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Loaded Cheesy Pocket Tacos: A Fun, Flavorful, and Easy-to-Make Treat


  • Author: Jessica

Description

Discover how to make Loaded Cheesy Pocket Tacos! These handheld delights are filled with seasoned ground beef, a creamy salsa mixture, and cheddar cheese, all wrapped in a soft tortilla and baked until golden.


Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ½ cup salsa
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 12 6-inch tortillas

Instructions

1. Cook the Beef: Building a Flavorful Foundation

  1. Heat Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add Beef: Add the ground beef to the heated skillet.
  3. Brown the Beef: Cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. This should take about 7-10 minutes.
  4. Drain Grease: Once the beef is browned, carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet.

2. Season the Beef: Adding Zesty Taco Flavor

  1. Add Taco Seasoning: Sprinkle the packet of taco seasoning over the cooked ground beef.
  2. Stir to Coat: Stir well to ensure the beef is evenly coated with the seasoning.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: A Creamy and Tangy Element

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and salsa.
  2. Beat Until Smooth: Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat the cream cheese and salsa together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

4. Assemble the Tacos: Building the Pockets of Deliciousness

  1. Lay Out Tortillas: Place the tortillas on a clean, flat surface, such as a large cutting board or countertop.
  2. Spread Cream Cheese Mixture: Spread a portion of the cream cheese mixture (about 1-2 tablespoons) onto the center of each tortilla, leaving a border around the edges.
  3. Top with Beef: Spoon a generous amount of the seasoned ground beef (about 2-3 tablespoons) over the cream cheese mixture on each tortilla.
  4. Sprinkle with Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese (about 1-2 tablespoons) over the beef on each tortilla.

5. Form the Pockets: Sealing in the Flavor

  1. Fold Over: Carefully fold each tortilla over the filling, bringing one edge over to meet the opposite edge, forming a half-moon or pocket shape.
  2. Press Edges: Gently press along the edges of the folded tortilla to help seal the filling inside.
    • Tip: The filling should be fully enclosed within the tortilla pocket.

6. Prep for Baking: Ensuring Golden-Brown and Crispy Results

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare Baking Sheet: Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. This will prevent the pocket tacos from sticking.
  3. Arrange Pockets: Arrange the filled tortilla pockets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
  4. Brush with Butter: Brush the tops of the folded tortillas with the melted butter. This will help them brown and crisp up nicely in the oven.

7. Bake to Perfection: Achieving a Golden-Brown and Cheesy Delight

  1. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
  2. Baking Time: Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Serve and Enjoy: Savoring the Flavorful Creation

  1. Cool Slightly: Let the Loaded Cheesy Pocket Tacos cool for a minute or two before serving.
  2. Serve Warm: Serve warm, with your favorite toppings and dipping sauces, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or pico de gallo.