These Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun and tasty treat! Packed with seasoned beef, melty cheese, and warm tortillas, they are perfect for a quick snack or dinner.
Whenever I make these, my family gathers around, ready to munch! They’re easy to whip up, and I love dipping them in salsa—it’s a taco party in every bite! 🌮🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the base for your filling, but feel free to swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based option like lentils or black beans for a vegetarian dish. I like using lean beef for less grease.
Taco Seasoning: You can use store-bought taco seasoning, but homemade mixes are fun too! Combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for a flavor boost. I often tweak mine with extra spices to suit my taste.
Cheddar Cheese: While cheddar offers great flavor, you can use Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for a different twist. I usually mix several kinds of cheese together for a richer taste.
Crescent Roll Dough: This dough gives a nice flaky texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try puff pastry or even whole wheat dough. Just keep an eye on the baking time as it may vary.
Onions and Bell Peppers: These are optional but add great flavor. If you’re not a fan, you might use mushrooms or zucchini, or just leave them out altogether. I love loading up on veggies when I can!
How Do I Ensure My Taco Sticks Bake Up Perfectly?
To get your taco sticks golden and flaky, focus on two key steps: dough handling and baking technique. Properly sealing the dough and brushing with oil are crucial for that perfect finish.
- Keep your dough as cold as possible for easier handling and a flakier texture.
- Make sure to pinch the seams well to prevent filling from oozing out while baking.
- Brushing with oil or cooking spray helps create that lovely golden color.
- Watch the timer! Pull them out when they’re just golden; overbaking can dry them out.
Once out of the oven, let them cool a bit before serving. This way the filling doesn’t burn your mouth, and the dough firms up nicely!
How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced onion (optional)
- 1/4 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
For the Dough:
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- Cooking spray or olive oil for brushing
For Serving:
- Salsa for dipping
- Sour cream for serving (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes total. You’ll have about 10 minutes for prep and around 15 minutes for baking. A quick and tasty snack or meal that’s perfect for sharing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is important so that the taco sticks bake evenly and get that lovely golden color.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked. Drain any extra fat to keep your taco sticks from being greasy. Then, stir in the taco seasoning according to the package instructions, which usually involves adding a bit of water. If you’re adding the optional diced onions and bell peppers, mix them in and cook for an extra 2-3 minutes until the veggies are softened. Remove from heat and let it cool a little.
3. Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough:
Unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean surface and separate it into the individual triangles. It’s like magic when you see those dough pieces ready to be filled!
4. Fill and Roll the Dough:
Now, take a spoonful of the taco beef mixture and place it at the wide end of each dough triangle. Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef for that cheesy goodness. Then, roll each triangle up from the wide end to the pointed end, making sure the filling stays inside. Pinch the ends to seal them nice and tight.
5. Bake the Taco Sticks:
Lay the rolled taco sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with a little cooking spray or olive oil to give them a beautiful golden brown finish while they bake. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until they look golden and fully cooked.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re done, take the taco sticks out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them up with salsa for dipping, and if you like, add a dollop of sour cream. You can also sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top for a nice touch. Enjoy your cheesy taco sticks!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef. Just cook it the same way as directed, ensuring it’s fully cooked and seasoned adequately with the taco seasoning for flavor.
What Can I Substitute for Crescent Roll Dough?
If you don’t have crescent roll dough, you can use puff pastry or even biscuit dough as an alternative. Both options will give you a different texture but will bake beautifully with your taco filling!
How to Store Leftover Cheesy Taco Sticks?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. This will help maintain the crispiness of the dough.
Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the taco beef mixture up to 2 days ahead! Just cool it completely after cooking, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to use, allow it to come to room temperature before filling the crescent dough.
