Loaded Cheesy Pocket Tacos Recipe
These Loaded Cheesy Pocket Tacos are a delicious and satisfying meal featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy salsa-infused cream cheese, and melted Cheddar cheese all wrapped in warm tortillas and baked until golden and crispy. Perfect for a fun family dinner or casual get-together.
- Author: Sana
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 pocket tacos 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Other Ingredients
- 12 6-inch tortillas
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Brown the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks until fully browned. Drain any excess grease from the skillet to prevent sogginess.
- Season the Beef: Stir in the taco seasoning according to the packet’s instructions, mixing thoroughly to evenly coat the beef with flavor.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or whisk to beat the cream cheese until smooth. Then blend in the salsa until the mixture is uniform and creamy.
- Assemble the Tacos: Lay one tortilla flat and spread a portion of the cream cheese mixture in the center. Add a spoonful of the seasoned beef on top, then generously sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese over the beef.
- Form the Pocket: Fold the tortilla over the filling like a burrito, making sure to create a tight, sealed pocket to hold all the ingredients.
- Prep for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a baking tray with cooking spray and arrange the filled tortillas seam side down. Brush the tops of the pockets with melted butter to help them crisp and develop a golden-brown color.
- Bake: Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the tortillas turn golden and crispy, and the cheese inside has melted beautifully.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If preferred, use low-fat cream cheese to reduce fat content.
- For extra crispiness, broil the pockets for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or extra salsa on the side for added flavor.
- Leftover pocket tacos can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
Keywords: loaded pocket tacos, cheesy tacos, baked tacos, ground beef tacos, cream cheese tacos