Description
Loaded Cheesy Pocket Tacos are a delicious and easy-to-make meal featuring ground beef or turkey seasoned with taco spices, combined with black beans, corn, fresh tomatoes, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Wrapped in warm flour tortillas and crisped to golden perfection, these pocket tacos are perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, served with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro for added flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
- Olive oil or cooking spray, as needed (for frying)
Filling
- 1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Wrapping and Toppings
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup sour cream (for serving)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: In a large frying pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes.
- Season the Meat: Stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water. Mix well and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the flavors blend. Remove from heat.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper if desired for easier cleanup.
- Assemble Tacos: On each flour tortilla, layer a generous amount of the cooked meat, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
- Fold Tacos: Fold the tortillas in half to create a pocket, pressing down gently to seal and contain the filling.
- Fry Tacos: In the same frying pan, spray with cooking oil and place the taco pockets in the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Bake Tacos: Transfer the fried taco pockets to the prepared baking sheet and place in the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the tacos from the oven and serve warm topped with chopped green onions, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version, but the cooking time may vary.
- Leftover pocket tacos can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Adjust cheese quantities to preference or try different cheese blends like pepper jack for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying and Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pocket taco
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: loaded cheesy pocket tacos, taco pockets, ground beef tacos, cheesy tacos, easy Mexican tacos, stuffed tortillas, quick dinner
