Description
These Loaded Cheesy Tacos are a delicious combination of seasoned ground beef or turkey in crispy or soft taco shells, topped with melted cheddar cheese, fresh veggies, and creamy sour cream. Ideal for gatherings or family dinners, they offer a customizable and satisfying meal option.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup water
- 8 taco shells
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
- Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks.
- Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s browned and no longer pink. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the tacos from being greasy.
- Add the taco seasoning to the beef. If using a store-bought packet, follow the instructions on the package, typically adding the seasoning and 1 cup of water to the skillet.
- Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the beef is simmering, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if using hard taco shells. If using soft tortillas, skip this step.
- Arrange the hard taco shells on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until crispy and golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- For soft tortillas, warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or wrap in foil and place in the oven for a few minutes.
- Once the beef filling is ready and the taco shells are prepared, start assembling the tacos by placing a generous spoonful of the beef mixture into each taco shell.
- Sprinkle a handful of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef, allowing the heat to melt the cheese slightly.
- Add toppings: start with shredded lettuce, followed by diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños if desired.
- Finish each taco with a dollop of sour cream for a creamy texture.
- Optionally, add a few slices of avocado on top and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
- Arrange the assembled tacos on a large platter or individual plates for a beautiful presentation.
- Serve with hot sauce on the side for those who like an extra kick, and offer additional toppings like extra cheese, salsa, or guacamole for customization.
- Enjoy your loaded cheesy tacos with friends and family!
Notes
- Customize toppings based on preferences; consider adding black olives, corn, or refried beans for extra flavor.
- For vegetarian options, substitute ground beef with lentils, black beans, or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat.
- For a healthier option, use whole wheat or corn tortillas instead of traditional taco shells.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes