If you are looking for an easy dinner that is packed with flavor and comes together fast, these Rotel tacos with nacho cheese sauce are going to be a favorite. This recipe takes simple ingredients like ground beef, canned Rotel tomatoes, and creamy nacho cheese and turns them into a rich, satisfying taco filling that feels a little indulgent without being complicated.
This is one of those meals that works for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or even game day. It uses pantry staples and requires minimal prep, which makes it perfect when you want something comforting without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
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Why You Will Like This
- Great for feeding a family or meal prepping
- Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes
- Uses simple, budget friendly ingredients
- Packed with bold, cheesy flavor
- Perfect for tacos, nachos, or burrito bowls
Ingredients Needed for Rotel Tacos
- Ground beef - is considered better than higher fat options for several reasons. First, it has less saturated fat, which can contribute to heart disease and other health issues. Additionally, it tends to have fewer calories per serving, making it a good option for those watching their weight. The 96% lean ground beef from Aldi is my favorite.
- Taco seasoning - Is a blend of spices used to flavor ground beef or other meats for use in tacos. It typically includes a combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and sometimes salt and pepper. It can be purchased pre-mixed, or made at home using individual spices. I usually buy the Lower Sodium Taco Seasoning packets such as Mrs Dash.
- Lettuce - Romaine or Iceberg
- Cheddar or mozzarella cheese, plus more for tacos
- Taco hard style taco shells or Dorito flavored hard style taco shells
- Velveeta cheese - use the blocked cheese or shredded cheese
- Rotel Tomatoes
- See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements
How to Make Rotel Tacos
Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Stir in the taco seasoning packet and water. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: While the beef mixture is cooking, warm the taco shells in the oven according to package instructions.
Step 3: Start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Next, slowly whisk in milk until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Gradually add in the Velveeta and shredded cheese,stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Then add a can of drained Rotel tomatoes.
Step 4: Assemble the tacos by spooning the beef mixture into each taco shell. Top the tacos with the Rotel cheese sauce then your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, salsa, and avocado slices.
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious ground beef tacos!
Pro Tips
- Do not drain the Rotel. The liquid helps create a saucy filling
- Let the mixture simmer so it thickens and develops flavor
- Use a thicker nacho cheese sauce for the best texture
- If the mixture gets too thick, add a splash of water or broth
- For extra flavor, cook the meat with a little diced onion
- Warm tortillas before serving to prevent them from breaking
Storage
Store any leftover taco filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If it thickens too much, add a small splash of water or broth to loosen it.
You can also freeze the filling. Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Recipe FAQS
Yes, both work well and create a lighter version of the recipe.
It has a mild kick from the Rotel, but it is not overly spicy. You can use mild Rotel if you prefer less heat.
If you tried this Rotel Tacos or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you! Follow along on Tiktok @jennarecipediaries
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Rotel Tacos
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 20 min
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Easy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Rotel tacos are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of seasoned ground beef with and get topped with Rotel cheese sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 package of taco seasoning
- 1 cup of lettuce
- 1 cup of cheddar or mozzarella cheese, plus more for tacos
- 8 taco hard style taco shells
- 1 cup of Velveeta cheese
- 1 10oz can of Rotel Tomatoes
- 1 cup of cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
- Stir in the taco seasoning packet and water. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- While the beef mixture is cooking, warm the taco shells in the oven according to package instructions.
- Start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Next, slowly whisk in milk until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Gradually add in the Velveeta and shredded cheese,stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Then add a can of drained Rotel tomatoes.
- Assemble the tacos by spooning the beef mixture into each taco shell. Top the tacos with the Rotel cheese sauce then your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, salsa, and avocado slices.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious ground beef tacos!
Notes
Rotel tacos are easily customizable and great to make for dinner!
Jennifer says
Easy and delicious, family loved this recipe!