Loaded Cheesy Pocket Tacos (Print Version)

Cheesy beef pockets with crispy tortillas and fresh toppings make a crowd-pleasing meal.

# Ingredients:

→ Beef Filling

01 - 1 lb ground beef
02 - 1 small onion, chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 packet taco seasoning mix
05 - 1/4 cup water

→ Cheese and Tortillas

06 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
07 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
08 - 8 medium flour tortillas

→ Cooking and Toppings

09 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
10 - 1/2 cup sour cream
11 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
12 - 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
13 - 1/4 cup sliced black olives
14 - 1/4 cup chopped green onions
15 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

# Steps:

01 - In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute. Stir in the taco seasoning mix and water. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
02 - Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Sprinkle a small amount of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese in the center of the tortilla. Spoon a portion of the ground beef mixture over the cheese. Fold the sides of the tortilla in towards the center, then fold the bottom and top edges in to create a sealed pocket. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese.
03 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Place the pocket tacos seam-side down in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if necessary, adding more oil as needed. Remove the cooked pocket tacos from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
04 - Serve the loaded cheesy pocket tacos warm, topped with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired.

# Notes and Tips:

01 - Use medium flour tortillas that are soft and pliable to make folding easier. If the tortillas are stiff, warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to make them more flexible.
02 - Feel free to use your favorite cheese blend. Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese also work well for added flavor.
03 - Be careful not to overfill the tortillas, as it can make it difficult to seal them properly.