Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delightful twist on your usual taco night. With seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and a crispy dough shell, these sticks are a fun and flavorful alternative to traditional tacos. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or serving them up at your next party, they are sure to be a crowd favorite. Plus, they’re easy to customize with your favorite taco toppings!

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🧾 Ingredients (Makes 12 Taco Sticks)

For the Taco Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
• ½ cup water
• ½ cup chopped onion (optional)
• ¼ cup diced bell pepper (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For the Cheesy Taco Sticks:

• 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
• ½ cup sour cream (optional for dipping)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
• Salsa (optional for dipping)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Taco Filling:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the beef is browned.
• Add the onion and bell pepper (if using) to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
• Stir in the taco seasoning and water, cooking for another 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes well combined. Set the taco filling aside to cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Dough:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Roll out the crescent roll dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If using regular crescent rolls, press the perforations together to form one large sheet of dough.
• Cut the dough into 12 rectangular sections.

3. Assemble the Taco Sticks:

• Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the taco filling in the center of each rectangle. Top with 1-2 tablespoons of shredded cheese.
• Carefully fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges together to seal each stick. You can fold them lengthwise or roll them up, like a burrito, for a more enclosed taco stick.

4. Bake the Taco Sticks:

• Place the assembled taco sticks on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling.

5. Serve:

• Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
• Serve your Cheesy Taco Sticks with sour cream, salsa, and chopped cilantro for extra flavor. Enjoy!

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📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Taco Stick)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~220 kcal
Protein	12g
Carbohydrates	16g
Fiber	1g
Total Fat	14g
Saturated Fat	6g
Sugar	1g
Sodium	500mg
Calcium	150mg
Iron	2mg

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

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💡 Tips & Tricks

• Customize the filling: You can easily make these taco sticks vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with black beans, refried beans, or vegetarian crumbles.
• Add toppings: If you like, you can top the taco sticks with sour cream, guacamole, or even a sprinkle of jalapeños for a bit of spice.
• Use different cheese: Feel free to use any cheese you like, such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Colby Jack for a different flavor profile.
• Make them ahead: You can prepare the taco filling and assemble the taco sticks in advance. Store them in the fridge for up to 1-2 days before baking. Bake them fresh when you're ready to serve.

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✨ A Little Extra From Me

Cheesy Taco Sticks are one of those recipes that bring comfort and joy in every bite. They combine the fun of a taco with the satisfaction of a cheesy snack. The combination of crispy dough, savory taco filling, and melty cheese is a hit every time. Plus, they’re customizable, so you can adjust the filling to suit your taste — making them perfect for everyone in the family!

This recipe is also great for parties, movie nights, or even a fun weeknight dinner. The best part? You can dip them in salsa, sour cream, or even guacamole, making them even more irresistible!