– **Title**: Cheesy Taco Sticks
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb ground beef or turkey
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (or crescent roll dough)
– 1 cup salsa
– 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)
– Optional: sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the taco seasoning to the cooked meat, following the package instructions (usually adding water and letting it simmer). Once done, remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and combined.
4. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. If using crescent roll dough, unroll it and pinch the seams to create a united sheet.
5. Cut the dough into rectangles, about 4 inches by 6 inches.
6. Place a spoonful of the cheesy taco mixture on each rectangle, leaving space at the edges.
7. Fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket. Seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
8. Place the filled taco sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the dough is golden brown.
10. Serve the cheesy taco sticks with salsa and sour cream on the side, and garnish with jalapeños or cilantro if desired. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best for a less greasy taco stick. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try ground turkey or chicken. For a plant-based choice, crumbled tofu or lentils can also be fantastic alternatives.
Taco Seasoning: If you’ve run out of taco seasoning, combine cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder for a quick homemade mix. I find it fun experimenting with spices to suit my taste!
Cheddar & Mozzarella Cheeses: These two cheeses give great melting characteristics. You can switch out sharp cheddar for mild or use pepper jack for a kick. Vegan cheese works too if you want a dairy-free version.
Crescent Roll Dough: While store-bought is super convenient, you could swap it with puff pastry for a flakier texture or even homemade bread dough if you’re up for it.
Salsa: Fresh salsa can elevate the flavor! If you want less liquid, a thicker salsa is best, but you could also use a store-bought taco sauce if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do I Roll the Crescent Dough Properly Without Making a Mess?
Rolling the crescent dough can be tricky, but it’s easier with a bit of practice. Lay the triangle on a clean surface and spoon the filling near the wider end. Begin rolling from that end and keep the filling in place as you go; gently pinch the sides to seal.
- Don’t overload the dough; too much filling can cause it to burst.
- Space the taco sticks on the baking sheet to help them cook evenly.
- If you’re unsure, practice rolling a test stick first with less filling!
How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 taco seasoning packet
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa (plus more for serving)
For the Dough:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions
- Sour cream
- Cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for baking, totaling around 25 minutes. It’s a quick and easy option for a fun meal or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that heats up, take a baking sheet and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a little olive oil. This will help your taco sticks not to stick to the sheet.
2. Cook the Beef:
Next, grab a skillet and set it over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Once it’s done, drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep things nice and tidy.
3. Add the Seasoning:
Once the beef is browned, add the taco seasoning packet to the skillet. Follow the instructions on the packet, usually adding a little water and letting it simmer for a few minutes. After that, remove it from the heat.
4. Mix in the Goodies:
Stir in the salsa, along with the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until everything is well combined and cheesy!
5. Prepare the Crescent Rolls:
Now it’s time for the crescent roll dough! Unroll it and separate it into triangles. You’ll be wrapping your delicious filling in these.
6. Fill and Roll:
Take a generous scoop of the beef and cheese mixture and place it at the wide end of each triangle. Roll it up tightly towards the point tip, making sure to seal the sides well as you go.
7. Bake the Taco Sticks:
Place the rolled-up taco sticks on your prepared baking sheet, making sure to give them some space. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once they are done baking, remove the taco sticks from the oven and let them cool slightly. This will make them easier to handle. Serve them warm with extra salsa and any optional garnishes you’d like, such as sour cream, chopped green onions, or cilantro.
Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Taco Sticks! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be excellent substitutes for ground beef. Just be aware that they might take a bit less time to cook, and you may want to adjust the seasoning slightly since poultry can have a milder flavor. Follow the same cooking instructions, and you’ll have a lighter version of these tasty taco sticks!
What Can I Use Instead of Crescent Roll Dough?
If you don’t have crescent roll dough, you can use pizza dough or puff pastry as a substitute. Just roll out your dough into triangles or rectangles, and follow the same filling and rolling instructions. Baking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Cheesy Taco Sticks 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 for that crispy texture, or microwave them for about 30-60 seconds if you’re in a hurry.
Can I Freeze Taco Sticks?
Yes, you can freeze these taco sticks! After assembling, but before baking, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. To bake, cook them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you can enjoy them whenever you’re craving a quick snack!
