Rotel Tacos-
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until just softened.
- Step 2: Add ground beef along with taco seasoning. Cook, breaking it up until browned and fully cooked. Remove the beef and onions from the pot, leaving a bit of drippings behind.
- Step 3: In the same pot, melt butter. Sprinkle in flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes to form a light roux.
- Step 4: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Add both cans of Rotel (with their juices), and stir in freshly shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is velvety.
- Step 6: Mix in sour cream, hot sauce, and add a pinch more taco seasoning to taste. Stir well.
- Step 7: Return the cooked ground beef and onions to the cheese sauce. Stir everything together and let simmer on low for about 10 minutes until extra thick and creamy.
- Step 8: While the beef mixture simmers, arrange nacho cheese taco shells on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to crisp up.
- Step 9: Generously fill each crispy taco shell with the cheesy Rotel beef mixture, letting it spill out a little.
- Step 10: Serve hot with Spanish rice on the side for a complete meal.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian alternative like lentils or mushrooms for a meatless option.
2. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add extra hot sauce, diced jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne pepper when mixing the cheese sauce to ramp up the heat level.
3. Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, you can make the cheesy beef mixture ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop or microwave when you’re ready to assemble the tacos.
4. How can I store leftovers?
Leftover filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
5. What are some good toppings for these tacos?
Consider toppings like guacamole, salsa, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or sliced olives to enhance the flavor and texture!
Conclusion
Cheesy Rotel Tacos are not just easy to make; they promise a burst of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for any occasion or simply for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe is bound to become one of your go-to meals. Give it a try, and watch as it disappears from the dinner table!