Description
Loaded Cheesy Tacos are a flavorful, satisfying meal perfect for any taco lover. Ground beef seasoned with taco spices is cooked to perfection and combined with a variety of fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and optional jalapeños and avocado. Whether you prefer crispy hard shells baked in the oven or warm soft tortillas, this recipe delivers a deliciously cheesy and hearty taco experience in just 30 minutes, serving eight people.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Filling
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup water
- Olive oil (for cooking)
Taco Shells & Cheese
- 8 taco shells (hard or soft)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh Toppings
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat until hot.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
- Drain Fat: Remove excess fat from the skillet to avoid greasy tacos.
- Add Seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef, add 1 cup of water, and stir everything together following the packet instructions.
- Simmer Beef Mixture: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare Taco Shells: If using hard taco shells, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange shells on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes until crispy and golden. For soft tortillas, warm them in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side or wrap in foil and warm in the oven.
- Assemble Tacos: Spoon the beef filling into each taco shell generously.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the hot beef to allow slight melting.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños if desired.
- Finish with Sour Cream: Add a dollop of sour cream on top for creaminess.
- Optional Garnishes: Add avocado slices and garnish with chopped cilantro.
- Serve and Customize: Arrange tacos on a platter and serve with hot sauce and extra toppings like salsa or guacamole for personalization.
- Enjoy! Share your loaded cheesy tacos with friends and family for a delicious feast.
Notes
- For a healthier option, use lean ground turkey or beef.
- Adjust spice levels by adding or omitting jalapeños and hot sauce.
- Soft tortillas can be used instead of hard shells according to preference.
- Keep an eye on taco shells while baking to avoid burning.
- Extra toppings like guacamole, salsa, or additional cheese can enhance flavor and texture.
