Description
These loaded cheesy tacos are a flavorful and easy-to-make meal featuring seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, fresh veggies, and optional toppings like avocado and jalapeños. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe combines savory, spicy, and creamy elements in crispy or soft taco shells for a satisfying taco feast.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Filling
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup water
- Olive oil, for cooking (about 1 tbsp)
Taco Shells and Cheese
- 8 taco shells (hard or soft tortillas)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Hot sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat until hot.
- Cook the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned and no longer pink.
- Drain excess fat: Carefully drain excess fat from the skillet to avoid greasy tacos.
- Add taco seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef, add 1 cup water (following packet instructions), and stir to combine.
- Simmer the beef mixture: Bring to a simmer and cook about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens slightly.
- Prepare taco shells: For hard taco shells, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange shells on a baking sheet and bake 5-7 minutes until crispy and golden. For soft tortillas, warm in a dry skillet 30 seconds per side or wrap in foil and warm in the oven a few minutes.
- Assemble tacos: Spoon seasoned beef into each taco shell.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef to slightly melt from the heat.
- Add toppings: Layer shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños if desired.
- Finish with sour cream: Add a dollop of sour cream to each taco for creaminess.
- Optional garnish: Add sliced avocado and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top.
- Serve: Arrange tacos on a platter and offer hot sauce and extra toppings like salsa or guacamole on the side.
- Enjoy: Share with friends and family for a delicious, loaded taco feast.
Notes
- Use ground turkey for a leaner alternative to beef.
- If you prefer spicier tacos, add extra jalapeños or hot sauce.
- You can customize toppings to your liking with olives, onions, or different cheeses.
- To keep tacos warm, cover the assembled tacos loosely with foil.
- Hard taco shells can be swapped with large flour tortillas for a soft taco option.
- Store leftover beef mixture separately and reheat before assembling tacos.
