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Cheesy Beef Taco Bake

A delightful blend of comforting cheesy goodness and crunchy taco shells, this Cheesy Beef Taco Bake is a healthier version of traditional tacos, perfect for families and meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Mixture
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Lean ground beef is recommended for better health benefits.
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil Heart-healthy fat for sautéing.
  • 1 medium Onion, diced Adds moisture and sweetness.
  • 2 tbsp Taco Seasoning Enhances the flavor.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Butter Used to make a roux.
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour Thickens the cheese sauce.
  • 2 cups Milk Creates a creamy sauce.
  • 2 cans Rotel Tomatoes with Green Chilies Adds tanginess and spice.
  • 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded For melting into the sauce.
  • 1 cup Sour Cream Served as a topping for added creaminess.
  • to taste Hot Sauce Customizable for heat preference.
For the Tacos
  • 12 pieces Nacho Cheese Flavored Hard Taco Shells Provides crunch to complement the filling.
Optional
  • 2 cups Spanish Rice To bulk up the meal.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent.
  2. Add the ground beef and sprinkle with taco seasoning. Cook until fully browned.
  3. Remove cooked beef and onions from the pot, leaving some drippings. Melt butter and whisk in flour for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Gradually add milk while whisking continuously until slightly thickened.
  5. Stir in Rotel tomatoes and gradually mix in shredded cheddar until melted.
  6. Add sour cream and hot sauce, adjusting seasoning to taste.
Baking
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange taco shells on a baking sheet and warm for five minutes.
  2. Spoon the cheesy beef mixture into each taco shell. Serve with Spanish rice if desired.

Notes

To make the dish healthier, opt for ground turkey or chicken. For low-carb options, use lettuce wraps instead of taco shells. Prepare the mixture ahead of time for quick meal prep.