– **Title**: Cheesy Taco Sticks
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
– 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup diced onions
– 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
– Salsa, for serving
– Sour cream, for serving
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat the oven according to the directions on the crescent roll dough package.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning and follow the instructions on the packet (usually adding water and simmering).
4. Roll out the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles.
5. On each triangle, add a spoonful of the cooked taco meat, followed by a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, diced tomatoes, onions, and olives if using.
6. Roll each triangle starting from the wider end to the pointed end, sealing the edges.
7. Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake in the preheated oven according to the crescent roll dough instructions until golden brown, approximately 12-15 minutes.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
10. Garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve with salsa and sour cream for dipping.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the base for the filling. You could swap it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or even black beans for a vegetarian version.
Taco Seasoning Mix: If you don’t have taco seasoning, you can easily make your own using chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt. It’s fun to adjust it to your taste!
Cheddar & Mozzarella Cheese: These cheeses give great flavor and melt well. For a twist, try pepper jack for a little spice or use dairy-free cheese if needed.
Crescent Roll Dough: You could use puff pastry instead if you want something a bit flakier. Just be sure to roll it out into triangles!
Olive Oil: This is for brushing. You might use melted butter for a richer flavor, or even a cooking spray if you’re looking to cut down on calories.
How Do I Get My Taco Sticks Crispy and Golden Brown?
To achieve a crispy golden color, proper brushing and baking are key. Here’s how to make sure they turn out perfectly:
- Preheat your oven fully to 375°F (190°C) before baking.
- Brush the tops of each taco stick with olive oil evenly; this helps them brown nicely.
- Bake them on parchment paper to prevent sticking, allowing for even heat circulation.
- Keep an eye on the time. They usually take about 12-15 minutes but check at the 12-minute mark for perfect golden brown results.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Crescent Dough:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
For Flavor:
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
For Serving:
- Salsa (for serving)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 25-30 minutes in total. You’ll need around 10 minutes to prepare the filling and assemble the taco sticks, and then about 12-15 minutes to bake them until they’re golden and crispy. It’s a quick and easy treat for any meal or snack time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it will be nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your taco sticks!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep things nice and lean.
3. Add Seasonings:
Sprinkle the taco seasoning mix over the cooked beef. Follow the package instructions, which usually say to add a bit of water and let it simmer for a few minutes. Stir in the garlic powder and onion powder for extra flavor.
4. Mix in the Cheese:
Once the beef is well-seasoned, take the skillet off the heat and add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and combines nicely with the beef.
5. Prepare Crescent Roll Dough:
Open the can of crescent roll dough and carefully unroll it. You will see perforations that separate the dough into 8 triangles. Divide them along these lines so you have the pieces ready to fill!
6. Assemble the Taco Sticks:
For each triangle of dough, place a generous spoonful of the cheesy taco filling towards the wide end. Roll it up tightly towards the point, being careful to keep the filling inside. Place each rolled stick seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Brush with Olive Oil:
Using a brush (or even your fingers!), gently coat the tops of your rolled taco sticks with olive oil to help them turn golden and crispy while baking.
8. Bake in the Oven:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the taco sticks are nicely golden brown. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the cheesy taco sticks cool for a few minutes. They’ll be hot and cheesy, so patience is key!
10. Enjoy!
Serve your cheesy taco sticks warm with salsa and sour cream on the side. If you like, garnish with some fresh cilantro for an extra pop of color. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a great alternative if you prefer a leaner meat option. Just make sure to cook it until it’s fully browned and follow the same instructions for adding the taco seasoning and cheese to ensure the flavors are on point!
What Can I Substitute for Crescent Roll Dough?
If you don’t have crescent roll dough, you can use puff pastry or even create your own simple dough with flour, butter, and a little water. Just roll it out to about 1/8-inch thickness and cut it into triangles before filling!
Can I Make These Cheesy Taco Sticks in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble and bake the taco sticks as directed. This makes for a convenient, quick meal for busy nights!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cheesy taco sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a toaster oven or the regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
