Irresistibly Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

Introduction

These irresistibly cheesy taco sticks combine savory ground beef with melty cheese wrapped in soft, golden dough. Perfect as a fun snack or party appetizer, they bring all the flavors of a taco in a handheld treat.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (can substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (use homemade seasoning for lower sodium)
• 2 tablespoons water (optional if beef is well-drained)
• 1 tube refrigerator pizza dough (gluten-free dough can be used for dietary restrictions)
• 8 sticks Colby-Jack cheese sticks (can replace with cheddar or dairy-free cheese)
• 1 tablespoon butter (can be omitted or replaced with olive oil)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt (can be substituted with fresh garlic or omitted)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Step 2: Add the taco seasoning and water to the beef. Stir well and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Step 3: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle. Cut the dough into 8 long strips, approximately the width of the cheese sticks.
4. Step 4: Place a cheese stick on each dough strip and spoon some taco beef along the length of the cheese. Carefully roll the dough around the filling, sealing the edges to create a stick.
5. Step 5: Place the rolled sticks seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush them with melted butter and sprinkle garlic salt evenly over the top.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. Serve warm for the best melty cheese experience.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder to the beef mixture before wrapping.
• Use dairy-free cheese sticks and gluten-free dough to make this recipe suitable for special diets.
• Brush the sticks with olive oil instead of butter for a lighter version.

Storage

Store leftover taco sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy dough.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these taco sticks ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sticks and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before baking. Just cover them tightly to prevent drying out.

What can I use if I don’t have pizza dough?

Puff pastry or crescent roll dough can be used as alternatives, though the texture will differ slightly. Adjust baking time accordingly to ensure the dough is cooked through.

Irresistibly Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

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4.4 from 83 reviews

Irresistibly Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or appetizer featuring seasoned ground beef wrapped in soft pizza dough with melty cheese sticks inside. Perfect for game days, parties, or family dinners, these savory taco-inspired treats combine the flavors of taco beef and cheese in a convenient handheld form.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 taco sticks 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Filling

• 1 pound Ground Beef (Can substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option.)
• 1 packet Taco Seasoning (Use homemade seasoning for lower sodium.)
• 2 tablespoons Water (Optional if beef is well-drained.)

Assembly

• 1 tube Refrigerator Pizza Dough (Gluten-free dough can be used for dietary restrictions.)
• 8 sticks Colby-Jack Cheese Sticks (Can replace with cheddar or dairy-free cheese.)

Finishing Touch

• 1 tablespoon Butter (Can be omitted or replaced with olive oil.)
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Salt (Can be substituted with fresh garlic or omitted.)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Taco Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess grease if needed. Add the taco seasoning and water, stirring well to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and flavors meld. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
3. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the refrigerator pizza dough into a rectangle approximately 12×10 inches, ensuring it is evenly flat for easy wrapping.
4. Assemble Taco Sticks: Spread the cooked taco beef mixture evenly in a line down the center of the dough. Place a cheese stick lengthwise on top of the beef mixture. Carefully fold the dough over the beef and cheese, sealing the edges by pinching and pressing firmly to enclose the filling completely.
5. Cut and Arrange: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the folded dough into 8 equal sections, each containing a cheese stick and beef. Place these sticks seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
6. Butter and Season: Melt the butter and brush it generously over the top of each taco stick. Sprinkle garlic salt evenly for added flavor.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese inside has melted. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey.
• Use gluten-free pizza dough to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• To reduce sodium, use homemade taco seasoning instead of store-bought packets.
• Butter can be replaced with olive oil or omitted for a dairy-free alternative.
• Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.

Keywords: taco sticks, cheesy taco sticks, snack recipe, party appetizers, ground beef recipes, pizza dough snacks