Description
Loaded Cheesy Pocket Tacos are a delicious twist on traditional tacos, featuring a creamy beef filling in a crispy tortilla pocket.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended for flavor)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (1–1.25 oz)
- Water as called for on taco seasoning packet (typically 2/3 cup)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot based on preference)
- 12 flour tortillas (6-inch size)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Optional: Sour cream
- Optional: Additional salsa
- Optional: Guacamole
- Optional: Shredded lettuce
- Optional: Diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning and the specified amount of water. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the salsa and mix until well combined.
- Warm the tortillas briefly to make them easier to fold. You can microwave them wrapped in damp paper towels or heat them in a dry skillet.
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture across the center of each tortilla. Top with 2 tablespoons of the seasoned beef and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese.
- To form a pocket, fold the bottom edge of the tortilla up over the filling, then fold in both sides, and roll upward to seal. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Brush the tops and sides of the pockets lightly with melted butter for a golden color.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. Serve with optional toppings.
Notes
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust the spice level by choosing different salsa or adding hot sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg