Loaded Cheese Pocket Tacos are a delicious fusion of traditional Mexican and American flavors, combining the best of both worlds in a mouth-watering handheld treat. These tacos are an irresistible take on the classic taco, with each ingredient carefully selected to create the perfect harmony of taste and texture.
How to Make Cheese Loaded Pocket Tacos
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, grated
12 6-inch tortillas
Sour cream, salsa, green onions all optional toppings
Instructions for Loaded Cheese Pocket Tacos
Crumble the ground beef into a skillet and cook well
Drain the fat from the pan
Add packet of Taco Seasoning Mix, following package directions
In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth
Add the cup of salsa and mix well
While holding a tortilla, place a spoonful of cheese mixture in the center of the tortilla
Place a dollop of taco flavored beef, to cover the salsa and cheese mixture
Sprinkle with grated cheese
Fold the tortilla and filling as you would a burrito
Lightly spray a baking sheet
Preheat the oven to 350*
Place the rolled tortilla on a greased tray
Brush the tops of the tortilla rolls with melted butter
Bake for 15 minutes.
Remove from oven and add your choice of toppings, such as lettuce, salsa, sour cream, olives, more cheese
Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
YIELD: 12 SERVING: 1
Amount per serving: CALORIES: 364 | TOTAL FAT: 24g | SATURATED FATS: 13g | TRANS FAT: 0g | CHOLESTEROL: 72mg | SODIUM: 840mg | CARBOHYDRATES: 23g | FIBER: 2g | SUGAR: 2g | PROTEIN: 15g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use another type of meat instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian alternatives like plant-based crumbles.
Are toppings required or can I customize?
The toppings mentioned in the recipe (sour cream, salsa, green onions) are optional. Feel free to customize the toppings to your liking.
You can add lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole or any other favorite taco toppings.
Can I use another type of cheese?
Certainly! Although the recipe suggests using cheddar cheese, you can experiment with other types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or a mixture of different cheeses.
Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the flavors of the dish.
Can I freeze Loaded Cheese Pocket Tacos?
Yes, you can freeze assembled but uncooked pocket tacos. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating the layers with parchment paper.
When ready to bake, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Are there healthier ingredient substitutions I can make?
To make the recipe slightly healthier, you can opt for lean ground beef or turkey. You can also choose low-fat cream cheese and low-fat cheddar cheese.
Also, using whole wheat tortillas or corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas can add more fiber to the dish.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian option, replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein such as black beans, lentils, or a meat substitute.
For a vegan version, use a vegan cheese alternative and replace the sour cream with a vegan alternative or guacamole.
How do I seal loaded cheese pocket tacos to prevent the filling from spilling out?
To seal the pocket tacos, fold the tortilla in half, enclosing the filling. Press the edges together to create a tight seal and use a fork to crimp the edges together, ensuring a secure seal.
Alternatively, you can use a pastry or empanada press to create a perfect seal.
What kind of sauces can I serve with this dish?
Cheese loaded pocket tacos can be enjoyed with a variety of dips to enhance their flavor.
Some popular options include salsa, guacamole, queso, sour cream, or even spicy mayonnaise. Feel free to get creative and mix and match flavors to find your favorite combination!
Can I make my own taco seasoning instead of using a packet?
Absolutely! If you prefer to make your own taco seasoning, you can find various recipes online. It usually includes a combination of spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.
Can I cook the pocket tacos without cooking them?
If you prefer a different cooking method, you can try pocket frying tacos. Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the rolled tortillas until golden brown and crispy on each side. This method offers a different texture compared to baking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the taco filling and assemble the pocket tacos ahead of time. Store them in the fridge until ready to bake.
However, it is recommended to cook them just before serving for a better texture.