Ingredients
- 3 lbs ground beef
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- Taco seasoning (for both beef and 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
- Nacho cheese flavored hard taco shells
- Optional: Spanish rice for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: 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: In the same pot, melt butter and sprinkle in flour. Whisk for 1–2 minutes to form a light roux. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened. 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. Mix in sour cream, hot sauce, and a pinch of taco seasoning to taste.
- Combine the Beef & Cheese Sauce: 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: 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: Fill each taco shell generously with the cheesy Rotel beef mixture. Serve hot with Spanish rice on the side if desired.
Notes
- You can adjust the heat of the dish by adding more or less hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- If you want a spicier flavor, try adding diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- For an extra indulgent taco, top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of guacamole.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop & Oven
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
