Loaded Taco-Stuffed Cheesy Pockets

These Loaded Taco-Stuffed Cheesy Pockets are a fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer. With a crispy crescent roll shell, savory taco-seasoned ground beef, and a gooey, cheesy interior, these pockets are packed with flavor. Top them with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, salsa, and avocado for a full taco experience in a handheld bite. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying a family meal, these cheesy pockets will definitely hit the spot!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent rolls
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup diced onions
• 1/4 cup diced bell peppers
• Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, avocado

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add the taco seasoning to the beef and cook according to the package instructions, usually by adding a bit of water and simmering until the mixture thickens.
4. Unroll the crescent rolls and separate them into triangles, laying them out on a flat surface.
5. Spoon taco meat onto the wide end of each crescent roll triangle, then top with shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers.
6. Roll up each crescent roll tightly, folding the edges over the filling to form a pocket.
7. Place the filled pockets on a baking sheet, spacing them out evenly.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the cheese inside is melted.
9. Serve hot with optional toppings such as sour cream, salsa, and sliced avocado.

Servings and Timing

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 10-12 minutes
• Total time: 25-27 minutes
• Servings: 6

These loaded taco-stuffed cheesy pockets are perfect for serving as a snack or dinner for up to 6 people.

Variations

• Meat alternatives: You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian options like black beans or a plant-based protein to cater to different diets.
• Cheese options: Instead of cheddar, you could use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for extra flavor.
• Spicy twist: Add a few diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the taco meat for some heat.
• Add beans: You can mix in some black beans or refried beans to make the filling heartier.
• Taco sauce: Swap out the diced tomatoes for taco sauce or salsa for an extra flavor punch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: These cheesy pockets are best served fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the pockets in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, but the crispy texture may not be as pronounced.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of dough?
   Yes! You can substitute crescent rolls with pizza dough or puff pastry, but cooking times may vary slightly.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the pockets, assemble them, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake them. Bake them just before serving.
3. Can I freeze these cheesy pockets?
   Yes, you can freeze the assembled, uncooked pockets for up to 3 months. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
4. Can I make these vegetarian?
   Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for black beans, crumbled tofu, or your favorite plant-based protein.
5. What toppings can I use?
   You can use a variety of toppings such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, lettuce, shredded cheese, or jalapeños.
6. How do I prevent the filling from spilling out?
   Make sure to pinch the edges of the crescent roll dough tightly to seal it well before baking.
7. Can I make these spicier?
   Yes, you can add jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili powder to the taco meat mixture for an extra kick.
8. What if I don’t have taco seasoning?
   You can make your own taco seasoning using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt.
9. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Yes, you can use any cheese that melts well. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend would work great.
10. Can I make these on a stovetop?
    You can cook the taco meat on the stovetop and then bake the stuffed rolls in a skillet on the stovetop. Just make sure to cover and cook on low heat to avoid burning the bottoms.

Conclusion

Loaded Taco-Stuffed Cheesy Pockets are an irresistible combination of crispy, cheesy, and flavorful, offering the perfect balance of comfort food and convenience. With minimal prep time, you can have a savory snack or meal ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting a casual get-together, these pockets will quickly become a crowd favorite. Enjoy them with your favorite toppings for a fun, customizable treat!

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