Cheesy Baked Beef Tortilla Pockets: A Flavor-packed, Easy-to-Make Delight

🔪 Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef Filling

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Cook the Ground Beef: Add the 1 lb ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

3. Season the Beef: Stir in the taco seasoning (or homemade spice mix if using), followed by 1/2 cup of water. Add the optional 1/2 cup diced tomatoes if you’d like a bit more moisture. Stir to combine, and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, or until the water has mostly evaporated and the beef is coated in a flavorful sauce.

4. Taste and Adjust: Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas

1. Warm the Tortillas: To make folding the tortillas easier, heat them lightly. Warm the 8 flour tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or microwave them for 20-30 seconds. This will make them soft and pliable for wrapping.

Step 3: Assemble the Tortilla Pockets

1. Add Beef Filling: Lay each tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of the cooked beef mixture (about 2-3 tablespoons) onto the center of each tortilla. Spread it evenly, but leave a little space at the edges.

2. Add Cheese: Top the beef with about 2 tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese (or more, if you prefer extra cheese!).

3. Fold the Tortillas: Carefully fold the sides of the tortilla towards the center, then fold the top and bottom to form a neat, square pocket. Press the edges to seal the filling inside. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

Step 4: Bake the Tortilla Pockets

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Place the tortilla pockets seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. If you want extra crispiness, lightly spray the tops of the pockets with cooking spray or brush them with a little oil.

3. Bake: Bake the tortilla pockets in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the cheese is melted inside.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the pockets from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. Serve with a side of sour cream or guacamole for dipping.

2. Slice and Serve: Cut each pocket in half to reveal the gooey, cheesy beef filling inside. These are perfect for serving as a fun, handheld meal or as a snack during game day, parties, or family dinners.

💡 Tips for Perfect Cheesy Baked Beef Tortilla Pockets

1. Don’t Overstuff the Pockets: Be sure not to overfill the tortillas, as it can make folding them difficult and lead to spills while baking. You want a good balance of beef and cheese without crowding the tortillas.

2. Customize the Filling: Add sautéed veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

3. Use Soft Flour Tortillas: While you can use corn tortillas, flour tortillas are easier to fold and yield a softer, more pliable pocket. If you prefer a gluten-free option, use gluten-free tortillas.

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