Description
Cheesy Puffy Tacos
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Servings: 8–10 tacos
Ingredients
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1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
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½ cup diced yellow onion
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1 oz mild taco seasoning packet (or 2–3 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
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10 oz can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles (do not drain)
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17.3 oz box puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed in refrigerator overnight
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1¼ cups shredded cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
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Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, fresh cilantro, pickled jalapeños
Instructions
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Preheat Oven:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Optional: place a baking rack on top for a crispier bottom.
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Cook Filling:
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In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion. Drain excess fat.
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Stir in taco seasoning and entire can of Rotel (juice included). Simmer 5 minutes until liquid thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
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Prepare Pastry:
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On a lightly floured surface, unfold puff pastry sheets. Roll gently to even out cracks.
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Cut each sheet into squares or triangles (6 per sheet for 12 tacos).
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Assemble Tacos:
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Place pastry shapes on prepared baking sheet.
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Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of beef mixture onto one half of each piece.
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Top with shredded cheese. Fold pastry over filling to create a half-moon or rustic taco shape. Press edges lightly with a fork to seal if needed.
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Bake:
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Bake 15–18 minutes until pastry is golden brown and puffed.
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Let cool 5 minutes before serving to allow filling to set.
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Serve:
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Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
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Notes
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Make Ahead: Assemble and freeze tacos on a baking sheet. Once frozen, store in a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding 3–5 extra minutes.
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Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, pork, or plant-based meat.
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Vegetarian: Fill with a mixture of black beans, corn, bell peppers, and zucchini with taco seasoning.
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Add Heat: Use hot taco seasoning, Pepper Jack cheese, or diced jalapeños.
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Breakfast Twist: Scramble eggs with ham or bacon and fill pastry with cheese.
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Extra Crunch: Brush pastry with egg wash and sprinkle everything bagel seasoning before baking.