Cheesy Rotel Tacos are the perfect blend of cheesy goodness and zesty flavor! With ground beef, cheesy Rotel dip, and crunchy taco shells, they make a quick and tasty meal.
These tacos come together in no time—great for when you’re short on time or just super hungry! I love piling on extra toppings like sour cream and jalapeños for some extra fun. 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I find ground beef is the go-to for tacos, offering great flavor and texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, use black beans or lentils instead!
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought seasoning is a time-saver. However, you can make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. It allows you to control the spice level—use smoked paprika for a nice twist!
Ro*Tel: This adds a zesty tomato and chili flavor. If you can’t find it, use regular diced tomatoes and add a pinch of chili powder or diced jalapeños for heat. Fresh tomatoes also work in a pinch!
Taco Shells: Corn taco shells are classic! If gluten-free is your aim, look for corn-based shells. You could also use lettuce leaves for a low-carb option or flour tortillas if that’s what you prefer.
How Can You Fry Taco Shells to Make Them Crispy?
Frying taco shells makes them crispy and delicious! Here’s how to do it easily:
- Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Carefully add a taco shell and fry for about 30 seconds, turning once. You want them crispy but not too dark!
- Remove the shells and drain them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Fried shells hold together better and enhance the overall taste! Enjoy crafting your perfect cheesy Rotel tacos. 🌮
Cheesy Rotel Tacos Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- 1 can (10 oz) Ro*Tel (diced tomatoes and green chilies), drained
- For the Tacos:
- 12 corn taco shells
- Cooking oil or spray (for frying taco shells)
- For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and about 10 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll be enjoying these tasty tacos in just about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you want to keep the tacos warm later.
2. Prepare the Beef Filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook it until it’s fully browned. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Seasoning:
Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet. Then, stir in the taco seasoning packet along with a little bit of water as directed on the seasoning package. Let it simmer until it thickens slightly, which will take about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cheese and the drained Ro*Tel tomatoes and chilies. Mix them well so the flavors blend together!
5. Fry the Taco Shells:
In a frying pan, heat about 1/4 inch of cooking oil over medium heat. Carefully fry each corn taco shell for about 30 seconds per side, just until they get a bit crispy but still pliable. After frying, drain them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Take each taco shell and fill the bottom with a generous spoonful of the seasoned ground beef. Next, add the cheesy Ro*Tel mixture on top of the beef in each shell.
7. Melt the Cheese:
Place the filled tacos on a baking sheet and bake them in the oven just until the cheese melts, around 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook!
8. Add Toppings:
When they’re done, take them out of the oven and drizzle the sour cream over the top of each taco. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and diced tomatoes if you’d like!
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Cheesy Rotel Tacos with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over them for extra flavor. Dive in and enjoy every cheesy, zesty bite!
Happy Taco Time! 🌮
Can I Use a Different Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option. The flavors will be delicious no matter what you choose!
How Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
If you like it hot, try adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce into the ground beef mix! You can also use hot Ro*Tel instead of the original for an extra kick.
Can I Prepare the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef filling and cheese mixture a day in advance. Just store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready, just heat them up before assembling the tacos!
How Should I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the filled tacos in the oven until warm. You might need to add extra cheese on top for that melty goodness!