Cheesy Taco Sticks are the perfect fun twist on your favorite tacos! These crispy, cheesy snacks are filled with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and wrapped in a tasty tortilla.
Who can resist cheesy goodness? I love grabbing these for a quick lunch or snack. Plus, they’re great for sharing at parties—if you can keep your hands off them! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Beef gives a rich flavor, but turkey is a leaner option. You could also use chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute like lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
Taco Seasoning: A packet is super convenient, but you can easily make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. I like to add a pinch of cayenne for some heat!
Crescent Roll Dough: This is the flaky, buttery exterior. If you can’t find it, puff pastry is a fantastic substitute. Just keep in mind it may need longer to bake.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my favorite for its bold taste. If you want something milder, try mozzarella or Monterey Jack. Vegan cheese could work too if you’re dairy-free!
How Do I Roll and Seal the Taco Sticks Properly?
Rolling up the crescent dough is an essential step for making these taco sticks. Here’s how to do it right:
- Lay the dough on a clean surface and separate the triangles carefully.
- Spoon the cooked meat mixture onto the wide end of each triangle, being careful not to overfill.
- Add cheese on top of the meat, then start rolling from the wide end toward the point.
- Make sure to pinch the edges where they meet to keep the filling inside while baking.
Taking the time to seal them well will prevent any cheese or meat from escaping during baking!
How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For The Dough:
- 1 package crescent roll dough (8-count)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Salsa (for serving)
- Sour cream (optional for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake, totaling around 25-30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll love how quickly you can whip up these tasty cheesy taco sticks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Meat:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, grab a skillet and place it over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet, cooking it until it’s nicely browned. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat to keep it tasty and not too greasy!
2. Season the Meat:
Once the meat is browned, sprinkle the taco seasoning packet over the meat and pour in the 1/2 cup of water. Stir it all together and cook according to the packet instructions, usually for around 5 minutes. When it looks good and the meat is evenly coated with seasoning, take it off the heat and let it cool for a minute.
3. Roll Out the Crescents:
Next, roll out the crescent dough on a clean surface. You’ll see it separates into individual triangles. Lay them out ready for the filling. Now, scoop a spoonful of your seasoned meat into the center of each triangle and top it with lots of shredded cheddar cheese. Yum!
4. Roll and Seal:
Now it’s time to roll! Starting from the wide end of each triangle, carefully roll up the dough, enclosing the filling. Make sure to pinch the edges tightly to keep that gooey cheese inside.
5. Bake the Taco Sticks:
Place your taco sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Take a little olive oil and brush it over the tops of the sticks. Sprinkle them with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for extra flavor. Bake them in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the cheesy taco sticks cool for just a moment. Serve them hot with salsa and a side of sour cream if you like. Perfect for dipping and enjoying! Have a great time with your delicious cheesy taco sticks!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef. Just be aware that it might be a bit drier, so ensure it’s well-seasoned with the taco seasoning and water, and feel free to add a little extra olive oil when brushing if you want it to be more moist.
What If I Don’t Have Crescent Roll Dough?
No worries! You can use puff pastry or even homemade pizza dough as a substitute. Just roll it out to a similar thickness as crescent dough and cut it into triangles. Adjust baking time as needed since puff pastry might take a little longer to brown.
How to Store Leftover Cheesy Taco Sticks?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness, or you can microwave them for about 30-45 seconds if you are in a hurry.
Can I Add Other Fillings to My Taco Sticks?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with fillings. You can add diced vegetables like bell peppers or onions, or even beans for a heartier filling. Just make sure all added ingredients are pre-cooked and well-drained before assembling the taco sticks.
