Description
These Loaded Taco-Stuffed Cheesy Pockets are a crowd-pleasing meal featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy salsa and cream cheese filling, all wrapped in tortillas and baked to golden perfection with melted cheddar cheese inside. Perfect for a quick family dinner or a fun party appetizer, they combine savory, cheesy, and tangy flavors in a convenient handheld pocket.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 pkg taco seasoning
- ½ cup salsa
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Assembly
- 12 pieces 6-inch tortillas
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking tray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cook the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, approximately 7 to 10 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Season the beef: Stir in the taco seasoning with the cooked ground beef and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until evenly coated and fragrant.
- Make the creamy filling: In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with salsa until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the pockets: Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese and salsa mixture on it, then add a spoonful of the seasoned beef and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Fold the tortilla like a burrito, securing the filling inside.
- Prepare for baking: Place the stuffed tortillas on the prepared baking tray. Brush the tops with melted butter to help them brown and crisp in the oven.
- Bake: Bake the pockets in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until the tortillas are golden and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Allow the pockets to cool slightly before serving to make them easier to handle and enjoy.
Notes
- You can add diced onions, jalapeños, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture inside the filling.
- Use flour or corn tortillas depending on your preference for a softer or sturdier pocket.
- For crispier pockets, brush with butter or spray lightly with oil before baking.
- These can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or extra salsa on the side for dipping.
