Family Recipes

    Loaded Cheesy Pocket Tacos*

    * not tested / The Ultimate Crunchy, Cheesy, Flavor Bomb!

    Ingredients (Makes 8 Pocket Tacos)

    For the Filling:

    • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
    • 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
    • ½ cup water
    • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
    • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
    • ½ cup diced tomatoes
    • ¼ cup diced onions
    • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
    • 1 jalapeño, finely diced (optional for heat)

    For the Pocket Assembly:

    • 8 medium flour tortillas (or corn for gluten-free)
    • ½ cup melted butter (or olive oil)
    • 1 tsp garlic powder
    • 1 tsp paprika (for extra color & flavor)

    For Serving (Optional but Amazing):

    • Sour cream
    • Guacamole
    • Salsa

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    1️⃣ Cook the Filling

    1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
    2. Stir in taco seasoning + water, simmer for 5 mins until thickened.
    3. Remove from heat & mix in cheeses, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeño.

    2️⃣ Assemble the Pocket Tacos

    1. Brush tortillas with melted butter mixed with garlic powder & paprika.
    2. Spoon cheesy beef filling onto one half of each tortilla.
    3. Fold over and press edges firmly to seal (use a fork to crimp if needed).

    3️⃣ Crisp to Perfection

    Option 1: Air Fryer (Extra Crunchy!)

    • Air fry at 375°F for 5-6 mins, flipping halfway, until golden.

    Option 2: Skillet (Classic Method)

    • Cook in a hot skillet for 2-3 mins per side until crispy.

    Option 3: Oven (Great for Batch Cooking)

    • Bake at 400°F for 10-12 mins on a greased sheet, flipping once.

    4️⃣ Serve & Devour!

    • Cut in half & serve with dips & lime wedges.
    • Pro move: Drizzle with queso or hot sauce for extra decadence!

    Pro Tips for the Best Pocket Tacos

    🔸 Seal tightly – Prevent cheese leaks by pressing edges well.
    🔸 Don’t overfill – About 3 tbsp filling per tortilla is ideal.

    Make ahead – Assemble uncooked pockets & refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
    🔸 Vegetarian? Use refried beans or soy crumbles instead of beef!

    🍽️ Serving Ideas

    ✨ Game Day Snack – Cut into wedges for easy sharing.
    ✨ Lunchbox Star – Pack with salsa on the side.
    ✨ Taco Bar Upgrade – Let guests customize their fillings before sealing.

    FAQ

    Q: Can I freeze these?
    A: Yes! Freeze cooked pockets & reheat in air fryer for 5 mins.

    Q: Can I use corn tortillas?
    A: Yes, but warm them first so they don’t crack when folding.

    Q: How do I keep them crispy?
    A: Serve immediately or re-crisp in air fryer for 2 mins.

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