Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a lighter option)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1/2 cup water (for taco seasoning)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar)
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (or taco sauce for a different flavor)
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough (or puff pastry, depending on your preference)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping, optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, or salsa
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. - Cook the ground beef:
In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease. - Add the taco seasoning:
Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, until the beef is well-coated with the seasoning and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat. - Prepare the dough:
Roll out the crescent roll dough (or puff pastry) onto a clean surface. If using crescent rolls, pinch together the seams to make one large sheet. If using puff pastry, roll out into a thin rectangle. Cut the dough into squares, depending on how big you want each pocket (about 4-6 squares). - Assemble the cheesy pockets:
On each dough square, spoon a generous amount of the seasoned ground beef mixture in the center. Add a spoonful of marinara sauce, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese. - Fold and seal:
Fold the dough over the filling to form a pocket, pinching the edges together to seal the sides tightly. You can also use a fork to press down the edges and ensure it’s sealed. - Brush with olive oil:
Place the pockets onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil for a golden, crispy finish. If desired, sprinkle a little shredded cheddar cheese on top. - Bake:
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pockets are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly inside. - Serve:
Let the cheesy taco pockets cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair them with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or your favorite dipping sauces for extra flavor.
Tips:
- Make it spicy: Add some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling if you like a little heat.
- Custom fillings: These pockets can also be filled with shredded chicken, ground turkey, or even black beans for a vegetarian version.
- Make ahead: You can assemble these cheesy taco pockets ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This is a great option for meal prep or parties!
These Loaded Cheesy Pocket Tacos are cheesy, flavorful, and a perfect handheld snack or meal. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!