Loaded Taco Creamy Cheese Sauce - Crispy Shells with Savory Beef and Melted Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade blend
• 1/4 cup water
• Salt
• pepper
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 small bell pepper (red or green), diced
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• 8-10 hard taco shells
• Extra shredded cheese for topping
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Sour cream (optional)
• Hot sauce (optional)