Description
Loaded Taco-Stuffed Cheesy Pockets are a delicious Tex-Mex inspired main course featuring seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, black beans, corn, and fresh veggies all wrapped in golden crescent dough. Perfectly baked until crispy and served with favorites like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole, these pockets are a convenient, flavorful meal for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- â…“ cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- ½ cup canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
- ½ cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- ¼ cup diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
Dough and Topping
- 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
- Cook the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain the excess fat from the skillet to reduce greasiness.
- Season the meat: Stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning mix and â…“ cup of water to the cooked beef. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and let cool a bit to make handling easier.
- Prepare the dough: Unroll the can of refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough and cut it into 4 to 6 equal rectangles or squares depending on your preferred pocket size.
- Assemble the pockets: Spoon a portion of the taco meat onto one side of each dough piece, leaving space around the edges for sealing. Top the meat with shredded cheese, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and chopped green onions to add layers of flavor and texture.
- Seal the pockets: Fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket. Press the edges firmly to seal, using a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative and secure close.
- Prepare for baking: Arrange the stuffed pockets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon garlic powder to add a flavorful crispness as they bake.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pockets turn golden brown and the cheese inside is melted.
- Serve: Allow the pockets to cool slightly before serving. Offer with optional toppings like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or chopped cilantro to customize your meal.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling mixture.
- Ground turkey or plant-based meat crumbles make great alternatives to beef for different dietary preferences.
