Irresistibly Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
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
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.)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Butter and Season: Melt the butter and brush it generously over the top of each taco stick. Sprinkle garlic salt evenly for added flavor.
- 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