Cheesy Taco Pockets Recipe
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.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 pockets 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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