Beef Taco Pockets

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beef Taco Pockets are a fun, handheld twist on classic tacos—perfect for busy weeknights, lunches, or party snacks. Flaky biscuit or crescent dough is stuffed with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and your favorite taco toppings, then baked until golden and irresistible. Kid-friendly, easy to customize, and ready in minutes!

ingredients

this Recipe

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

ground beef
taco seasoning
water
shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
refrigerated biscuit or crescent roll dough
optional toppings: salsa, sour cream, jalapeños, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce

directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.

Add taco seasoning and water; simmer until thickened and fully combined.

Separate dough into individual rounds or triangles. Flatten each piece into a circle or rectangle.

Place a spoonful of beef mixture and some shredded cheese in the center of each piece.

Fold dough over to seal, pinching edges or pressing with a fork.

Place pockets on the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cool slightly before serving. Add toppings or serve with dipping sauces if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8 pockets.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 12-15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Add beans, corn, or diced green chilies to the filling.
Use puff pastry or pizza dough instead of biscuit dough.
Top with a sprinkle of cheese and bake uncovered for extra crunch.
Serve with guacamole, queso, or taco sauce on the side.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture; microwave for convenience.
Freeze unbaked or baked pockets for up to 2 months; thaw before baking or reheating.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate or freeze, then bake when ready.

What kind of dough works best?
Refrigerated biscuit or crescent roll dough is easiest and tasty.

Can I make them spicy?
Add hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the filling.

Do I need to cook the beef first?
Yes, cook and season before stuffing into the dough.

Can I bake them in an air fryer?
Yes, cook at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until golden.

Are these good for kids?
Definitely—easy to eat, fun to dip, and customizable.

Can I use shredded chicken?
Yes, mix with taco seasoning and cheese before filling.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—great for feeding a crowd.

Do I have to use cheese?
No, but it adds great flavor and helps hold the filling together.

What sides go well?
Serve with a simple salad, rice, or chips and salsa.

Conclusion

Beef Taco Pockets are the perfect fusion of tacos and hand pies—crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor. With simple ingredients and quick prep, they’re a go-to for easy dinners, party bites, or fun family meals. Serve them warm with your favorite toppings for a guaranteed hit.

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