Description
Loaded Taco Shells with Creamy Cheese Sauce is a culinary masterpiece that combines the beloved flavors of tacos with a rich and indulgent cheese sauce. Whether you’re hosting a Tex-Mex-inspired dinner party or craving a comforting and satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade blend
- 1/4 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoon butter
- 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cup whole milk
- 8 ounce cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 small bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8–10 hard taco shells
- Extra shredded cheese for topping
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Sour cream (optional)
- Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until softened. Stir in taco seasoning, water, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Cook until thickened.
3. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted. Incorporate the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, bell pepper, tomatoes, cilantro, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer until creamy.
4. Fill each taco shell with seasoned ground beef and top with cheese sauce.
Notes
Best served warm with extra shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, sour cream, or hot sauce. Consider serving with Mexican rice or refried beans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Tex-Mex
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 loaded taco shell
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg