Cheesy Taco Delight Pockets
Indulge in these delightful cheesy taco pockets, perfectly baked to golden perfection. Filled with a savory blend of seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and melty cheese, these handheld treats are not only irresistible but also incredibly versatile. Great for parties, game days, or as a satisfying snack to keep the hunger at bay! You can prepare a large batch to enjoy immediately or freeze for later, ensuring you have this tasty option on hand whenever cravings strike. Each pocket is bursting with flavor, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike! Customize the heat level by adjusting the chili powder or adding a dash of cayenne for an extra kick. Enjoy them with sour cream, salsa, or your favorite dipping sauce!
N/A
Servings
80
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
puff pastry sheets
2 packages (2 sheets per package, thawed)
egg
1 (beaten with water)
water
1/2 tablespoon (mixed with beaten egg)
ground beef
1.5 lbs (cooked and drained)
green pepper
1/2 cup (chopped)
white onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
medium tomato
1 (seeded and chopped)
catsup
1/2 cup (for flavor)
fresh cilantro or parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
ground cumin
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
chili powder
2 teaspoons (for seasoning)
oregano
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
monterey jack pepper cheese or colby cheese
1.5 cups (shredded)
Instructions
1
Begin by removing the puff pastry sheets from the freezer. Allow them to thaw at room temperature for approximately 30-40 minutes until they are pliable.
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the ground beef, chopped onions, and green peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened.
3
Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional minute, stirring continuously until fragrant.
4
Drain any excess grease from the pan and return it to the heat. Add the chopped tomato, ketchup, chopped cilantro (or parsley), cumin, chili powder, oregano, and ground cinnamon. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, ensuring the filling is relatively dry to avoid soggy pastry.
5
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheese. Set the mixture aside to cool until it's safe to handle.
6
Work with one pastry sheet at a time, keeping the others covered. On a lightly floured surface, roll out a pastry sheet to a rectangle measuring about 16 x 12 inches, before cutting it into 8 equal portions.
7
Spoon a heaping teaspoonful of the meat mixture into the center of each pastry square. Note: Avoid overfilling to ensure proper sealing.
8
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush this egg wash along the edges of the pastry squares.
9
Fold one corner of the pastry over the filling to form a triangle. Press the edges together and seal firmly with a fork. Brush the tops of the pockets with additional egg wash.
10
Repeat the filling and folding process with the remaining pastry sheets and filling.
11
Arrange the completed taco pockets on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
12
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the pockets for 15-17 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
13
For OAMC (Once a Month Cooking): To freeze, lay the assembled pockets on parchment or wax paper and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a zip-top bag for long-term storage. When ready to bake, preheat the oven and bake directly from frozen, adjusting the time to 17-20 minutes.
Nutrition Information
4.6g
Protein
17.5mg
Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheesy Taco Delight Pockets?
They are handheld, baked treats made with puff pastry and filled with a savory blend of seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and melted cheese.
How long does it take to thaw the puff pastry?
The puff pastry sheets should be allowed to thaw at room temperature for approximately 30 to 40 minutes until they are pliable.
What meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of ground beef, which should be cooked and drained of excess grease.
Can I substitute cilantro with another herb?
Yes, you can use 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley as an alternative to cilantro.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for the best results.
How long should the taco pockets bake?
The pockets typically bake for 15 to 17 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
Can these taco pockets be frozen for later?
Yes, they are freezer-friendly. Lay assembled pockets on parchment paper until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag.
How do I bake the pockets from frozen?
Bake them directly from frozen in a preheated oven, adjusting the baking time to 17 to 20 minutes.
What kind of cheese should I use?
The recipe suggests using 1.5 cups of shredded Monterey Jack pepper cheese or Colby cheese.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each pocket contains approximately 80 calories.
What size should the pastry sheets be rolled out to?
Roll each pastry sheet into a rectangle measuring approximately 16 x 12 inches.
How many portions does each pastry sheet yield?
Once rolled to size, each pastry sheet should be cut into 8 equal portions.
What ingredients are used to season the beef?
The seasoning includes garlic, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and a touch of ground cinnamon.
How do I prevent the pastry from becoming soggy?
Ensure the meat mixture is simmered for about 10 minutes until relatively dry before filling the pastry.
How do I seal the pastry pockets?
Brush the edges with egg wash, fold into a triangle, and press the edges firmly with a fork.
What is the purpose of the egg wash?
The egg wash acts as a glue to seal the edges and helps the tops turn a beautiful golden brown during baking.
How can I make these pockets spicier?
You can increase the amount of chili powder or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling mixture.
What should I serve with Cheesy Taco Delight Pockets?
They go great with sour cream, salsa, or your favorite dipping sauce.
What vegetables are included in the filling?
The filling contains green peppers, white onions, and a medium seeded tomato.
How much protein is in each pocket?
There are 4.6 grams of protein in each serving.
Is there any cholesterol in this recipe?
Yes, each serving contains approximately 17.5 mg of cholesterol.
How long should the garlic be sautéed?
The minced garlic should be sautéed for about one minute until it becomes fragrant.
Should I use catsup or ketchup?
The recipe calls for catsup, but standard tomato ketchup can be used interchangeably for flavor.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 15 distinct ingredients required to make this recipe.
Are these pockets suitable for game days?
Absolutely, they are described as great handheld snacks for parties and game days.
What happens if I overfill the pastry squares?
Overfilling can prevent the edges from sealing properly, which may cause the filling to leak during baking.
What type of baking sheet should I use?
Use a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent the pockets from sticking.
Do I add the cheese while the skillet is on the heat?
No, remove the skillet from the heat first, then stir in the shredded cheese.
Is cinnamon common in taco seasoning?
While unique, this recipe uses one teaspoon of cinnamon to add a distinct depth of flavor to the meat filling.
How much water is added to the egg wash?
Whisk one egg with half a tablespoon of water to create the egg wash.