Loaded Taco Creamy Cheese Sauce (Print Version)
Enjoy tacos stuffed with savory beef and smothered in velvety cheese sauce for a mouthwatering meal.
# Ingredients:
→ Seasoned Ground Beef
01 -
1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
02 -
1 small onion, diced
03 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
1 packet taco seasoning or homemade blend
05 -
1/4 cup water
06 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Creamy Cheese Sauce
07 -
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 -
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
09 -
1 1/2 cups whole milk
10 -
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
11 -
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
12 -
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
13 -
1 small red or green bell pepper, diced
14 -
1/4 cup diced tomatoes
15 -
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
16 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
17 -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
18 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
19 -
Red pepper flakes, optional
→ Additional Ingredients
20 -
8 to 10 hard taco shells
21 -
Extra shredded cheese, for topping
22 -
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
23 -
Sour cream, optional
24 -
Hot sauce, optional
# Steps:
01 -
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Incorporate minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
02 -
Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes until liquid reduces and the mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
03 -
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk, preventing lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. Lower heat and add softened cream cheese, whisking until smooth and melted.
04 -
Gradually add cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Add diced bell pepper, tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, and chopped cilantro. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Keep sauce warm over low heat, stirring occasionally.
05 -
Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange taco shells on a baking sheet and warm for 3 to 5 minutes until crisp.
06 -
Fill each taco shell with 2 to 3 tablespoons of seasoned ground beef mixture. Generously spoon creamy cheese sauce over each taco. Top with extra shredded cheese and return to oven for 2 to 3 minutes to melt cheese. Garnish with cilantro and serve immediately with sour cream and hot sauce on the side.
# Notes:
01 -
For best texture, keep cheese sauce warm and stir frequently to maintain smoothness.