Cheesy Rotel Tacos are a fun twist on a classic favorite! With cheesy goodness mixed with zesty tomatoes and green chilies, they are sure to please everyone’s taste buds.
Making these tacos is a breeze! I love piling them high with toppings like sour cream and guacamole, turning dinner into a mini fiesta. Who’s ready for taco night? 🌮🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein in the tacos. You can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like lentils or black beans for a healthier choice.
Rotel Tomatoes: The diced tomatoes and green chilies add flavor and a little heat. If you prefer milder flavors, use regular diced tomatoes or add fresh diced bell peppers instead.
Taco Seasoning: A taco seasoning packet is convenient, but you can make your own mix using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder if you want control over the spices.
Corn Tortillas: I love using corn tortillas for that authentic flavor. If you’re gluten-free, look for corn or gluten-free tortillas. Flour tortillas also work if you prefer them.
Cheese: A Mexican blend cheese works great. I often use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack. If you’re dairy-free, try a plant-based cheese substitute.
How Can I Perfectly Fry Corn Tortillas?
Frying corn tortillas is crucial for making them crispy and delicious. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Lightly fry each tortilla for about 20 seconds per side—this makes them pliable for folding.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; fry a few at a time for the best results!
Perfectly fried tortillas set the foundation for your cheesy Rotel tacos. It makes a big difference in texture and flavor!
Cheesy Rotel Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter, for frying
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Sour cream, for topping
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Guacamole (optional), for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious taco recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and cooking the beef and another 10 minutes frying the tortillas and assembling the tacos. The rest is just for garnishing and serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s nice and browned, stirring and breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Make sure no pink remains! This should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add Flavor:
Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Then, return the skillet to the heat and stir in the drained Rotel tomatoes and the taco seasoning mix. Add 1/4 cup of water and let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors can meld together and the mixture thickens slightly.
3. Fry the Tortillas:
While the beef is cooking, heat another large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a little vegetable oil or butter for frying. Now, lightly fry each corn tortilla for about 20 seconds on each side until they are pliable and slightly golden. This will make them easy to fold!
4. Assemble the Tacos:
Take one tortilla and spoon a generous amount of the taco beef mixture onto one half. Don’t be shy—make it hearty! Then, sprinkle a good amount of shredded cheese over the meat. Fold the tortilla in half to create a taco.
5. Cook the Tacos:
Return the folded tacos to the hot skillet or griddle. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the cheese melts and the taco shells are crispy and golden brown.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the tacos from the skillet and place them on a serving platter. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. Serve with fresh lime wedges and guacamole on the side if you’d like! Now dig into your cheesy, crispy Rotel tacos!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great as a leaner alternative to beef. Just ensure you cook it thoroughly and season well with your taco seasoning to enhance the flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Rotel Tomatoes?
No problem! You can substitute Rotel with regular diced tomatoes and add your own chopped green chilies for that extra kick. You can also include in some diced jalapeños if you like it spicy!
Can I Make These Tacos Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in a skillet and fry fresh tortillas when you’re ready to serve.
How Do I Get the Tortillas Extra Crispy?
For extra crispy tortillas, make sure your oil is hot before frying! Frying them for a little longer (up to 30 seconds each side) will also give you that perfect crunchy texture. Just be careful not to burn them!
