These Cheesy Rotel Tacos are a tasty twist on a classic! With spicy Rotel tomatoes and gooey cheese, they’re sure to please everyone at the table.
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself sneaking a few before serving! 😄 I love how quick they are to make—just fill, bake, and enjoy a cheesy feast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef is perfect for these tacos, but you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. A plant-based protein, like lentils or crumbled tofu, also works well if you’re looking for a vegetarian choice!
Rotel Diced Tomatoes: Rotel adds a fantastic kick! If you can’t find it, you can use regular diced tomatoes and add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to get that spicy flavor. Fresh tomatoes with a bit of hot sauce are another great option.
Corn Tortillas: I recommend using corn tortillas for their authentic texture and flavor. However, if you need a gluten-free alternative, feel free to use gluten-free tortillas or even flour tortillas for a softer bite.
Cheese: Mexican blend cheese brings great flavor and meltiness. If you’re lactose intolerant, there are lactose-free cheeses available. You can also try a dairy-free cheese that melts well, or skip the cheese entirely for a lighter version!
How Do You Perfectly Fry Tortillas for Tacos?
Frying tortillas is key to achieving that crispy edge! Here’s how to do it right:
- Use enough cooking oil in a skillet to cover the bottom well but not too deep; a few tablespoons should work.
- Heat the oil over medium heat. To test if it’s ready, drop a small piece of tortilla in; if it sizzles, you’re good to go!
- Carefully place each tortilla in the hot oil, frying for about 30 seconds on each side. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning.
- Once they’re lightly golden and pliable, remove and drain them on paper towels.
Lightly frying makes them sturdy for holding the fillings and helps to keep them from getting soggy. Enjoy your tacos with that perfect crunch!
Cheesy Rotel Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz)
- 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 10-12 small corn tortillas
For Garnishing:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Cooking Tools:
- Skillet
- Baking sheet
- Paper towels
- Cooking oil (for frying tortillas)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe should take about 20 minutes to prep and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes browning the meat and preparing the filling, then just a few minutes frying the tortillas and baking everything together. Quick and delicious, perfect for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Make sure there’s no pink left!
2. Season the Meat:
Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat. Next, sprinkle in the taco seasoning mix and pour in the can of Rotel tomatoes (don’t forget the juice!). Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This will help the flavors blend together nicely. After that, remove it from heat.
3. Prepare the Tortillas:
In another skillet, heat some cooking oil over medium heat. You want enough oil to lightly fry the corn tortillas. Fry each tortilla for about 30 seconds per side, until they are pliable and just slightly crisp. Drain them on paper towels to soak up any extra oil.
4. Assemble the Tacos:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Now it’s time to fill the tacos! Spoon the seasoned beef mixture into each tortilla shell. Place the filled tacos upright on a baking sheet for easy baking.
5. Add Cheese and Bake:
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top of each taco. Then, pop them into the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is nice and melted. You want that gooey, bubbly goodness!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once the tacos are out of the oven, it’s time to garnish! Top your tacos with the finely chopped onion, diced tomato, and fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor. Serve them warm with dollops of sour cream and lime wedges on the side for squeezing.
Enjoy your Cheesy Rotel Tacos—a delightful combo of cheesy, spicy, and crispy that everyone will love!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative if you’re looking for a healthier or vegetarian option.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want to add some extra heat, consider using spicy Rotel tomatoes or adding chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture. A sprinkle of cayenne pepper can also amp up the spice level!
Can I Make These Tacos in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just fry the tortillas and assemble them right before baking to keep everything crispy and fresh.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help maintain the crispiness of the shells!
