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
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- 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.
- Unroll the crescent rolls and separate them into triangles, laying them out on a flat surface.
- Spoon taco meat onto the wide end of each crescent roll triangle, then top with shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers.
- Roll up each crescent roll tightly, folding the edges over the filling to form a pocket.
- Place the filled pockets on a baking sheet, spacing them out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the cheese inside is melted.
- 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
- 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. - 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. - 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. - Can I make these vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for black beans, crumbled tofu, or your favorite plant-based protein. - What toppings can I use?
You can use a variety of toppings such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, lettuce, shredded cheese, or jalapeños. - 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. - Can I make these spicier?
Yes, you can add jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili powder to the taco meat mixture for an extra kick. - 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. - 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. - 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!
Loaded Taco-Stuffed Cheesy Pockets
- Total Time: 27 minutes
Description
These Loaded Taco-Stuffed Cheesy Pockets are the perfect fusion of taco flavors and cheesy, crispy comfort. Ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning, topped with cheese, veggies, and baked in crescent rolls for a delicious, easy-to-make snack or dinner. Serve with your favorite toppings for an extra burst of flavor!
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning and cook according to package instructions, then set aside.
- Unroll the crescent rolls and separate them into triangles.
- Spoon the cooked taco meat onto each crescent roll triangle.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers.
- Roll up each crescent roll, enclosing the filling, and place the pockets on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream, salsa, and avocado.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a few slices of jalapeño or sprinkle chili flakes on the taco filling.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap the ground beef for black beans or lentils.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes