Next, while the beef is simmering, I make the creamy cheese sauce. I combine the cream cheese and milk in a mixing bowl, whisking until smooth and creamy. Then I fold in a generous portion of shredded cheese, allowing it to melt fully; this creates that ooey-gooey texture we all crave. Once the sauce is ready, I set it aside, letting it cool slightly while my beef finishes cooking.
Now it’s time to assemble my taco shells. I spoon some of the seasoned beef into the bottom of each shell and then drizzle that heavenly cheese sauce generously over the top. I love to load them up with diced tomatoes and shredded lettuce; it adds a refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the warm fillings. If you’re feeling adventurous, a few sliced jalapeños can really spice things up!
Once I’ve filled and topped all the shells, I arrange them on a baking sheet and pop them into a preheated oven for about 10 minutes. This allows everything to meld together and warms the shells if they’re soft. The anticipation while they bake is one of my favorite parts, and the smell that fills the kitchen is absolutely irresistible.
Pro Tips for Best Results
One tip I often share is to sauté some onions and bell peppers along with the ground beef. They add a fantastic depth of flavor and texture that I absolutely love. I tested this three ways—simply browning the beef, adding the veggies, and even adding some black beans for heartiness—and the veggie addition was the clear winner.
Another thing I learned is to serve the cheese sauce warm or at least keep it in a gentle heat. Nobody likes a cold cheese sauce, especially when it’s meant to be drizzled! If it thickens up too much while you’re assembling, I just add a splash of milk to loosen it again.
Finally, I can’t stress enough the importance of garnishing! A sprinkle of fresh cilantro not only brightens the dish visually but also adds a refreshing flavor kick. Plus, it looks super inviting on the table!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overloading the taco shells with fillings. I get it; they’re delicious! But trust me, if they’re packed too tightly, they become difficult to handle and could even break apart when you try to pick them up. It’s better to keep a manageable amount for easy munching! (See the next page below to continue…)