Ingredients You’ll Need
For the taco filling:
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1 lb ground beef (or chicken/turkey)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
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1/2 cup canned black beans (drained)
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1/2 cup corn kernels
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Salt & pepper, to taste
For the cheese sauce:
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2 tbsp butter
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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1 1/2 cups whole milk
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1/4 tsp chili powder
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Salt, to taste
For assembling:
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8–10 hard taco shells
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1 cup shredded lettuce
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1 cup diced tomatoes
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1/4 cup sliced jalapeños
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Fresh cilantro, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare the taco filling – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Stir in taco seasoning, beans, corn, and a splash of water. Simmer 2–3 minutes until flavors meld.
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Make the cheese sauce – In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in milk while whisking until smooth. Stir in shredded cheese, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt. Cook until creamy and smooth.
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Assemble the tacos – Warm taco shells according to package instructions. Fill each with beef mixture, lettuce, and tomatoes. Drizzle generously with the warm cheese sauce.
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Finish with toppings – Garnish with jalapeños, cilantro, or extra cheese as desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips & Variations
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Protein swap: Try shredded chicken, pulled pork, or sautéed veggies for a vegetarian option.
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Spice it up: Add hot sauce, chipotle peppers, or use pepper jack cheese.
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Make it creamy: Mix sour cream or cream cheese into the taco filling for extra richness.
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Party-style: Arrange taco shells upright in a baking dish, fill, and bake with cheese sauce drizzled over the top.
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Kid-friendly: Use mild taco seasoning and keep the cheese sauce plain without chili powder.
Final Thoughts
These Loaded Taco Shells with Creamy Cheese Sauce are everything you love about taco night—but cheesier, creamier, and even more satisfying. Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight dinner or a party platter, they’ll be the star of the table. Crispy shells, savory beef, fresh toppings, and golden cheese sauce? That’s taco perfection.