Loaded Taco Creamy Cheese Sauce

Category: Food That Makes People Think You've Got Life Figured Out

Crispy taco shells become especially crave-worthy when packed with savory ground beef, sautéed onions, and garlic. A decadent cheese sauce—made silky with cream cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, and fresh cilantro—brings everything together. Bell peppers and tomatoes add a pop of color and tang. After being filled and topped, the tacos are baked to meld the flavors and melt the cheese further. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and your favorite toppings for a festive, crowd-pleasing meal bursting with Tex-Mex flair.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Wed, 30 Jul 2025 22:46:02 GMT
A plate of loaded taco shells with creamy cheese sauce. Save
A plate of loaded taco shells with creamy cheese sauce. | lilicooks.com

Loaded taco shells with creamy cheese sauce are my secret when I want to turn an average taco night into something craveworthy These are stuffed with juicy spiced beef and piled high with a luscious melty cheese sauce balanced by sweet peppers and tangy tomatoes Every bite is packed with layers of flavor and just the right amount of crunch and gooeyness

The first time I brought these to our taco night my husband declared he would never go back to plain ground beef tacos again Now they are our official birthday meal request every year

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: gives a hearty filling so go for high quality 80 20 blend for the best texture and richness
  • Diced onions: add sweetness and savory depth pick fresh firm ones with shiny skins
  • Garlic: brings punchy aroma always use firm cloves free from green sprouts
  • Taco seasoning: gives classic flavor store bought or make your own for full control
  • Hard taco shells: provide that craveable crunch check for cracks and choose ones with a sturdy feel
  • Butter: gives the cheese sauce a velvety base use real unsalted for best results
  • Flour: thickens the sauce select unbleached all purpose for consistency
  • Whole milk: creates creaminess try to use whole and not low fat for richness
  • Cream cheese: brings tangy silkiness let it soften for easy blending
  • Shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese: deliver melt and bold flavor shred your own if possible for smoothest results
  • Bell pepper and tomatoes: add juiciness pop and a little sweetness go for glossy bright colored bell peppers
  • Fresh cilantro: finishes with freshness make sure leaves are bright green and not wilted
  • Seasonings (like garlic powder and onion powder): layer more savory notes go for trusted brands without fillers
  • Extra shredded cheese: for those who want the ultimate melted cheese pull
  • Sour cream and hot sauce: can be added based on everyone’s preference

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Beef:
In a large skillet brown ground beef over medium high heat stir often to break up the meat Leave it undisturbed for a minute at a time to develop flavor Once no longer pink about six to eight minutes stir in diced onion Let the onion cook until softened for three or four minutes This infuses the beef with sweet aromatic notes Add the garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant Stir in taco seasoning and water Let this mixture cook until most of the liquid evaporates and the beef is glossy and saucy Season to taste with salt and pepper Set this filling aside
Make the Cheese Sauce:
Place a saucepan on medium heat and melt butter completely Sprinkle in flour and whisk vigorously until it forms a paste Continue whisking and allow the roux to bubble gently for a full minute This prevents a raw flour flavor Slowly drizzle in whole milk whisking constantly to keep the mixture smooth Lumps usually smooth out if you pour gradually Once it thickens slightly reduce heat to low Add softened cream cheese whisk until melted and fully blended Add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses in small handfuls Save some cheese for topping if you like Keep stirring as each batch melts Next stir in diced bell pepper tomatoes garlic powder onion powder and cilantro Season the sauce as you like and if you want a kick sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes Keep this sauce warm and stir it every so often so it stays smooth
Warm the Shells:
Preheat your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Line up hard taco shells on a baking tray Pop them into the oven for about three to five minutes until heated and crisp Removing the chill and giving a touch of toasted crunch makes a difference
Assemble and Serve:
Fill each prepped taco shell with two or three spoonfuls of your seasoned beef Spoon creamy cheese sauce over the beef so it oozes a little over the edges Scatter extra shredded cheese on top Place back in the oven for a couple of minutes until everything melts together Finish with a shower of chopped cilantro Serve quickly with cold sour cream and your favorite hot sauce
A plate of loaded taco shells with creamy cheese sauce. Save
A plate of loaded taco shells with creamy cheese sauce. | lilicooks.com

My daughter’s favorite part is piling on the extra cheese before the final bake When we eat these on game night everyone builds their own and the kitchen is pure happy chaos

Storage Tips

Store leftover taco beef and cheese sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator Both will keep well for two to three days Warm the cheese sauce gently over low heat whisking in a splash of milk if it gets too thick Taco shells should be kept dry at room temperature and only filled just before eating to keep them crisp

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can easily replace beef if you prefer something lighter Vegetarian crumbles work well too Swap in pepper jack or mozzarella for a twist on the cheese sauce If you are out of taco shells serve the beef and cheese sauce over rice for a fun taco bowl

Serving Suggestions

A crisp slaw or a simple chopped salad makes a great fresh side dish Try topping each taco with pickled jalapenos or extra diced tomatoes Offer both mild salsa and hot sauce in small bowls so each person can customize their spice level

A plate of loaded taco shells with creamy cheese sauce. Save
A plate of loaded taco shells with creamy cheese sauce. | lilicooks.com

Cultural and Historical Notes

Seasoned taco beef is a Tex Mex staple but loading it with creamy cheese sauce is a true American upgrade inspired by chili con queso The use of crunchy taco shells became popularized in the US for their convenience and fun texture making tacos more accessible for busy families

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep taco shells crispy?

Preheat taco shells in the oven just before filling them, and avoid letting the sauce sit in shells for too long before serving.

→ Can I substitute ground beef?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian protein blend to suit your preferences.

→ What makes the cheese sauce creamy?

Whole milk, cream cheese, and a gradual melt of cheddar and Monterey Jack create a smooth, velvety sauce.

→ How can I add extra heat?

Incorporate red pepper flakes into the cheese sauce or serve with hot sauce on the side for a spicy kick.

→ Do leftovers store well?

It's best to store beef and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers. Assemble tacos just before serving.

→ Can I prepare components ahead of time?

Absolutely. Cook the beef and prepare the cheese sauce in advance, then reheat and assemble when ready to eat.

Loaded Taco Creamy Cheese Sauce

Taco shells stuffed with savory beef, topped with a creamy cheese sauce, fresh vegetables, and vibrant toppings.

Preparation Time
20 min
Cooking Time
25 min
Overall Time
45 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Party & Snacks

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: Mexican

Output: 8 Serves (8-10 taco shells)

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Seasoned Ground Beef

01 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
02 1 small onion, diced
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade blend
05 1/4 cup water
06 Salt and pepper to taste

→ Creamy Cheese Sauce

07 3 tablespoons butter
08 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
09 1 1/2 cups whole milk
10 8 oz cream cheese, softened
11 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
12 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
13 1 small bell pepper (red or green), diced
14 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
15 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
16 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
17 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
18 Salt and pepper to taste
19 Red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Additional Ingredients

20 8-10 hard taco shells
21 Extra shredded cheese for topping
22 Fresh cilantro for garnish
23 Sour cream (optional)
24 Hot sauce (optional)

Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes until the liquid reduces and the mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 02

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and add the softened cream cheese, whisking until smooth and melted. Add the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses gradually, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Stir in the diced bell pepper, tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, and cilantro. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Keep the sauce warm over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Step 03

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place taco shells on a baking sheet and warm for 3-5 minutes until crispy.

Step 04

Fill each taco shell with 2-3 tablespoons of the seasoned ground beef mixture. Generously spoon the creamy cheese sauce over each filled taco shell, allowing it to overflow slightly. Sprinkle with extra shredded cheese and return to the oven for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese topping. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with sour cream and hot sauce on the side.

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains gluten

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 420
  • Fats: 30.7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24.5 g
  • Proteins: 17.2 g