These Cheesy Rotel Tacos are a fun, flavor-packed treat! With melty cheese and zesty Rotel tomatoes, they’re sure to please everyone at the table.
Who can resist a taco with gooey cheese? I love piling on the toppings, like sour cream and guacamole, because more is always better, right? 🌮❤️
Making these tacos is super easy. Just brown the meat, mix in the Rotel, and let the cheese melt. It’s a quick meal that feels special every time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein. If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey or chicken works great! For a vegetarian option, try black beans or lentils for a hearty filling.
Rotel Diced Tomatoes: This adds flavor and a nice kick. If you can’t find Rotel, any diced tomatoes with green chilies will do. You can also use plain diced tomatoes and add fresh jalapeños for heat.
Corn Tortillas: I love using corn tortillas for their flavor and texture. If you prefer flour tortillas, that’s totally okay too! Just note they won’t get as crispy.
Cheese: Monterey Jack or mozzarella offers great meltiness! If you want something different, try cheddar or pepper jack for an extra kick. You can also use dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
How Do I Get Perfectly Crispy Tortillas?
To make your tacos extra crispy, frying the tortillas is a simple trick that adds crunch. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your skillet or griddle on medium and add a little vegetable oil.
- Cook each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side or until it’s lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; you want them flexible but not too crispy yet.
- Remove and drain on paper towels. They’ll be perfect for filling with all that cheesy goodness!
This method also helps the tortillas hold their shape after you’ve filled them. Enjoy your crispy tacos!
Cheesy Rotel Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Pico de gallo or diced tomatoes (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe should take about 30 minutes total—15 minutes for preparation and cooking, and the rest for assembling those delightful tacos. Quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Meat:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Keep cooking until it’s browned and no longer pink. If there’s extra grease, carefully drain it away.
2. Adding Flavor:
If you’re using onion, add the chopped onion to the beef now and sauté for about 2 minutes until it softens. This adds a lovely flavor! Next, stir in the taco seasoning and about 1/4 cup water. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors can meld and the mixture thickens slightly.
3. Mixing in the Rotel:
Now it’s time to add the Rotel! Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and green chilies, cooking for another 2-3 minutes. This will bring a nice kick to your beef mixture. Once done, remove it from the heat.
4. Preparing the Tortillas:
In another skillet or on a griddle, heat a bit of vegetable oil over medium heat. Lightly fry each corn tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side, just until they’re flexible and slightly golden. Then, remove them and set aside on a plate.
5. Assembling Your Tacos:
Now for the fun part! Take a tortilla and spoon a generous amount of the beef and Rotel mixture onto one half. Top it off with a good sprinkle of shredded cheese. Then, fold the tortilla over so it’s like a taco!
6. Melting the Cheese:
Place the taco back onto the skillet over low heat and cover it with a lid. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the tortilla is nice and crispy.
7. Garnishing and Serving:
Once done, remove the tacos from the skillet and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and a scoop of pico de gallo or diced tomatoes. Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy bite!
These cheesy Rotel tacos are a perfect blend of crispy and flavorful—ideal for a quick, satisfying meal! Enjoy!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative and will work just as well in this recipe. Just be sure to cook it until fully browned, similar to ground beef.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
If you like it spicy, consider using a hotter variety of Rotel or adding some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper or chili powder into the taco seasoning for an extra kick!
Can I Make These Tacos Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef and Rotel filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stovetop before assembling the tacos, and fry the tortillas fresh for the best texture.
What Should I Do If I Have Leftovers?
Leftover tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the filling on the stovetop and quickly re-fry the tortillas to retain their crispiness before assembling again.