Mediterranean Loaded Cheesy Pocket Tacos
These Mediterranean-inspired pocket tacos take the best of Tex-Mex comfort food and give it a creamy, cheesy upgrade. Stuffed with seasoned ground beef, cream cheese, salsa, and cheddar, then baked until golden, they’re a fun twist on classic tacos. The folded, sealed pockets make them easy to eat and perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or meal prep.
Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning:
1 pound ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
Dairy and Sauce:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup salsa
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Shells and Fat:
12 small flour tortillas (6-inch)
2 tbsp melted butter
Optional Toppings:
Sour cream
Guacamole
Salsa
Green onions
Lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Instructions
Cook the beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning with a splash of water and cook until well combined. Remove from heat.
Mix the filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the seasoned beef, softened cream cheese, salsa, and cheddar. Stir until fully blended into a creamy, cheesy mixture.
Assemble the pockets:
Lay out tortillas. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the filling onto one side of each tortilla. Fold over to form a half-moon and press edges gently to seal.
Brush with butter:
Place filled tortillas on a lined baking sheet. Brush tops lightly with melted butter.
Bake:
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, until tortillas are golden and slightly crisp.
Serve:
Let cool slightly, then serve with your choice of toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or fresh vegetables.
Tips
Seal them well: Press edges firmly with a fork to prevent filling from leaking while baking.
Prevent sogginess: Make sure beef is well-drained before mixing with cheese and salsa.
Extra crisp: Flip the pockets halfway through baking or finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes.
Make-ahead: Assemble and refrigerate unbaked pockets for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready.
Variations
Protein swap: Try ground chicken, turkey, or lamb for a lighter or more Mediterranean twist.
Cheese change: Use mozzarella for a gooey melt, feta for tanginess, or a mix for depth of flavor.
Veggie boost: Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the filling.
Tortilla options: Use whole wheat or low-carb tortillas to make it more diabetic-friendly.
Spice it differently: Swap taco seasoning for Mediterranean spices like cumin, paprika, and oregano for a fresh take.
Dipping sauces: Serve with tzatziki, Greek yogurt dip, or hummus alongside salsa for a fusion-style meal.
Nutrition
(per serving, 1 pocket without toppings, approximate)
Calories: 230–250
Protein: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 18–20 g
Fiber: 2 g
Fat: 12 g
Sodium: ~400–450 mg
(Values will vary depending on tortilla type, cheese, and toppings used.)
Conclusion
These Mediterranean loaded cheesy pocket tacos are hearty, customizable, and fun to eat. The creamy, savory filling pairs perfectly with the crisp tortilla shell, and you can dress them up with your favorite toppings or dips. They’re easy to prep, family-friendly, and freezer-friendly, making them a great choice for weeknight meals or entertaining.