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Melty and savory, these Cheesy Beef Pockets come together in a single skillet for a flavorful and easy meal that comes together without fuss. Loaded with taco meat, refried beans, and lots of cheese.
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If you’re looking for a cheesy and satisfying dinner that’s simple to make, look no further than these amazing beef pockets! A fun take on quesadillas, this recipe is so easy, and it’s sure to be a hit.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Familiar Flavors: Thanks to ingredients like taco seasoning and salsa, these beef pockets are full of flavors you know and love, but served in a fun new way!
Made in One Skillet: You’ll love the convenience of preparing everything in the same skillet, which means easy clean-up afterwards.
A Convenient and Delicious Dinner: Thanks to easy prep and simple steps, any home chef can quickly put together this amazing dish without fuss or stress!
For even more taco-inspired options, try my Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Tacos or these Taco Wonton Cups!
Ingredients Needed
- Ground Beef: Ground chicken or turkey will also work.
- Peppers: I use a combination of red bell peppers and jalapeno peppers for a bit of heat.
- Taco Seasoning: A quick and easy way to instantly add lots of flavor to your beef pockets.
- Salsa: Use a thick jarred salsa. Fresh salsa is too watery.
- Tortillas: For this recipe, I recommend burrito-sized flour tortillas for best results.
- Shredded Cheese: I really like Colby Jack cheese for this recipe, but feel free to switch up your cheese option.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Pockets
- Step 1: In a large oven-safe skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat for a minute or two, breaking it up as you work.
- Step 2: Add peppers and onions and cook with the beef until slightly softened and tender. Drain excess grease.
- Step 3: Add taco seasoning and mix well.
- Step 4: Stir in the salsa and refried beans until combined. Remove from heat.
- Step 5: On a clean work surface, slice each tortilla in half.
- Step 6: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese to each tortilla half.
- Step 7: Follow up with a spoonful of the beef mixture.
- Step 8: Carefully fold the edges of the tortilla into the center so you have a triangle-shaped pocket.
- Step 9: Arrange six tortilla pockets in a pie dish or 12-inch skillet. Melt butter and combine with garlic, then brush garlic butter over the tortillas.
- Step 10: Top with cheese and bake at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Recipe Tips
- If the skillet you use to cook the beef mixture is oven-safe, you can also use it to bake the pockets in the final step. You may want to wipe it out before adding the tortilla pockets.
- Jarred salsa is typically a better option for this dish–fresh salsa can have more liquid and can make the beef mixture too thin or watery.
- Ground turkey or ground chicken are great options if you want something a little bit lighter.
- Serve with a side of seasoned rice and top with pico de gallo, a squeeze of lime juice, or guacamole.
- If you have leftovers, transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3 days or so.
- Reheat in the microwave, in a skillet over medium heat, or in the oven at around 350 degrees F.
