Description
These Loaded Cheesy Tacos are a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring seasoned ground beef or turkey, melted cheddar cheese, and a variety of fresh toppings. Perfect for taco night, they are sure to please a crowd with their burst of flavors and customizable options!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound 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 its browned and no longer pink. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the tacos from becoming greasy.
- Add the taco seasoning to the beef. If using a store-bought packet, follow the instructions on the package, typically adding the seasoning along with 1 cup of water.
- Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
- 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 them in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until crispy and golden.
- If using soft tortillas, warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or wrap them in foil and place them in the oven until warm.
- Once the beef is ready and the taco shells are prepared, start assembling the tacos by placing a generous spoonful of the seasoned beef into each taco shell.
- Sprinkle a handful of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef, allowing the heat to melt the cheese slightly.
- Add a layer of shredded lettuce, followed by diced tomatoes for freshness and crunch.
- If desired, add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Finish each taco with a dollop of sour cream for richness.
- Optionally, add a few slices of avocado on top for a creamy texture.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the tacos for flavor and color. Drizzle with hot sauce if desired.
- Arrange the assembled tacos on a large platter or individual plates for a beautiful presentation.
- Serve immediately while warm and the cheese is melty. They are best enjoyed fresh!
- Provide extra toppings on the side, such as more sour cream, diced tomatoes, and hot sauce, for customization.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences. Other great additions include black olives, corn, or guacamole.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with black beans or lentils.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes