Loaded Tacos with Creamy Cheese Sauce (Crispy and Cheesy)

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, preferably 80/20
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning, or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons (42 g) unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons (24 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) whole milk
• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 small red or green bell pepper, finely diced
• 1/3 cup (55 g) diced tomato, seeded if very juicy
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Pinch of red pepper flakes, optional
• 12 hard taco shells
• 1/2 cup (55 g) extra shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
• Sour cream, for serving
• Hot sauce, for serving
• Lime wedges and extra cilantro, for serving