Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these tasty treats in no time.
- Versatile: Ideal for game days, parties, or a cozy night in, they suit any occasion.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the fillings and seasonings to cater to your taste preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough
- 5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks, halved
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the Meat: Add the taco seasoning to the cooked beef, stirring until well combined. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into 10 equal rectangles.
- Assemble the Sticks: Place a spoonful of the seasoned meat onto each dough rectangle, top with a halved cheese stick, then roll the dough over the filling, pinching the edges to seal.
- Add Topping: Mix the melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley. Brush this mixture over the top of each assembled stick.
- Bake: Place the sticks on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm, optionally with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 10 cheesy taco sticks.
- Preparation Time: About 10 minutes.
- Cooking Time: Approximately 12 minutes.
- Total Time: Roughly 22 minutes.
Variations
- Protein Options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.
- Spice Level: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the filling for an extra kick.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend to suit your taste.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Place any leftover taco sticks in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. A microwave can be used, but the dough may become softer.
FAQs
What type of dough works best for this recipe?
Refrigerated pizza dough is ideal due to its ease of use and texture. Crescent roll dough can also be used for a flakier result.
Can I make these taco sticks ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sticks in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. If refrigerating for more than a few hours, ensure they’re well-covered to prevent the dough from drying out.
Are there vegetarian alternatives for the filling?
Absolutely! Use seasoned black beans, refried beans, or a mix of sautéed vegetables as a meatless filling.
How can I prevent the cheese from oozing out during baking?
Ensure that all edges of the dough are tightly sealed around the filling. Pinching the seams firmly helps keep the cheese contained.
What dipping sauces pair well with these taco sticks?
Salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or even a spicy queso dip complement the flavors nicely.
Can I freeze the assembled taco sticks?
Yes, place the assembled (but unbaked) sticks on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How do I make homemade taco seasoning?
Combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to create your own blend.
Is it possible to use whole wheat dough for a healthier option?
Yes, whole wheat pizza dough can be used to increase fiber content and provide a nuttier flavor.
What side dishes complement cheesy taco sticks?
Consider serving with a fresh salad, Mexican rice, or corn on the cob to round out the meal.
How can I make the taco sticks spicier?
Incorporate spicy elements like chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or use a spicier cheese variety to elevate the heat level.
Conclusion
Cheesy Taco Sticks offer a delightful twist on traditional tacos, combining savory fillings with a crispy exterior. Their simplicity and versatility make them a go-to recipe for various occasions. Whether enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or main course, these sticks are sure to satisfy your cravings
Cheesy Taco Sticks
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 10 taco sticks
Description
Cheesy Taco Sticks are the ultimate fusion of taco flavors and crispy, cheesy goodness. This easy-to-make snack features seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and golden pizza dough, perfect for game days, parties, or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough
- 5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks, halved
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Season Meat: Stir in the taco seasoning and mix well. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into 10 rectangles.
- Assemble Sticks: Place a spoonful of seasoned meat and half a cheese stick on each rectangle. Roll the dough over the filling, sealing edges tightly.
- Add Topping: Mix melted butter with garlic powder and parsley. Brush over each assembled stick.
- Bake: Arrange on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Serve warm with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Notes
- For spicier taco sticks, add jalapeños or crushed red pepper to the filling.
- Crescent roll dough can be used as an alternative for a flakier texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
