Description
Cheesy Taco Sticks are a quick and crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer made with pizza dough, seasoned beef, cheese sticks, and a flavorful buttery topping. These golden-baked sticks are filled with well-seasoned taco meat and gooey melted cheese, perfect for dipping or enjoying as a handheld main course. Ideal for parties, game days, or family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
-
For the Filling
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)
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For the Dough & Cheese
- 1 tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough
- 5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks, halved (10 pieces)
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For the Topping
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the other ingredients. This ensures even baking and a golden finish.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Lightly coat a large baking sheet with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Set aside for later use.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until fully browned and crumbled. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet and return it to the stovetop.
- Season the Taco Meat: Add the taco seasoning mix (without water) to the cooked beef. Stir until the meat is well coated with the seasoning, then remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature to avoid overheating the dough.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the Pillsbury pizza dough on a flat surface until it’s even and flat. Cut the dough in half lengthwise and then make four additional cuts crosswise to create 10 equal rectangles.
- Fill and Roll the Taco Sticks: Place about 1 tablespoon of the seasoned taco meat in the center of each dough rectangle. Top each with a halved cheese stick, then carefully roll up each rectangle around the filling, pinching all seams together to seal completely.
- Prepare the Butter Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the prepared taco sticks for extra flavor and sheen.
- Bake: Arrange the taco sticks seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Remove the taco sticks from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy hot, optionally with your favorite taco toppings or dipping sauces.
Notes
- You can use leftover taco meat for this recipe, making it even quicker to prepare.
- If you prepare the full pound of ground beef, extra taco meat can be frozen for future use in tacos, nachos, or salads.
- Serve with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite taco toppings for added flavor.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes or use pepper jack cheese sticks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
