Description
This delectable Loaded Taco-Stuffed Cheesy Pockets recipe blends Mexican and American flavors in one irresistible dish. Crispy pastry shells packed with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and zesty toppings promise a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 12 small (6-inch) flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- ½ cup salsa
- 2 tbsps melted butter
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C), ensuring a perfect golden-brown environment for the taco pockets.
- Meat Mixture: Brown ground beef in a skillet, drain excess fat, and incorporate taco seasoning, water, black beans, and corn until thoroughly heated and well-combined.
- Dough Preparation: Roll out pizza or crescent dough on a floured surface, cutting into uniform squares or circles to create a robust base for the filling.
- Filling Assembly: Center a hearty scoop of seasoned beef mixture on each dough piece, generously topping with sharp cheddar cheese to create a molten core.
- Pocket Formation: Carefully fold and seal the dough edges, using pinching or crimping techniques to secure the filling and prevent leakage during baking.
- Baking Process: Position pockets on a parchment-lined baking sheet, maintaining space between each pocket. Bake until the exterior transforms into a crisp, golden-brown shell with a delightfully crunchy texture.
- Serving: Rest the pockets briefly after removing from the oven. Plate with accompaniments of sour cream and salsa, allowing for personalized flavor exploration.
Notes
Manage Meat Moisture: Drain excess fat from ground beef thoroughly to prevent soggy pockets and ensure a crispy, well-textured filling.
Seal Edges Securely: Use fork crimps or careful pinching techniques to completely seal dough edges, preventing filling leakage and maintaining pocket integrity during baking.
Customize Dietary Needs: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, plant-based crumbles, or shredded chicken to accommodate different dietary preferences without compromising flavor profile.
Prevent Dough Sticking: Lightly dust work surface with flour and use parchment paper on baking sheet to ensure easy dough handling and prevent sticking during preparation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg