Cheesy Taco Sticks

Cheesy Taco Sticks are the ultimate comfort food with a Tex-Mex twist. Perfect for parties, game nights, or as a quick weeknight dinner, these taco sticks combine the delicious flavors of seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and buttery pizza dough. They’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, especially when paired with your favorite dipping sauces like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. The best part is that these taco sticks are completely customizable, so you can make them as cheesy or spicy as you want. With a crispy golden crust and gooey cheese filling, they make a fun and delicious meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cheesy Taco Sticks are a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The seasoned ground beef is savory and flavorful, while the melty Colby jack and cheddar cheese provide a creamy, gooey center. Wrapped in buttery pizza dough and brushed with garlic butter, these taco sticks bake up golden brown and crispy. Plus, they’re super easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a satisfying snack or meal ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or serving appetizers at a party, these taco sticks will be a hit.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• 1 tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough
• 5 Colby Jack and cheddar cheese sticks, halved
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Variations

• Add Veggies: You can incorporate finely chopped onions, bell peppers, or jalapeños into the beef mixture for extra flavor and texture.
• Use Different Cheese: Try swapping the Colby Jack and cheddar cheese for other types like mozzarella, pepper jack, or a cheese blend.
• Spicy Version: If you like it spicy, add some diced green chilies or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the taco beef.
• Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter option, replace the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
• Taco Toppings: Top the taco sticks with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat. Add the taco seasoning to the beef, following the instructions on the seasoning packet. Stir to combine and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Dough

Roll out the Pillsbury Pizza Dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into 10 equal rectangles, making sure each piece is large enough to wrap around the filling.

Step 4: Assemble the Taco Sticks

Spoon a small portion of the seasoned beef onto each rectangle of dough. Place a halved cheese stick on top of the beef. Roll the dough around the filling, pinching the edges to seal tightly. Place the taco sticks seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Brush with Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley. Brush this garlic butter mixture generously over each taco stick, ensuring the dough is fully coated.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the taco sticks in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked through.

Step 7: Serve

Allow the taco sticks to cool slightly before serving. Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Seal the Edges Well: Make sure to pinch the dough edges tightly to prevent the cheese from melting out while baking.
• Don’t Overstuff: Be careful not to overfill the taco sticks, as this can cause the dough to tear or become too difficult to seal.
• Brush with More Butter: For extra flavor, you can brush the taco sticks with additional garlic butter after they’ve finished baking.
• Use Pre-cooked Beef: If you’re in a rush, you can use pre-cooked taco beef or leftover ground beef to speed up the process.
• Baking Sheet Prep: For extra crispiness, you can place the taco sticks on a wire rack over the baking sheet, allowing air to circulate around the taco sticks as they bake.

How to Serve

Cheesy Taco Sticks are perfect for dipping! Serve them with a side of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for a tasty snack or appetizer. They also pair well with a simple salad or some crispy tortilla chips for a full meal. You can even serve them as part of a taco night, offering a fun twist on traditional tacos.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover taco sticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Freezing

If you want to make these taco sticks ahead of time, you can freeze them before baking. Assemble the taco sticks and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the frozen taco sticks for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Reheating

To reheat taco sticks, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes, but the oven method will keep them crispier.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can swap the Colby Jack and cheddar cheese for mozzarella, pepper jack, or any cheese you prefer.

2. Can I make these taco sticks ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the taco sticks ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them for later use.

3. How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Make sure to pinch the dough edges tightly around the filling to seal it securely. Don’t overstuff the taco sticks to ensure they stay sealed.

4. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works great as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

5. How can I make these taco sticks spicier?

You can add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the beef mixture to give it a spicy kick.

6. Can I use homemade pizza dough?

Yes, homemade pizza dough can be used as a substitute for the Pillsbury dough.

7. Can I use a different type of seasoning?

Feel free to experiment with your favorite taco seasoning mix or add additional spices like cumin or paprika for extra flavor.

8. How long should I bake the taco sticks?

Bake the taco sticks for 12-15 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.

9. Can I make these taco sticks vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the meat and use beans, tofu, or other vegetables for a vegetarian version.

10. Can I freeze taco sticks after baking?

Yes, you can freeze the taco sticks after baking. Simply store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Conclusion

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun and easy way to enjoy all the flavors of tacos in a portable, bite-sized form. With seasoned beef, melty cheese, and golden pizza dough, they’re a perfect meal for busy nights or gatherings with friends. Whether you choose to serve them with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole, these taco sticks are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. They’re simple to make, versatile, and absolutely delicious!

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