Description
Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delicious and easy-to-make snack combining seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and soft pizza dough. Perfect as a party appetizer or a fun family meal, these savory sticks feature a golden, buttery crust with flavorful taco filling inside.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Seasoning
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
Dough & Cheese
- 1 tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough
- 5 Colby Jack and Cheddar cheese sticks, halved
Butter & Herbs
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain off any excess fat, then add the taco seasoning packet along with water or ingredients as per the packet’s instructions. Stir well to combine the flavors and set the mixture aside.
- Prepare Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the tube of pizza dough and cut it into 10 equal rectangles, ensuring you have enough pieces to make each taco stick.
- Assemble Taco Sticks: Spoon a portion of the seasoned beef onto each rectangle of dough. Place one halved cheese stick on top of the beef. Roll the dough tightly around the filling, ensuring the edges are sealed completely to keep the cheese and meat enclosed. Place each rolled stick seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush with Butter Mixture: Combine the melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley. Brush this flavorful mixture generously over each taco stick to add moisture and a delicious golden color.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the taco sticks from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These sticks pair wonderfully with your favorite dips such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Notes
- You can substitute the Colby Jack and Cheddar cheese sticks with mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer, use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought for a fresher taste.
- To make the recipe spicier, add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or sprinkle chili flakes over the butter brush.
- These taco sticks can be frozen before baking for a quick meal later; bake directly from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
