Loaded Taco Shells with Creamy Cheese Sauce | The Ultimate Tex-Mex Comfort Food
If you’re craving bold flavors, crispy textures, and lots of cheese, these Loaded Taco Shells with Creamy Cheese Sauceare about to become your new go-to recipe. Imagine taco shells filled with seasoned beef, beans, and fresh toppings—then drizzled with a silky, homemade cheese sauce that takes taco night to the next level.
This recipe is quick enough for weeknights but impressive enough for parties, game day, or family gatherings. It’s Tex-Mex comfort food at its finest!
Ezoic
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheesy & indulgent – every bite has gooey, melty goodness.
Customizable – swap proteins, toppings, and spice levels.
Family favorite – fun to build and eat.
Perfect for sharing – makes a festive, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the taco filling:
1 lb ground beef (or chicken/turkey)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
1/2 cup canned black beans (drained)
1/2 cup corn kernels
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the cheese sauce:
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp chili powder
Salt, to taste
For assembling:
8–10 hard taco shells
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup sliced jalapeños
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
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.
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.
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.
Finish with toppings – Garnish with jalapeños, cilantro, or extra cheese as desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips & Variations
Protein swap: Try shredded chicken, pulled pork, or sautéed veggies for a vegetarian option.
Spice it up: Add hot sauce, chipotle peppers, or use pepper jack cheese.
Make it creamy: Mix sour cream or cream cheese into the taco filling for extra richness.
Party-style: Arrange taco shells upright in a baking dish, fill, and bake with cheese sauce drizzled over the top.
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.