These Cheesy Rotel Tacos are packed with flavor and a sprinkle of fun! Ground beef or turkey meets zesty Rotel tomatoes and gooey cheese, all wrapped in soft tortillas.
These tacos are perfect for a quick dinner or a party. I love adding a little extra cheese on top and watching it melt—it’s just too good to resist! 🌮🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Turkey: Ground beef is classic for these tacos, but ground turkey is a great, leaner alternative. If you’re vegetarian, try using black beans or lentils for a hearty filling.
Rotel Diced Tomatoes: The Rotel adds a nice kick. If you can’t find it, use regular diced tomatoes and add jalapeños for heat. Fresh tomatoes can also work if you want to customize the flavor.
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought seasoning is convenient, but homemade blends with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder are just as easy. Adjust the spices to your taste!
Corn Tortillas: While corn tortillas give a traditional flavor, flour tortillas can work too if you prefer. Just keep in mind that they might not crisp up the same way.
Cheese Blend: Mexican blend is fantastic, but feel free to mix your favorites! Cheddar and Monterey Jack is a classic combo. Pepper Jack adds a nice kick too!
How Do You Get That Perfectly Crispy Taco Shell?
To achieve perfectly crispy taco shells, focus on frying the tortillas just enough to soften them, making them pliable. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat oil in a skillet to medium-high—150°F is ideal.
- Fry each tortilla for 15-20 seconds per side. They should be warm and slightly crisp, not fully hard.
- After frying, place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. This keeps them crisp without becoming greasy.
- When it’s time to fill them, turn down the oil to low, add cheese, and allow it to melt before folding.
- Cook until the cheese is gooey and the shell is golden—this is key for that satisfying crunch!
Cheesy Rotel Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Taco Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes & green chilies, drained
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/4 cup water
For the Tacos:
- 8 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack)
For Toppings:
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (for pico de gallo topping)
- Cooking oil (for frying tortillas)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
- Sour cream or creamy dip (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to make. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the filling and frying the tortillas, plus a few minutes assembling and topping your tacos. Quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Meat:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. If there’s any excess fat, drain it out to keep your tacos nice and not greasy.
2. Add Flavor:
Stir in the drained Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies. This adds a nice kick to your filling!
3. Season the Mixture:
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning mix and pour in 1/4 cup of water. Stir everything together well, then let it simmer until the mixture thickens a bit, about 5 minutes. Once it’s done, remove it from the heat.
4. Prepare the Tortillas:
In another skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of cooking oil over medium-high heat. This will be your frying station for the tortillas.
5. Fry the Tortillas:
Fry each corn tortilla for about 15-20 seconds on each side until they’re soft and pliable, with a slight crisp. Be careful not to overdo it! Drain the fried tortillas on paper towels to remove extra oil.
6. Build Your Tacos:
Now, lower the oil heat to low. Take one tortilla back to the skillet and sprinkle a generous layer of cheese on half of it. Then, spoon some of the beef mixture over the cheese and add a little more cheese on top. This helps it all stick together!
7. Cook Until Crispy:
Using tongs, fold the tortilla over the filling and let it cook until the cheese has melted and the tortilla is golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. If needed, press gently with a spatula while it cooks to help it crisp up.
8. Plate and Repeat:
Remove the taco from the skillet and place it on a serving plate. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling until you have a delicious pile of overloaded tacos.
9. Top with Freshness:
Now it’s time to make them pretty! Top each taco with diced onions, chopped cilantro, and diced tomatoes for that fresh pico de gallo look.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your tacos warm with lime wedges on the side for squeezing, and don’t forget the sour cream or your favorite creamy dip for an extra touch!
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, and flavorful Cheesy Rotel Tacos—perfect for taco night or any time you crave something tasty!
Can I Use a Different Meat or Protein?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian twist, try using black beans or lentils as the base, and add extra seasonings for depth of flavor.
How Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
If you like heat, consider using spicy Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, or add sliced jalapeños to the beef mixture. A sprinkle of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce can also amp up the spice level!
What’s the Best Way to Keep Tortillas Warm?
Wrap cooked tortillas in aluminum foil or keep them in a covered dish to retain warmth. You can also place them in a tortilla warmer, which is great for serving at the table.
Can I Prepare the Filling in Advance?
Yes, you can make the beef filling a day ahead! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stove before filling your tortillas for a quick meal!