Easy Cheesy Taco Pockets — now that sounds like a fun and delicious handheld treat! These cheesy taco pockets are basically like little calzones or hand pies, filled with all your favorite taco ingredients. They’re super easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun party snack.
Here’s a simple recipe that you can throw together in no time:
Easy Cheesy Taco Pockets Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade seasoning)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough (or pizza dough if you want a thicker crust)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
- 1/2 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot based on your preference)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Jalapeño slices (optional, for some heat)
Instructions
1. Cook the Beef:
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Set aside to cool for a few minutes.
2. Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Unroll the crescent roll dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You should have 8 triangle pieces.
- Pinch the seams together if you’re using crescent rolls so they form full rectangles (you can also use pizza dough if you want a more substantial pocket).
3. Assemble the Taco Pockets:
- Spoon a generous amount of the taco beef mixture onto the center of each dough piece. Be careful not to overfill — you want to leave room to fold them!
- Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese over the beef, then spoon a little salsa on top.
4. Fold and Seal:
- Carefully fold the dough over the filling to form a pocket. Pinch the edges together to seal them tightly. You can use a fork to press down the edges for a crimped look.
5. Bake:
- Bake the taco pockets for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a couple of minutes. Slice each pocket in half if desired.
- Serve with sour cream, extra salsa, or guacamole for dipping.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or jalapeño slices if you like a little extra kick!
Customizations:
- Add-ins: You can add beans, corn, diced tomatoes, or even chopped bell peppers to the filling for more texture and flavor.
- Spicy: For extra heat, add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce into the taco filling.
- Cheese: Feel free to switch up the cheese! Pepper jack, Mexican blend, or even a bit of cream cheese would be delicious here.
These Easy Cheesy Taco Pockets are great for kids, casual get-togethers, or any time you want taco night to be a little more fun and portable. You can even make them ahead of time and freeze them for later!
How do you usually like your tacos? Maybe we can switch up the fillings based on your favorite taco toppings!
