These cheesy taco sticks are a fun twist on your favorite taco flavors! Loaded with melted cheese, seasoned beef, and wrapped in a crispy shell, they make a perfect snack or meal.
Who doesn’t love cheese and tacos? I can’t help but munch on these while binge-watching my favorite shows! Serve them with some salsa for extra yumminess—trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef gives great flavor, but you can use ground turkey or chicken as lighter options. For a vegetarian twist, try black beans or lentils instead.
Taco Seasoning Mix: Store-bought seasoning is super convenient! If you’re out, make your own using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. Adjust the spice level to your taste!
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella work well together, but feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can add extra flavor. Just be mindful of how melty you want your filling.
Crescent Roll Dough: The dough adds a flaky texture, but if you’re looking for a healthier option, puff pastry or even whole wheat dough can work well. Just ensure it’s rolled out to the correct thickness.
Tomatoes & Green Onions: These add freshness, but they’re optional. You can also try other veggies like bell peppers or jalapeños for an extra kick!
How do I get my Taco Sticks golden and crispy?
Brushing the tops of your taco sticks with oil or cooking spray is key for a lovely golden crust. It’s best to do this right before baking. Here’s a quick tip:
- Use a pastry brush or even just your fingers to lightly coat the tops.
- If you want an extra touch, sprinkle some garlic powder or taco seasoning on top after brushing for added flavor.
Remember to check them halfway through baking; rotate your baking sheet if needed for even browning. Enjoy the crispy goodness!
How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 package taco seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
For the Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Dough:
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz)
- Cooking spray or oil for brushing
For Serving:
- Salsa
- Sour cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun and delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. Overall, you’ll have a tasty snack or meal ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the taco sticks from sticking.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep your taco sticks from getting greasy.
3. Add the Taco Seasoning:
Next, stir in the taco seasoning mix and the amount of water mentioned on the packet (usually around 2/3 cup). Cook this mixture as directed until it thickens. Once finished, take it off the heat and let it cool a bit.
4. Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough:
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 4 rectangles. To do this, simply press the perforated seams together to seal them up. This will create nice pockets for your filling.
5. Fill the Dough:
Now it’s time to fill those rectangles! Place a generous scoop of the taco beef mixture in the center of each rectangle, then sprinkle on the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses for that cheesy goodness!
6. Fold and Seal:
Carefully fold the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal them. To give the tops a nice golden color when baking, brush a little oil or cooking spray over the surface.
7. Bake the Taco Sticks:
Place your filled taco sticks on the lined baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once done, take the taco sticks out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm with salsa and sour cream on the side for delicious dipping!
Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Taco Sticks!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly until it’s no longer pink, and drain any excess fat as needed. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
Can I Substitute the Cheese?
Yes, you can! Feel free to use any type of cheese you prefer, such as pepper jack for a spicier kick or a Mexican blend for an extra flavor boost. Just make sure it’s shredded for the best melting results.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
You can easily make these taco sticks vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or using black beans or cooked lentils. Just season them with taco seasoning as you would with beef!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but the oven will keep them crispier.
