Description
These Cheesy Rotel Tacos are a quick, easy, and flavorful meal perfect for Taco Tuesday or any night of the week. Ground beef is simmered with Rotel tomatoes and taco seasoning, then made extra creamy with melted cheese. Pile it into taco shells with your favorite toppings for a satisfying and delicious dinner.
Ingredients
For the Cheesy Rotel Beef Filling:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 2 tbsp cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
For the Tacos:
- 10–12 taco shells (hard or soft, your choice)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup salsa or pico de gallo
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Beef
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 2: Add Seasoning and Rotel
- Stir in taco seasoning and water.
- Add the entire can of Rotel tomatoes (with juices).
- Let simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Make It Cheesy
- Reduce heat to low.
- Stir in shredded cheese and cream cheese (if using).
- Mix until melted and creamy, ensuring the cheese is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
- Warm taco shells in the oven or skillet according to package directions.
- Spoon cheesy Rotel beef into each shell.
- Top with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, and cilantro (if using).
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve immediately while hot and cheesy. Perfect with tortilla chips, Mexican rice, or a side salad!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The combination of taco seasoning, Rotel tomatoes, and cheese creates a delicious and satisfying flavor.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the toppings and spice level to suit your preferences.
- Versatile: The beef filling can be used in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or as a dip.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans.
- Offer a variety of toppings, such as guacamole, black olives, and pickled jalapeños.
- Serve with tortilla chips and salsa for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.
- Make it a taco bar for a fun and interactive dinner.
Tips
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts much creamier than pre-shredded cheese.
- Customize the Heat: Use Rotel Hot for spicier tacos or Rotel Mild for a family-friendly version. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Double the Cheese: Add a sprinkle of cheese directly onto the taco shell before filling for extra gooeyness.
- Make It a Dip: This beef filling also works great as a cheesy Rotel taco dip with tortilla chips. Simply serve the warm filling in a bowl with your favorite chips.
- Meal Prep Friendly: The beef mixture can be made ahead and reheated. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use High-Quality Beef: Opt for 80/20 ground beef for optimal flavor and juiciness. Draining excess grease will help keep the tacos from becoming soggy.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
(per taco, approximate, excluding toppings)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 17 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbs: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 2 g
Conclusion
These Cheesy Rotel Tacos are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you can easily whip up any night of the week. With a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Customize them with your favorite toppings and sides for a truly personalized taco experience. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A1: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef. Keep in mind that ground turkey is leaner than ground beef, so you may need to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet when cooking to prevent it from drying out.
Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or a can of drained and rinsed black beans or pinto beans. You might also consider adding some chopped vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra flavor and texture.
Q3: How can I make these tacos spicier?
A3: To increase the heat, use Rotel Hot tomatoes with green chilies, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture, or top the tacos with your favorite hot sauce or jalapeños.
Q4: Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
A4: Definitely! Homemade taco seasoning is a great way to control the ingredients and adjust the flavor to your liking. There are many recipes available online, or you can create your own blend using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt.
Q5: How do I store leftover cheesy Rotel beef filling?
A5: Store leftover cheesy Rotel beef filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. You can use it for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or as a topping for nachos.
