Description
These Loaded Cheesy Pocket Tacos are a fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos! Imagine your favorite taco fillings tucked inside a cheesy, soft dough pocket, then baked to crispy, golden perfection. They’re the perfect handheld treat for any meal and ideal for game days, taco nights, or as a tasty appetizer. These cheesy pockets are loaded with all the classic taco flavors—seasoned beef, cheese, and toppings—making every bite a savory delight.
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Ingredients
Scale
For the Taco Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup chopped onions (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (optional)
For the Cheesy Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1/4 cup milk (add more if necessary to form dough)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Toppings (Optional):
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Jalapeños
- Shredded cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Taco Filling
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Add the taco seasoning and water. Stir well and let it simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheesy Dough
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add the sour cream, milk, and melted butter. Stir until combined, then knead into a dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, or if it’s too dry, add more milk, one tablespoon at a time.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
Step 3: Assemble the Cheesy Pocket Tacos
- Cut the dough into squares (about 4-5 inches per side).
- Place a spoonful of taco filling in the center of each dough square.
- Add a small sprinkle of shredded cheese on top of the taco filling.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a pocket and pinch the edges to seal. You can also use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
Step 4: Bake the Cheesy Pockets
- Place the cheesy pockets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the tops with a little melted butter for extra golden color.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pockets are golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Once baked, remove the pockets from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Serve with your favorite taco toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, sour cream, or jalapeños.
Notes
- Customize the Filling: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a different twist on these pockets.
- Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the taco filling for an extra kick.
- Use Store-Bought Dough: For a quicker version, you can use store-bought pizza dough or crescent roll dough as a shortcut.
- Double the Batch: These cheesy pockets are so delicious, you’ll want to make extra to have leftovers for later!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex / Mexican