Name: Rotel Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp olive oil; 1 cup chopped white onion; 1 lb ground beef; 1 Taco Seasoning Packet (for 1 lb of meat; Siete Mild recommended); 1 (10 oz) can Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Lime Juice and Cilantro (or Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies); 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed; 10 Nacho Cheese Flavored Hard Taco Shells; 3 cups shredded lettuce

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Introduction

These Rotel Tacos are a delicious and simple twist on classic tacos, featuring a creamy cheese sauce mixed with zesty tomatoes and seasoned ground beef. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

A close-up of two tacos in crunchy, orange shells, each filled with three distinct layers: a base layer of seasoned ground beef with a crumbly texture and dark brown color, a middle layer of melted creamy cheese with a smooth and slightly glossy appearance, and topped with fresh green cilantro leaves scattered on top, all placed upright in a shiny silver taco holder on a light wooden surface with a few cilantro leaves around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 Tbsp olive oil
1 cup chopped white onion

1 lb ground beef
1 Taco Seasoning Packet (for 1 lb of meat, any brand or spice level)

1 (10 oz) can Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Lime Juice and Cilantro (or Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies)
8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed

10 Nacho Cheese Flavored Hard Taco Shells
3 cups shredded lettuce (for assembly)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat until warm. Add the chopped white onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens.

Step 2: Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned. Stir in the taco seasoning according to the package instructions, then remove the pan from heat and set the meat aside.
Step 3: In a small pot, combine the can of Rotel diced tomatoes and the cubed Velveeta cheese. Heat over low-medium heat, stirring frequently until the cheese melts completely and forms a smooth sauce.
Step 4: While the cheese sauce is melting, warm the taco shells according to the package directions.

Step 5: To assemble the tacos, fill each taco shell with shredded lettuce, then add a layer of the seasoned ground beef, and finally top with the warm Velveeta cheese sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the assembled tacos before serving.
Swap Velveeta for shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese if you prefer a different cheese texture.

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
Feel free to add diced avocado or sour cream as additional toppings.

Storage

Store any leftover taco meat and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. Taco shells are best served fresh but can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature to stay crisp.

How to Serve

A close-up of an orange, crispy taco shell held upright in a silver taco stand on a wooden surface, filled with dark brown cooked ground meat at the bottom, topped with creamy yellow cheese sauce that looks smooth and slightly thick, and garnished with bright green cilantro leaves scattered on top. Some lettuce bits are peeking from beneath the meat, adding a touch of pale green. The background is softly blurred with more tacos and green leafy elements in soft focus, all on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free taco shells or soft corn tortillas and ensure your taco seasoning packet is labeled gluten-free.

Can I prepare the meat and cheese sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. Cook the meat and cheese sauce in advance, store them separately in the fridge, and reheat before assembling the tacos to save time on busy days.