Ingredients
Scale
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients that bring out authentic flavor without fuss. I always reach for fresh, quality cheese because it melts beautifully and adds richness. Ground beef or turkey works wonderfully here, but you can easily swap for a vegetarian option like black beans or seasoned tofu if you prefer. Fresh spices make all the difference, so I recommend using taco seasoning from scratch if you have the time—it’s simple and packs a fresher punch than store-bought blends.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon homemade or store-bought taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough
- Sour cream or salsa, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, then stir in ground beef or turkey. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat, then sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat mixture. Stir well to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Roll out the crescent dough on a lightly floured surface. Press seams to seal and cut into rectangles about 3×4 inches.
- Layer a spoonful of the taco meat on each rectangle, then sprinkle a generous amount of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on top. Add a few cilantro leaves if using.
- Roll each rectangle tightly into a stick and place seam side down on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving with sour cream or salsa for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Cheesy Taco Sticks, recipe, cooking, food
