Cheesy Rotel Tacos

A cheesy, creamy twist on Taco Tuesday featuring a flavorful beef mixture smothered in a luscious Rotel cheese sauce. These tacos are the ultimate indulgence for your next taco night!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cheesy Rotel Tacos take Taco Tuesday to the next level with a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from Rotel tomatoes, cheddar, and sour cream. The beef mixture is packed with flavor from taco seasoning and the heat of hot sauce, making these tacos irresistibly savory. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a cozy taco night, these tacos are sure to become a favorite. The nacho cheese taco shells add extra flavor and crunch, completing this indulgent dish!

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 3 lbs ground beef

• 1–2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• Taco seasoning (for both beef and sauce)

For the Cheesy Rotel Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter

• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour

• 2½ cups milk

• 2 small cans Rotel (diced tomatoes & green chilies, undrained)

• 2 blocks cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (avoid pre-shredded—use 2 small blocks of cheddar)

• ⅓ cup sour cream

• A few dashes of hot sauce, to taste

For the Tacos:

• Nacho cheese flavored hard taco shells

• Optional: Spanish rice for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Beef:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until softened. Add ground beef and taco seasoning, cooking and breaking it up until browned. Remove from the pot, leaving some drippings behind.

Make the Cheesy Rotel Sauce:

2. In the same pot, melt butter and sprinkle in flour. Whisk for 1–2 minutes to form a light roux.

3. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.

4. Add both cans of Rotel (with juices), then stir in freshly shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is velvety.

5. Mix in sour cream, hot sauce, and a pinch of taco seasoning to taste.

Combine the Beef & Cheese Sauce:

6. Return the cooked beef and onions to the cheese sauce. Stir everything together and let simmer on low for about 10 minutes until thick and creamy.

Prep the Taco Shells:

7. 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.

Assemble and Serve:

8. Fill each taco shell generously with the cheesy Rotel beef mixture. Serve hot with Spanish rice on the side if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 8–10 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add Veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers or corn into the beef mixture for added texture and flavor.

• Spicy Kick: Add more jalapeños, or use a hotter hot sauce to turn up the heat!

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

• Cheese Variations: Try using a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a unique flavor profile.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free taco shells and ensure your taco seasoning is also gluten-free for a gluten-free version.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the mixture in a skillet or microwave until heated through. You can store leftover taco shells in a separate airtight container and reheat in the oven to keep them crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the beef and cheese mixture ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it when you’re ready to assemble the tacos.

2. Can I use soft tortillas instead of hard taco shells?

Absolutely! If you prefer soft tacos, simply use flour tortillas instead of hard taco shells.

3. Can I freeze the cheesy beef mixture?

Yes, you can freeze the beef mixture for up to 3 months. Just store it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and reheat thoroughly when ready to use.

4. Can I add beans to the beef mixture?

Yes! Black beans or pinto beans would be a great addition to the beef mixture for more texture and flavor.

5. How do I make the tacos spicier?

Add more hot sauce, diced jalapeños, or even a bit of cayenne pepper to increase the heat level.

6. Can I make these tacos vegetarian?

Yes! You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a vegetarian crumbles mix.

7. Can I use store-bought shredded cheese?

It’s recommended to use freshly shredded cheddar cheese, as it melts better and has a smoother texture compared to pre-shredded cheese.

8. How do I prevent the taco shells from getting soggy?

Make sure the beef mixture isn’t too liquidy, and don’t overfill the taco shells to help avoid sogginess.

9. Can I make the sauce spicier?

Yes, add extra chili powder or use a hotter variety of Rotel to make the sauce spicier.

10. How can I serve these tacos in a more festive way?

For a festive twist, top the tacos with fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, jalapeño slices, or a squeeze of lime.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Rotel Tacos are a fun and indulgent twist on traditional taco night. The creamy Rotel cheese sauce makes each taco rich, flavorful, and irresistibly cheesy. Perfect for Taco Tuesday or any time you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal, these tacos are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy the creamy, zesty goodness with every bite!

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