These loaded cheesy pocket tacos are a fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos, featuring a savory ground beef filling paired with a creamy salsa cheese blend, all wrapped in golden, buttery tortillas. Perfect for family dinners, game days, or casual gatherings, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Combines classic taco flavors with a creamy cheese twist.
Perfect for parties, game nights, or family dinners.
Easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
Quick to prepare and bake in under 30 minutes.
Crispy, buttery tortillas that everyone will enjoy!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 packet taco seasoning
1 pound ground beef
½ cup salsa
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
12 6-inch tortillas
Directions
In a skillet, crumble and cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
Stir in the taco seasoning, following the instructions on the packet, and coat the beef evenly.
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add salsa and mix until fully combined.
Lay a tortilla flat and spoon the cream cheese and salsa mixture into the center.
Add a portion of the seasoned beef and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Fold the tortilla around the filling, sealing the edges like a burrito.
Prepare a baking tray by lightly spraying it with cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the folded tortillas on the tray and brush the tops with melted butter.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven and serve with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, sour cream, olives, or more salsa.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 12 tacos
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
Protein Swap: Use shredded chicken, ground turkey, or even black beans for a vegetarian option.
Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or use spicy salsa for extra heat.
Different Cheeses: Try pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend cheese.
Low-Carb Option: Substitute tortillas with large lettuce leaves.
Griddle Finish: Instead of baking, toast the tacos in a skillet for a crispier exterior.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Place any leftover tacos in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until warm. Alternatively, microwave for 1-2 minutes, though the tortillas may not stay as crisp.
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FAQs
Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the tacos in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze these tacos?
Yes, assemble and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then freeze. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What toppings work well with these tacos?
Classic toppings like sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, olives, or extra cheese are perfect choices.
How can I make these tacos healthier?
Opt for whole-wheat or low-carb tortillas, use reduced-fat cream cheese, and choose a leaner protein like ground turkey.
Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?
Absolutely, but you can also make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder for a fresher flavor.
Conclusion
Loaded cheesy pocket tacos are the ultimate combination of creamy, savory, and crispy, making them a versatile dish that’s easy to prepare and enjoy. With endless topping and filling options, this recipe is a surefire hit for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a quick family meal, these tacos are a must-try!
📖 Recipe:
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Loaded Cheesy Pocket Tacos
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 tacos
Description
Loaded Cheesy Pocket Tacos are a creamy, savory twist on traditional tacos, featuring seasoned ground beef, a salsa-cream cheese blend, and melted cheddar cheese, all wrapped in golden, buttery tortillas. Perfect for family dinners, game days, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
1 packet taco seasoning
1 pound ground beef
½ cup salsa
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
12 6-inch tortillas
Instructions
- Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned; drain excess grease.
- Add taco seasoning to beef, following packet instructions, and mix well.
- In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth, then mix in salsa.
- Lay a tortilla flat, spread the cream cheese mixture in the center, add seasoned beef, and top with shredded cheese.
- Fold the tortilla like a burrito, sealing the edges.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking tray with cooking spray.
- Place folded tortillas on the tray, brush with melted butter, and bake for 15 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Serve with desired toppings such as lettuce, sour cream, or extra salsa.
Notes
Variations: Swap ground beef for chicken, turkey, or black beans for a vegetarian option. Add jalapeños for heat or use a different cheese like pepper jack.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Use the oven to retain crispness or microwave for convenience.
Make-Ahead: Assemble tacos and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 tacos
- Calories: 320 kcal per taco
