Description
Mexican-inspired loaded cheesy pocket tacos blend crispy tortillas with savory seasoned meat and melted cheese. Crisp edges and rich flavors make this dish a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 12 6-inch tortillas
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Cheese and Dairy:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Seasonings and Condiments:
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup salsa
Optional Toppings:
- sour cream
- salsa
- green onions
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until completely cooked, ensuring no pink remains. Drain excess fat and stir in taco seasoning thoroughly.
- Blend softened cream cheese and salsa in a mixing bowl until a uniform, creamy consistency develops.
- Lay out tortillas and spread the cream cheese-salsa mixture evenly across the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Distribute cooked seasoned beef over the cream cheese layer, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Carefully fold each tortilla into a compact pocket, tucking in sides to prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
- Arrange folded tacos on a lightly greased baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Gently brush the exterior of each taco pocket with melted butter for a golden, crispy finish.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and bake tacos for 15-18 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown color and crisp edges.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with optional toppings like sour cream, chopped cilantro, or diced tomatoes.
Notes
- Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent soggy pockets, ensuring a crispy exterior when baking.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother blending with salsa, creating a more consistent filling.
- Seal tortilla edges tightly to prevent filling from leaking during baking, using a fork to crimp edges.
- Swap ground beef with shredded chicken or plant-based crumbles for alternative protein options catering to different dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 645mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg