“My neighbor old lady made this once and I couldn’t stop eating it”
Loaded Cheesy Pocket Tacos
These cheesy taco pockets are a fun and flavorful spin on traditional tacos. Wrapped in buttery crescent dough, each handheld bite is packed with savory seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and your favorite toppings. Ideal for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or party platters, they bring the full taco experience—without the mess!
🌮 Ingredients
Main Filling:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Taco seasoning (1 packet) | 1 oz |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Crescent roll dough (refrigerated can) | 1 (8-count) |
| Shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend | 1 cup |
| Salsa | 1/2 cup |
| Bell pepper, finely chopped (optional) | 1/2 cup |
| Sliced black olives (optional) | 1/2 cup |
| Green onions, chopped | 1/4 cup |
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Fresh cilantro
- Hot sauce
🔪 Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light layer of cooking spray.
2. Cook the Beef Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles. Drain off excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and water. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and is well coated with flavor. Remove from heat.
3. Prepare the Dough
Open the crescent roll can and unroll the dough. Separate it into 8 triangles and lay them out evenly on the baking sheet.
4. Fill and Fold
Place a spoonful of the seasoned beef near the wide end of each triangle. Add shredded cheese, a small scoop of salsa, and if using, some bell pepper and olives. Fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges to seal well and form a pocket.
5. Bake Until Golden
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the pockets are golden brown and the cheese is visibly melted. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-browning.
6. Let Cool and Serve
Allow the pockets to rest for a few minutes out of the oven. Then plate them up with your favorite toppings—sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, or a splash of hot sauce.
👨🍳 Pro Tips
- Sealing the Edges: Press dough edges firmly so the filling stays inside while baking. A fork crimp can help!
- Cheese Choices: Mix it up with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a three-cheese Mexican blend.
- Add Extra Flavor: Mix corn, jalapeños, or minced onion into the beef for an extra kick and texture.
