Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a flavorful and fun twist on traditional tacos, perfect for snacking or serving at parties. These golden, cheesy pockets filled with seasoned beef and melty cheese are sure to be a hit with the whole family.

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 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, then return the skillet to the stove. Stir in the taco seasoning mix, coating the beef thoroughly without adding water. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
3. Step 3: Roll out the pizza dough flat and cut it in half lengthwise. Then make 4 cuts across to create 10 small rectangles.
4. Step 4: Place about a tablespoon of the seasoned taco meat in the center of each dough rectangle. Top each with a halved cheese stick. Carefully roll up each one, pinching all seams closed to seal.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Brush this mixture over the tops of the cheesy taco sticks.
6. Step 6: Arrange the sticks on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Serve hot with your favorite taco toppings or dips.

Tips & Variations

• Use homemade taco seasoning for a fresher flavor and to control salt content.
• Swap out the cheese sticks for shredded cheese if you prefer a different texture inside.
• For extra crispiness, brush the rolls with a little beaten egg before baking.
• Add diced jalapeños or green chilies inside for some heat.

Storage

Store any leftover cheesy taco sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in an oven at 350 degrees F for about 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the dough from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of dough?

Yes, puff pastry or crescent roll dough can be used as alternatives, but baking times may vary. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the taco sticks and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready, simply brush with butter mixture and bake as directed.

Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 132 reviews

• Author: Andria
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 10 cheesy taco sticks 1x

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Description

Cheesy Taco Sticks combine the savory flavors of seasoned ground beef and melted cheese wrapped in soft pizza dough, brushed with garlic butter, and baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make appetizer or snack is perfect for taco lovers and family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Filling

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

Dough & 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

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Instructions

1. Preheat 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 cooking spray and set it aside for later use.
3. Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef while breaking it up with a wooden spoon until fully browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat, return skillet to stovetop, then stir in the taco seasoning packet without adding water. Mix until the meat is evenly coated, then remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
4. Prepare Pizza Dough: Roll out the Pillsbury pizza dough flat. Cut the dough lengthwise in half, then make 4 cuts vertically, creating 10 rectangular pieces total.
5. Assemble Taco Sticks: Place about a tablespoon or more of the seasoned taco meat in the center of each rectangle. Top with a halved cheese stick. Carefully roll up each piece, pinching all seams closed to seal the filling inside.
6. Apply Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Brush this flavorful mixture evenly over the tops of the assembled taco sticks.
7. Bake: Arrange the taco sticks on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until they are golden brown on top and the cheese has melted.
8. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot with your favorite taco toppings or dips.

Notes

• Do not add water to the taco seasoning as the moisture can make the dough soggy.
• Make sure to pinch all seams tightly to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
• For extra flavor, serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream as dipping options.
• You can substitute pizza dough with homemade dough if preferred.
• Use a mix of Colby Jack and cheddar cheese sticks for a balanced cheese flavor and good meltability.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Keywords: cheesy taco sticks, ground beef appetizer, easy taco snacks, baked taco rolls, pizza dough snack