Loaded Taco Creamy Cheese Sauce
These tacos are packed with seasoned beef and drenched in a rich, creamy cheese sauce—perfectly topped with fresh veggies for a mouthwatering meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (8–10 taco shells)
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Stovetop, Oven
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Seasoned Ground Beef
1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
1/4 cup water
Salt and pepper to taste
Creamy Cheese Sauce
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 small bell pepper (red or green), diced
1/4 cup diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Additional Ingredients
8–10 hard taco shells
Extra shredded cheese for topping
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Sour cream (optional)
Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Beef:
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned (6–8 minutes). Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, then stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and add cream cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. Gradually add cheddar and Monterey Jack, stirring until smooth. Stir in diced bell pepper, tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, and cilantro. Season to taste.
Warm Taco Shells:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place taco shells on a baking sheet and warm for 3–5 minutes.
Assemble Tacos:
Fill each shell with 2–3 tablespoons of beef. Top generously with cheese sauce. Sprinkle with extra shredded cheese and return to the oven for 2–3 minutes to melt cheese.
Garnish & Serve:
Top with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with sour cream and hot sauce, if desired.
Notes
To save time, use pre-shredded cheese and store-bought taco seasoning.
Sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated over low heat.
Customize with jalapeños, diced avocado, or black olives.
Find it online: https://allrecipesmade.com/loaded-taco-creamy-cheese-sauce/
