Beef Taco Pockets

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beef Taco Pockets are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional tacos, wrapped in golden, flaky dough for a convenient, handheld meal. Perfect for lunchboxes, game nights, or busy weeknights, these pockets are packed with seasoned beef, cheese, and your favorite taco toppings—all sealed in a warm, crispy shell.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beeftaco seasoningmixeddiced onionrefrigerated crescent roll doughshredded cheddar cheeseoptional toppings: salsa, sour cream, lettuce, diced tomato, jalapeños

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft.

Drain excess grease, then stir in taco seasoning mix and a splash of water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.

Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into rectangles (pressing seams to seal if using perforated dough).

Spoon the taco beef mixture onto the center of each rectangle, then sprinkle with shredded cheese.

Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.

Place on the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serve warm with your favorite taco toppings.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 8 taco pockets.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Add refried beans or black beans for extra filling.

Include chopped bell peppers or corn in the beef mixture.

Use puff pastry instead of crescent dough for a flakier texture.

Make them mini for party appetizers.

storage/reheating

Store leftover taco pockets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or in the microwave for 30-45 seconds.For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F oven for 20 minutes.

Beef Taco Pockets

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble them ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.

What dipping sauces go well with taco pockets?

Salsa, guacamole, queso, and sour cream are all great choices.

Can I use homemade dough?

Absolutely, pizza or empanada dough works well too.

Are these spicy?

They have a mild spice; add jalapeños or hot sauce for more heat.

Can I make them vegetarian?

Yes, use seasoned beans and veggies instead of beef.

Do they work as a meal or snack?

They’re great for both—just adjust the size accordingly.

How do I prevent them from opening while baking?

Ensure edges are tightly sealed and not overfilled.

Can kids help make them?

Definitely! They’re fun and easy for little hands to help with.

Do I need to grease the baking sheet?

Use parchment paper or a lightly greased sheet to prevent sticking.

Are these freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze before or after baking for convenient meals later.

Conclusion

Beef Taco Pockets offer all the bold flavors of tacos in a portable, mess-free package. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping quick dinners, these pockets are sure to be a hit. Customize them with your favorite fillings and toppings for endless delicious combinations.

Print
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Beef Taco Pockets

Beef Taco Pockets

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  • Author: saadia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 pockets 1x
  • Category: Snack / Appetizer
  • Method: Baking or Pan‑frying
  • Cuisine: Tex‑Mex
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

Savory seasoned beef and melty cheese wrapped in small tortillas and baked or pan‑fried into hand‑held pockets.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 12 small flour tortillas
  • 2 Tbsp butter, melted (for baking) or oil spray (for frying)
  • Optional: sour cream, guacamole, salsa for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 °F and line a baking sheet (if baking) or heat a skillet (if pan‑frying).
  2. In a skillet over medium‑high, brown ground beef, drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and seasoning per packet instructions; set aside.
  3. In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth, then mix in salsa.
  4. On each tortilla, spread ~2 Tbsp cream cheese mixture, top with 2–3 Tbsp seasoned beef and sprinkle with cheddar.
  5. Fold up like a burrito; place seam‑side down on the sheet or skillet.
  6. If baking: brush with melted butter, sprinkle more cheese, bake ~15 min until golden. If pan‑frying: spray/lightly oil, cook 2–3 min per side until crispy and cheese is melted.
  7. Serve hot with sour cream, salsa, guac as desired.

Notes

  • Use lean (≥ 85 %) beef to reduce greasiness.
  • Tortillas warm slightly for easier folding.
  • Can prep ahead—assemble and refrigerate; bake/fry when ready.
  • Freeze cooked pockets: cool completely, wrap airtight for up to 4 months; reheat from frozen in oven or air‑fryer.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pocket
  • Calories: 270 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 678 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 59 mg

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