These Loaded Cheesy Pocket Tacos are a fantastic twist on taco night, combining seasoned ground beef and classic taco fillings within a convenient, flaky crescent roll crust. Baked until golden and melty, these individual “taco pockets” are perfect for a casual meal, appetizers, or even a fun party snack, offering all the deliciousness of a taco in an easy-to-handle package.

Loaded Cheesy Pocket Tacos Recipe

Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

Toppings (Optional):

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the 1 pound ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water to the skillet, stirring to combine thoroughly. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, or until the seasoning is well absorbed and the mixture is flavorful. Set the seasoned beef aside.
3. Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough: Unroll the 1 can (8 count) refrigerated crescent roll dough and separate it into 8 individual triangles. On the prepared baking sheet, place each triangle of dough flat, ensuring there’s enough space between each one for folding.
4. Assemble the Pocket Tacos:
   • Spoon a small amount of the seasoned ground beef onto the wide end of each crescent roll triangle.
   • Top with a bit of shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend), a teaspoon of salsa, and the optional chopped bell pepper and sliced black olives.
   • Fold the corners of each crescent roll triangle over the filling, creating a sealed pocket. Pinch the edges together firmly to ensure the filling stays inside while baking.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and puffed, and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the Loaded Cheesy Pocket Tacos from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before handling. Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and hot sauce if desired.

Cook Notes:

• Sealing the Pockets: For best results and to avoid any filling leaking during baking, make sure to pinch the edges of the crescent dough securely together.
• Cheese Options: While cheddar is classic, Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend also works wonderfully for this recipe, adding different flavor profiles.
• Extra Veggies: Feel free to customize your pocket tacos! You can add more vegetables like corn, diced jalapeños for extra heat, or finely diced onions to the filling mixture for additional flavor and texture.