Loaded Taco Shells with Creamy Cheese Sauce
Seasoned beef in crispy shells topped with silky melted cheese sauce, fresh veggies, and all the fixings — taco night perfection!
Ingredients
For the Taco Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- ½ cup water
For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups milk (warm)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or mozzarella)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- Hard taco shells
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced black olives (optional)
- Jalapeño slices (optional)
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. - Season:
Add taco seasoning and water.
Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened. Set aside. - Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in warm milk until smooth.
Cook until slightly thickened, then lower heat.
Add cheeses and stir until fully melted and creamy.
Season with salt and pepper. - Assemble the Tacos:
Warm taco shells according to package instructions.
Fill shells with seasoned beef.
Drizzle generously with creamy cheese sauce.
Top with lettuce, tomatoes, olives, jalapeños, sour cream, and cilantro.
Tips
- Add cooked rice or black beans for extra filling tacos
- Swap beef with chicken or ground turkey if you like
- Serve immediately for maximum crunch