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Cheesy Rotel Beef Soft Tortilla Tacos

Quick and creamy tacos filled with seasoned beef and cheese, perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 10 tacos
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2.5 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor) Use lean beef for a lighter option.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil For browning.
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced Adds flavor to the beef.
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning Plus extra to taste.
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter For the roux.
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour To thicken the sauce.
  • 2.5 cups whole milk Room temperature for mixing.
  • 20 oz Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies) Two cans, undrained.
  • 2.5 cups cheddar cheese, freshly shredded Sharp or medium for flavor.
  • 1/3 cup sour cream Adds creaminess.
  • to taste hot sauce Optional for spice.
  • to taste salt To season.
  • to taste black pepper To season.
  • 10 small soft flour tortillas, warmed About 6–8 medium; use 10 for yield.
  • to garnish tomatoes, diced For fresh toppings.
  • to garnish cilantro, chopped For fresh flavor.

Method
 

Cooking
  1. In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add the ground beef and sprinkle with taco seasoning. Cook until fully browned, breaking the meat into crumbles. Drain excess grease and set the beef aside, leaving a thin layer of drippings in the pan.
  3. In the same pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a light roux.
  4. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly until smooth and slightly thickened.
  5. Stir in the Rotel (with juices). Reduce heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar, stirring until melted and creamy.
  6. Stir in the sour cream and hot sauce (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and add extra taco seasoning if desired.
  7. Add the cooked beef and onions back into the cheesy Rotel sauce and stir well to coat. Simmer on low for 8-10 minutes until thick, smooth, and scoopable.
  8. Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
  9. Spoon the cheesy beef mixture into each tortilla. Garnish with diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro, then serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

Store leftover taco filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To freeze, cool the filling and place it in freezer bags or containers, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.