Description
Loaded Cheesy Pocket Tacos are a delicious and easy-to-make meal featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy salsa-infused cream cheese, and melty cheddar cheese wrapped in warm tortillas and baked until golden and crispy. Perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, these tacos combine savory flavors with a satisfying crispy texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ½ cup salsa
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
Assembly and Baking
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 12 6-inch tortillas
Instructions
- Cook the beef. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned and cooked through. Once done, drain the excess grease to ensure a lean filling.
- Season the beef. Add the taco seasoning to the cooked beef as per the packet instructions. Stir well to evenly coat the meat with the seasoning flavors.
- Prepare the cream cheese mixture. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Then, mix in the salsa thoroughly to create a flavorful creamy base.
- Assemble the tacos. Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of the tortilla, add a portion of the seasoned ground beef on top, and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef.
- Fold and seal. Fold the tortilla carefully like a burrito, ensuring the edges are sealed to keep the filling inside during baking.
- Preheat the oven and prepare baking tray. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray or grease a baking tray to prevent sticking.
- Bake the tacos. Place the folded tortillas on the prepared baking tray. Brush the tops with melted butter to help achieve a golden and crispy exterior. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the tacos are crisp and golden brown.
- Serve. Remove from the oven and serve the loaded cheesy pocket tacos hot with toppings like lettuce, sour cream, or extra salsa as desired.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the tacos for a minute or two at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Use low-fat cream cheese to reduce the fat content if preferred.
- These tacos can be made ahead and reheated in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
- Adjust the spiciness by choosing mild or hot salsa and taco seasoning according to your preference.
