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Cheesy Taco Pockets Recipe

4.8 from 112 reviews

Cheesy Taco Pockets are a delicious and easy-to-make savory treat featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy salsa-infused cream cheese, and melted cheddar cheese wrapped in warm flour tortillas and baked to golden perfection. These pockets are perfect for a quick meal or party snack, garnished with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream and tomatoes.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Filling

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning (about 2 tablespoons)

Cream Cheese Mixture

  • 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
  • ½ cup salsa

Other Ingredients

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
  • 12 small flour tortillas
  • Sour cream, salsa, tomatoes, etc. for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
  2. Season the Beef: Add the taco seasoning packet to the cooked beef. Follow the seasoning packet’s instructions, which typically include adding a bit of water and simmering to coat the beef evenly.
  3. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese until almost fluffy. Slowly add the salsa, blending it well into the cream cheese until smooth and combined.
  4. Assemble the Taco Pockets: Lay a tortilla flat and spread a spoonful of the cream cheese and salsa mixture in the center. Add a layer of seasoned ground beef over the salsa mixture, enough to cover it, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
  5. Fold the Tortillas: Fold the tortilla over the filling like a burrito, ensuring the contents are sealed inside. Place the folded pockets seam side down on a greased cookie sheet.
  6. Brush with Butter and Bake: Brush the tops of each pocket with melted butter to promote browning. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the taco pockets from the oven and garnish with your choice of taco toppings such as sour cream, salsa, diced tomatoes, or cilantro. Serve warm.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • For added spice, include jalapeños or hot sauce in the cream cheese mixture.
  • These pockets can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
  • Use gluten-free tortillas to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Leftover pockets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.

Keywords: taco pockets, cheesy taco pockets, ground beef recipe, baked tacos, easy Mexican recipe, party appetizers, tortilla pockets