These easy Rotel tacos went viral on TikTok. They are filled with a savory juicy ground beef filling then topped with a creamy rotel queso made with velvetta cheese. Served on a soft flour tortilla or crunchy hard taco shell.
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How To Make Rotel Tacos
Why did this recipe go viral? Quick and easy tacos are so popular on social media and get millions of views. This one has so many tasty elements including a juicy taco beef filling, wrapped in a flour tortilla or crunchy taco shell, and topped with a creamy rotel queso or sauce. Yum.
The viral crispy taco shell used is nacho flavored, similar to Taco Bell’s Nacho Cheese Locos. My local grocery store was out of stock, but if you see them pick it up, they are so good.
Check out these viral recipes Fried Tacos (2 Ways) and Smash Burger Tacos with Big Mac Sauce!!!
Ingredients and Substitutions
Taco Filling
Meat - Ground beef of choice, the leaner 85/15 will have less grease. Substitute any meat like ground turkey or chicken. You can even chop chicken thighs into small dices.
Taco Seasoning - Choose your favorite blend or packet. You can also substitute with an easy homemade taco blend that has mexican oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, onion and garlic powder.
Onion & Garlic- Fresh chopped garlic and onion adds so much flavor but onion and garlic powder can be substituted.
Tortilla - Nacho hard taco shells is the viral choice, but use your favorite. For soft tacos, I love flour street size for this recipe.
Try these gluten-free and vegan 1-ingredient Cassava Tortillas or Plantain Tortillas recipes!!!
Rotel Queso
Rotel - I love the original with green chilies, but there are so many options, fire roasted and extra spicy with habaneros.
Cheese - Velvetta, American, colby jack, and mild cheddar. A mixture of them would be extra delicious.
Love queso? Check out this TikTok White Queso recipe just like your favorite local Mexican restaurant.
Tips and Suggestions
Add a little tomato paste to the taco mixture for a boost of flavor.
When browning the ground beef make sure the skillet is hot to get a nice sear on the meat.
If not using lean ground beef, don’t forget to drain or use a paper towel to soak up the excess grease.
Nacho flavored hard taco shells can be a touch salty, try to use a low sodium taco seasoning mix.
Swap the tacos for tortilla chips to make Rotel Nachos with lots of yummy toppings.
Don’t skip adding the water to the meat and taco seasoning, it adds moisture for that juicy meaty texture.
Make this in one-pan by making the meat filling first, then adding the cheeses and rotel.
How To Serve
These rotel tacos are delicious as is, but serving them with fresh topping, salsa, and sides will make an impressive Taco Tuesday meal.
Toppings & Salsa - Sour cream, lettuce, red onions, cilantro, jalapeños, taco sauce, verde and hot sauce.
Sides - Refried beans or black beans, Mexican rice, sautéed vegetables, fire roasted corn or seasoned potatoes.
Try this delicious appetizer Elote Corn Dip or Strawberry Crunch Tres Leches Cake for dessert.
Leftovers and Storage
If there are any leftovers, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and easily reheated in the microwave.
Step By Step Photos and Directions
Make Taco Beef Filling
- Grab and prep the ingredients.
2. In a fry pan or skillet on medium-high heat cook the ground beef until brown. Drain or use paper towels to remove excess grease if necessary.
3. Reduce to medium add onion, garlic, and taco seasoning. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add ½ cup water and cook for about 5 minutes.
5. The taco beef should be fully cook through with a light sauce. Set aside and let cool.
Rotel Queso
- In a saucepan on low heat add the undrained can of rotel. Mix and let it warm up.
2. Add the cheese little by little allowing it to melt in between each addition.
3. Keep mixing until it has a nice smooth with chunks of tomato. Set aside.
Pan Fry Taco With Flour Tortilla
- In a fry pan or skillet add a thin layer of oil, keep the flame on low-medium.
- Add the flour tortilla and turn over after 15-30 seconds.
3. Top with about 1-2 heaping tablespoons of cooked meat and 1-2 tablespoons of the rotel queso onto one side of the tortilla.
4. Cover the filling with empty end of the tortilla to make a half moon.
5. Flip over the the tortilla to crisp the top side. Cook for about 15-30 seconds.
6. Remove from the skillet on to a plate. Let cool a bit and its ready for toppings or to dip.
Assemble The Crispy Taco Shells
- Place warm tacos shells onto a taco holder to keep them upright.
- Top with shredded lettuce and taco meat.
3. Next with the creamy rotel queso or cheese sauce.
4. The last layer is sour cream and cilantro. Enjoy.
Rotel Tacos
Equipment
- Fry Pan or Cast Iron Skillet
- Saucepan
- Cutting Board and Knife
- Cooking Spoon
- Spatula
- Plate or Metal Tray
- Taco Holder
Ingredients
- 10 Hard Taco Shells or Flour Tortillas (Street Taco Size) (Nacho Flavor, if preferred)
- Neutral Oil For Pan Frying
- Toppings of Choice, Lettuce, Sour Cream, and Cilantro
Ground Beef Taco Filling
- 1 lb. Ground Beef (85/15) or Meat of Choice
- ½ cup Onion (Chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Chopped)
- 3 tablespoon Taco Seasoning or Packet
- ½ cup Water
Rotel Queso
- 10 oz can Rotel Tomatoes with Green Chilies, undrained
- 16oz Cheese - 8oz Velvetta and 8oz American
Instructions
Make Ground Beef Taco Filling
- In a fry pan on medium high heat cook the ground beef until brown. Drain or use paper towels to remove excess grease if necessary.
- Reduce to medium add onion, garlic, and taco seasoning. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add ½ cup water and cook for about 5 minutes. The taco beef should be fully cook through with a light sauce. Set aside and let cool.
Rotel Queso
- In a saucepan on low heat add the undrained can of rotel. Mix and let it warm up.
- Add the cheese little by little allowing it to melt in between each addition.
- Keep mixing until it has a nice smooth with chunks of tomato. Set aside.
Pan Fry Taco With Flour Tortilla
- In a fry pan or skillet add a thin layer of oil, keep the flame on low-medium.
- Add the flour tortilla and turn over after 15-30 seconds.
- Top with about 1-2 heaping tablespoons of cooked meat and 1-2 tablespoons of the rotel queso onto one side of the tortilla.
- Cover the filling with empty end of the tortilla to make a half moon.
- Flip over the the tortilla to crisp the top side. Cook for about 15-30 seconds.
- Remove from the skillet on to a plate. Let cool a bit and its ready for toppings or to dip.
Assemble The Crispy Taco Shells
- Place warm tacos shells onto a taco holder to keep them upright.
- Top with a layer of lettuce, taco meat filling, rotel queso, sour cream and cilantro.
- Serve with more of your favorite extra toppings and sides. Enjoy.
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