Loaded Taco Creamy Cheese (Print Version)

Seasoned beef, smooth cheese sauce, and fresh garnishes fill crispy taco shells for a rich, satisfying dish.

# 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 2 tablespoons homemade taco spice 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 bell pepper (red or green), diced
14 - 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
15 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
16 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
17 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
18 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
19 - Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Additional Ingredients

20 - 8 to 10 hard taco shells
21 - Extra shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, for topping
22 - Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
23 - Sour cream, for serving (optional)
24 - Hot sauce, for serving (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for 6 to 8 minutes until evenly browned.
02 - Add diced onion to the beef and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1 additional minute.
03 - Stir in taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing liquid to reduce and flavors to concentrate. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
04 - In a medium saucepan over medium, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.
05 - Gradually whisk in whole milk, mixing well to avoid lumps. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Add softened cream cheese and whisk until smooth.
06 - Gradually add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until fully melted and sauce is smooth. Mix in bell pepper, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, and cilantro. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Keep warm on low, stirring occasionally.
07 - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange taco shells on a baking sheet and warm for 3 to 5 minutes until crisp.
08 - Fill each warmed taco shell with 2 to 3 tablespoons of seasoned ground beef. Generously spoon creamy cheese sauce over the filling, allowing some to overflow.
09 - Top each taco with extra shredded cheese and return to the oven for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is nicely melted.
10 - Remove tacos from oven. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with sour cream and hot sauce on the side if desired.

# Notes:

01 - Keep the cheese sauce warm on low heat and stir occasionally to prevent it from thickening too much or burning on the bottom.

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