Transform taco night with juicy seasoned beef and luscious homemade cheese sauce perfection!
📝 Ingredients
For the Taco Filling:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
For Assembling:
- 10–12 hard taco shells
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Beef Filling
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper if needed.
2️⃣ Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a smooth roux.
- Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Cook until the sauce thickens (about 3–4 minutes).
- Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add paprika, garlic powder, and salt to taste.
3️⃣ Assemble the Tacos
- Warm taco shells according to package instructions.
- Fill each shell with seasoned beef.
- Drizzle generously with creamy cheese sauce.
- Top with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, jalapeños, and cilantro.
🔥 Serving Tips
- Serve immediately while the shells are crispy.
- Pair with Mexican rice or tortilla chips and salsa.
- Add avocado slices or guacamole for extra richness.
Enjoy every cheesy, crunchy, flavor-packed bite! 🌮🧀✨