Cheesy Beef Tacos are the ultimate comfort food—quick, flavorful, and irresistibly satisfying. Juicy seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar, and creamy nacho cheese come together inside crunchy taco shells for a bold, crowd-pleasing meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or game nights, these tacos deliver big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling
- 1 lb (500 g) ground beef
- 2 small onions, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix)
- ⅓ cup water
For Assembly & Toppings
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup nacho cheese sauce
- ¼ cup diced red bell pepper
- 10 taco shells
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft, fragrant, and lightly golden.
3️⃣ Season & Simmer
Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Mix well and let the beef simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the meat evenly.
4️⃣ Warm the Taco Shells
Warm the taco shells according to package instructions until crisp and heated through.
5️⃣ Assemble the Tacos
Fill each taco shell with a generous portion of the seasoned beef mixture.
6️⃣ Add the Cheese
Top with shredded cheddar cheese, drizzle with warm nacho cheese sauce, and sprinkle diced red bell pepper over the top.
7️⃣ Garnish & Serve
Finish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
Tips, Variations & Storage
Tips
- Warm the nacho cheese sauce for extra creaminess.
- Serve tacos immediately to keep shells crunchy.
Variations
- Spicy Tacos: Add jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Chicken Version: Swap ground beef for shredded chicken.
- Loaded Tacos: Add lettuce, sour cream, or diced tomatoes.
Storage
- Store leftover beef filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Pairings & Serving Ideas
- Serve with guacamole, salsa, or Mexican rice.
- Pair with lime soda, margaritas, or iced tea.
- Great alongside corn salad or tortilla chips.
Quick Info
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Calories: ~580 kcal per serving
