Cheesy Rotel Beef Tacos

Ingredients

• 2.5 lbs ground beef (80/20)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2.5 cups whole milk, room temperature
• 2 cans (10 oz each) Rotel, undrained
• 2.5 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• Hot sauce, optional
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 8-10 soft flour tortillas, warmed
• Diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro for garnish

Method

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the onion until softened.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned; drain excess fat.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for another minute to bloom the spices.
4. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, whisk in the flour, and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
5. Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until the sauce thickens.
6. Add the undrained Rotel to the sauce and simmer briefly.
7. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth, then mix in the sour cream and hot sauce if using.
8. Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked beef mixture, or serve the sauce spooned over the beef.
10. Fill warm tortillas with the cheesy beef mixture and top with diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro.