Taco pockets stuffed with cheese are a delicious twist on traditional tacos, offering a convenient and mess-free way to enjoy all the flavors of a taco in a handheld package. These pockets are filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground meat, beans, vegetables, and gooey melted cheese, all wrapped in a crispy shell. Here’s how you can make taco pockets stuffed with cheese at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup cooked black beans (canned beans, drained and rinsed, work well)
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color you prefer)
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend)
- 1 package of refrigerated crescent roll dough or pre-made empanada dough
- Optional toppings: salsa, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the crescent roll dough package.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until it is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning mix and water to the cooked meat, stirring well to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Stir in the black beans, diced bell peppers, and onions into the meat mixture. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened. Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles (if using empanada dough, follow the package instructions for preparation).
- Place a spoonful of the meat and vegetable mixture onto one half of each dough triangle. Top the filling with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket, pressing the edges firmly to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a secure closure.
- Place the stuffed taco pockets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Bake in the preheated oven according to the crescent roll dough package instructions or until the pockets are golden brown and crispy.
- Once baked, remove the taco pockets from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Serve the taco pockets stuffed with cheese with your favorite toppings such as salsa, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or diced tomatoes.
These taco pockets are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun party appetizer, or a tasty snack any time of day. The combination of savory filling and melted cheese wrapped in a crispy shell is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!
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