Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional tacos, perfect for a snack or party appetizer. Loaded with seasoned ground beef and melty cheese wrapped in crispy pizza dough, they’re sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)
• 1 tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough
• 5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks (halved)
• 4 tbsp butter (melted)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly coat a large baking sheet with non-stick spray and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until fully browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat, return the skillet to the stove, and stir in the taco seasoning mix without adding water. Cook until the beef is fully coated, then remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
3. Step 3: Roll out the pizza dough flat. Cut it in half lengthwise, then make 4 cuts vertically, creating 10 small rectangles in total.
4. Step 4: Place about a tablespoon or more of the seasoned taco meat in the center of each dough rectangle. Top each with a halved cheese stick.
5. Step 5: Carefully roll up each rectangle into a stick, pinching all the seams closed to seal the filling inside.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Brush this mixture over the tops of the cheesy taco sticks.
7. Step 7: Bake the sticks on the prepared baking sheet for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Serve hot with your favorite taco toppings.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
• Use shredded cheese instead of cheese sticks for a different texture.
• Try homemade pizza dough for a fresher taste.
• Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.

Storage

Store leftover cheesy taco sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in an oven or toaster oven at 350 degrees F for about 8-10 minutes to keep the crust crispy. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the dough soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the taco sticks and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if they come straight from the fridge.

What can I use instead of taco seasoning mix?

You can use a homemade blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to season the beef if you prefer a fresher or less salty option.

Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

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4.4 from 79 reviews

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delicious and fun twist on traditional tacos, combining seasoned ground beef, melty cheese sticks, and soft pizza dough baked to golden perfection. These handheld treats are perfect for a family dinner, game day snack, or casual get-together, offering a flavorful experience with a crispy, buttery garlic topping.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 10 taco sticks 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Filling

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)

Dough and Cheese

• 1 tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough
• 5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks (halved)

Topping

• 4 tbsp butter (melted)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the taco sticks.
2. Prepare Baking Sheet: Lightly coat a large baking sheet with non-stick spray and set it aside to prevent sticking during baking.
3. Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until fully browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat for a leaner filling. Return the skillet to the stovetop and stir in the taco seasoning packet (without adding water), mixing until the beef is completely coated. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature to make handling easier.
4. Prepare the Dough: Spread the pizza dough flat on a clean surface. Cut the dough lengthwise in half and then make 4 vertical cuts, resulting in 10 small rectangular pieces.
5. Assemble the Taco Sticks: Place about a tablespoon (or more) of the seasoned taco meat in the center of each dough rectangle. Top each with a halved cheese stick. Carefully roll each piece up, ensuring to pinch all seams closed tightly to prevent filling from leaking out during baking.
6. Apply the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Using a brush, generously coat the tops of each rolled taco stick with this mixture to enhance flavor and help achieve a golden-brown crust.
7. Bake: Place the prepared taco sticks onto the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
8. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the cheesy taco sticks hot, optionally with your favorite taco toppings such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the taco meat mixture.
• You can substitute the pizza dough with crescent roll dough if preferred.
• Ensure seams are well sealed to prevent cheese and meat from leaking out during baking.
• Leftover taco sticks can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 8 minutes to retain crispiness.
• Serve with sides like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.

Keywords: Cheesy Taco Sticks, taco snack, baked tacos, easy family dinner, stuffed pizza dough, ground beef recipe, taco bites