Description
Mexican-inspired loaded cheesy pocket tacos combine crispy shells with savory beef and melted cheese. Delicious layers of flavor create a satisfying meal that brings comfort and excitement to dinner tables.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
Toppings and Shells:
- 8 soft taco shells
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded lettuce
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) salsa
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, thoroughly draining excess grease to prevent sogginess.
- Mix taco seasoning with beef, stirring continuously and allowing mixture to simmer for 5 minutes until flavors meld.
- Heat oven to 375F (190C), preparing a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Carefully distribute beef mixture evenly across taco shells, ensuring balanced filling.
- Generously cover beef with shredded cheese, creating a rich, melty layer.
- Gently fold taco shells, pressing edges firmly to create a sealed pocket preventing filling from escaping.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust and shells turn crisp and golden brown.
- Allow tacos to rest for 2-3 minutes after removing from oven to stabilize structure.
- Top each taco with fresh, crisp lettuce, diced tomatoes, dollop of tangy sour cream, and zesty salsa.
- Enhance flavor profile by garnishing with sliced black olives and chopped cilantro for added freshness and visual appeal.
Notes
- Lean meat alternatives like ground turkey or plant-based crumbles work perfectly for a healthier version of this dish.
- Adjust seasoning intensity by reducing or increasing taco mix for personalized flavor profiles.
- Corn tortillas can replace pre-made taco shells for a more authentic, gluten-free experience.
- Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and ensure crispy, golden-brown tacos.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 343 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg