Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. These savory treats are filled with flavorful ground beef, gooey cheese, and a hint of taco seasoning, all wrapped in a flaky pizza dough.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The great combination of flavors from the seasoned beef and melted cheese.
- Quick and simple preparation, making it ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
- Perfect for meal prep as they can be made ahead of time and reheated easily.
Ingredient Notes:
- Ground beef: Adds protein and savory flavor to the dish.
- Packet taco seasoning mix: Infuses the beef with Mexican-inspired spices.
- Tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough: Provides a convenient and flaky crust for the taco sticks.
- Colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks, halved: Melts into gooey perfection inside the taco sticks.
- Butter, melted: Adds richness and helps to brown the dough.
- Garlic powder and dried parsley: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven and prepare a baking sheet.
- Cook the ground beef with the taco seasoning mix until browned.
- Roll out the pizza dough and cut into strips.
- Place a cheese stick on each strip and top with a spoonful of the beef mixture.
- Roll up the dough around the filling and brush with melted butter.
- Sprinkle with garlic powder and parsley, then bake until golden brown.
Helpful Tips:
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Make sure to seal the edges of the dough tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out.
- Serve with a side of salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping.
Serving Suggestions:
These Cheesy Taco Sticks pair well with a side of Spanish rice, a crisp salad, or a refreshing margarita.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To reheat, place the taco sticks in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use pre-made pizza dough instead of Pillsbury?
- Yes, any type of pizza dough will work for this recipe.
- Can I freeze the unbaked taco sticks?
- Yes, you can freeze them before baking, then bake from frozen when ready to serve.
- Can I use different types of cheese?
- Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties for a unique twist.
- How long do these taco sticks stay fresh?
- They are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated for a few days.
Conclusion:
Cheesy Taco Sticks are a crowd-pleasing snack that is sure to impress your family and friends. Try out this easy and delicious recipe and let us know how it turns out!
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Cheesy Taco Sticks
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delicious appetizer or snack made with seasoned ground beef, cheese sticks, and pizza dough, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
-
- 1Lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough
- 5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks, halved
Seasoning:
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook Beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef, then stir in the taco seasoning mix.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the pizza dough and cut into rectangles.
- Assemble: Place a cheese stick half on each rectangle, top with beef, and roll up.
- Bake: Brush with butter mixture, sprinkle with parsley, and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Serve: Enjoy the Cheesy Taco Sticks warm.
Notes
- You can customize the filling with your favorite taco ingredients like salsa, jalapeños, or black beans.
- For a spicier version, use pepper jack cheese sticks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg