If you’re looking for a fresh twist on Taco Tuesday, these Cheesy Taco Sticks are the perfect solution! Filled with seasoned ground beef and ooey-gooey cheese, these sticks are enveloped in golden, buttery dough, creating a flavorful and fun snack or meal. Easy to make, packed with flavor, and kid-friendly, these taco sticks make an ideal option for quick dinners, game days, or even an after-school snack.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning mix (for perfect seasoning without extra ingredients)
5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks, halved (for a rich, cheesy center)
1 tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough (or any ready-to-use pizza dough)
4 tbsp butter, melted (for a golden crust)
1 tsp garlic powder (for a hint of extra flavor)
1 tsp dried parsley (adds color and a subtle herb flavor)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Cook the Ground Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat, then add the taco seasoning mix, following the packet instructions. Stir to combine and set aside.
Prepare the Dough:
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to prevent sticking, then cut it into 10 equal rectangles.
Assemble the Taco Sticks:
Spoon a portion of the seasoned ground beef onto each dough rectangle, then place half of a cheese stick on top. Roll the dough around the beef and cheese, pinching the edges to seal them completely. Place each rolled taco stick on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush with Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Brush this butter mixture over each taco stick to add flavor and help the dough bake to a golden brown.
Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked through.
Serve and Enjoy!
Allow the taco sticks to cool slightly, then serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Serving Tips:
Dipping Sauces: Serve with a variety of dips, such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or queso, to complement the cheesy, beefy flavors.
Garnishes: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro, diced green onions, or a squeeze of lime juice over the taco sticks just before serving to add a fresh burst of flavor.
Side Dishes: Pair the taco sticks with a light side salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans to turn this snack into a complete meal.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Place leftover taco sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep them fresh.
Freezing: To make them last longer, wrap each taco stick individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Tips:
Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes. This method keeps the outside crispy while warming up the cheese inside.
Microwave: Use this method if you’re short on time, but keep in mind the dough may soften. Heat in 20-30 second intervals until warm.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of dough for these taco sticks?
Yes, you can substitute the pizza dough with crescent roll dough or even homemade dough if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the baking time as needed to ensure the dough is fully cooked and golden brown.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out while baking?
To prevent cheese leaks, ensure the dough is tightly wrapped around the filling, pinching all edges securely to seal them. You can also double-wrap the edges if you notice gaps.
Can I make Cheesy Taco Sticks in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the taco sticks, cover them tightly, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, brush with butter and bake as directed.
Are there any vegetarian options for this recipe?
Yes, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat substitute or seasoned black beans. You’ll still get all the delicious taco flavors in a vegetarian-friendly version.
Conclusion:
These Cheesy Taco Sticks are a great way to shake up Taco Tuesday with a fun, handheld twist. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep time, they’re perfect for anyone craving a cheesy, savory treat. So grab some dough, your favorite taco ingredients, and enjoy a new way to enjoy taco flavors!
📖 Recipe:
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Cheesy Taco Sticks
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings (2 taco sticks per serving)
Description
Cheesy Taco Sticks are the ultimate Taco Tuesday treat! These handheld snacks are filled with seasoned beef and gooey cheese, wrapped in buttery dough, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for parties, quick dinners, or snacks, this easy recipe combines the classic flavors of tacos in a fun and shareable form. Try these taco sticks with salsa or guacamole for a delicious twist on tacos!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning mix
1 tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough
5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks, halved
4 tbsp butter, melted
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, then drain excess fat. Add taco seasoning according to the packet instructions. Stir well and set aside.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and cut into 10 equal rectangles.
- Assemble the Taco Sticks: Spoon seasoned beef onto each dough rectangle, add a halved cheese stick, and roll the dough around the filling, sealing the edges. Place each stick on the baking sheet.
- Brush with Butter Mixture: Mix melted butter with garlic powder and parsley, then brush over each taco stick.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool slightly and serve with favorite dips!
Notes
Custom Cheese Options: Substitute colby jack and cheddar with pepper jack or mozzarella for different flavors.
Vegetarian Option: Swap ground beef with seasoned black beans or a plant-based meat substitute.
Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep crispy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 servings (2 taco sticks per serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
