Cheesy Rotel Beef Tacos

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December 24, 2025

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Cheesy Rotel Beef Tacos: A Flavorful Fiesta in Every Bite

If you’re on the hunt for a deliciously indulgent taco recipe that combines the comforting warmth of cheesy goodness with the bold flavors of seasoned beef, look no further than these Cheesy Rotel Beef Tacos. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, these tacos are sure to become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These tacos bring together the best of both worlds—melty, creamy cheese sauce meets robustly seasoned beef. The addition of Rotel gives the sauce a delightful kick with its blend of diced tomatoes and green chilies, while the nacho cheese-flavored taco shells add an extra layer of flavor and crunch. Pair it with Spanish rice for a complete meal that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful.

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs ground beef: Provides a hearty base to soak up all the flavors.
  • 1–2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the onions and beef.
  • 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the beef.
  • Taco seasoning: Essential for that classic taco flavor, used both in the beef and the sauce.
  • 2 tbsp butter: Forms the base of the cheese sauce.
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to creamy perfection.
  • 2½ cups milk: Creates a smooth, rich cheese sauce.
  • 2 cans (10 oz each) Rotel: Adds a spicy, tangy twist with diced tomatoes and green chilies.
  • 2 blocks cheddar cheese, freshly shredded: For the best melt and flavor, avoid pre-shredded cheese.
  • ⅓ cup sour cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang to the sauce.
  • A few dashes hot sauce: Adjust to your spice preference.
  • Nacho cheese–flavored hard taco shells: For a crunchy, cheesy finish.
  • Optional: Spanish rice: A classic side to complement your tacos.

Instructions

1. Cook the Beef

Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until they turn soft and translucent. Introduce the ground beef into the pot, seasoning generously with taco seasoning. Cook the beef until it’s browned and fully cooked, making sure to break it apart as it cooks. Once done, remove the beef and onions from the pot, leaving a little of the drippings behind for added flavor.

2. Prepare the Cheesy Rotel Sauce

In the same pot, melt the butter. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a light roux. Gradually add the milk, whisking until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Stir in the Rotel with its juices and slowly add the freshly shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until you achieve a smooth, velvety sauce. Mix in the sour cream, a few dashes of hot sauce, and an additional pinch of taco seasoning to enhance the flavor. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

3. Combine

Return the cooked beef and onions to the pot with the cheese sauce, stirring everything together. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes until it’s thick and creamy, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully.

4. Warm the Taco Shells

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the taco shells on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for about 5 minutes. This step ensures they’re nice and crispy.

5. Assemble & Serve

Fill each taco shell generously with the cheesy beef mixture, allowing some to spill over the edges for an indulgent look. Serve immediately, accompanied by Spanish rice if desired.

Serving Suggestions

A delicious plate of Cheesy Rotel Beef Tacos

These Cheesy Rotel Beef Tacos are perfect on their own, but serving them with Spanish rice can round out the meal beautifully. Consider topping your tacos with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of freshness.

Conclusion

This recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional tacos, marrying the richness of a creamy cheese sauce with the savory goodness of taco-seasoned beef. Whether you’re serving these for a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these Cheesy Rotel Beef Tacos are sure to impress. Enjoy the fiesta of flavors in every bite!

Cheesy Rotel Beef TacosCheesy Rotel Beef Tacos

A delicious plate of Cheesy Rotel Beef Tacos

Cheesy Rotel Beef Tacos

Enjoy a flavorful and cheesy taco night with these Cheesy Rotel Beef Tacos, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Simmering Time 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 tacos
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 720

Ingredients
  

Beef Mixture
  • 3 lbs ground beef
  • 1-2 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning for beef and sauce
Cheesy Rotel Sauce
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • cup all-purpose flour
  • cups milk
  • 2 cans Rotel diced tomatoes & green chilies, undrained
  • 2 blocks cheddar cheese freshly shredded
  • cup sour cream
  • a few dashes hot sauce to taste
Assembly
  • 8-10 pieces nacho cheese–flavored hard taco shells
  • 1 cup Spanish rice optional, for serving

Equipment

  • Large Pot

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened.
  3. Stir in the ground beef and a generous amount of taco seasoning. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  4. Remove the beef and onions from the pot, leaving a little of the drippings behind.
  5. In the same pot, melt the butter. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes to form a light roux.
  6. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth and slightly thickened.
  7. Stir in the Rotel (with juices) and gradually add the shredded cheddar. Continue stirring until the cheese melts into a smooth, velvety sauce.
  8. Mix in the sour cream, hot sauce, and a pinch more taco seasoning. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  9. Return the cooked beef and onions to the pot with the cheese sauce.
  10. Stir everything together and let simmer on low for about 10 minutes, until the mixture is thick and creamy.
  11. Arrange taco shells on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes to crisp them up.
  12. Fill each taco shell generously with the cheesy beef mixture, letting it spill over for that indulgent look.
  13. Serve immediately, with Spanish rice on the side if desired.

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded cheddar cheese to ensure the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust the level of hot sauce to your spice preference.

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CREATED BY POLLY

Polly is the creator of Adrian Recipes, where she shares easy, family-friendly recipes designed for busy home cooks.

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