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Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

4.5 from 132 reviews

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delicious and fun twist on traditional tacos, featuring seasoned ground beef and melty cheese wrapped in flaky pizza dough. Baked until golden brown and brushed with a flavorful garlic butter and parsley topping, these handheld treats are perfect for a quick snack, party appetizer, or casual meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Mixture

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)

Sticks

  • 1 tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough
  • 5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks (halved)

Topping

  • 4 tbsp butter (melted)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly coat a large baking sheet with non-stick spray and set it aside for later use.
  2. Cook Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook 1 lb. ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until fully browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat, then return the skillet to the stove. Add the taco seasoning packet (without water) and stir until the beef is evenly coated. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
  3. Prepare Dough and Fill: Roll out the tube of Pillsbury Pizza Dough until it’s flat. Cut the dough lengthwise in half, then make 4 cuts along the width to create 10 small rectangular pieces. Place about a tablespoon or more of the cooled taco meat in the center of each rectangle, top with a halved cheese stick, then carefully roll up each piece into a stick shape, pinching seams closed to seal in the filling.
  4. Make Garlic Butter and Brush: In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of melted butter with 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon dried parsley. Brush this mixture generously on the tops of each cheesy taco stick for a flavorful finish.
  5. Bake: Arrange the prepared taco sticks on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown on top and the cheese inside is melted. Serve hot with your favorite taco toppings such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure the taco meat is cooled before assembling to prevent premature dough activation or sogginess.
  • You can substitute the cheese sticks with any shredded cheese or other cheese sticks of your choice.
  • For a homemade taco seasoning, mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
  • Serve with dips like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for added flavor.
  • These taco sticks are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to retain crispiness.

Keywords: cheesy taco sticks, taco snacks, easy appetizers, baked taco recipe, ground beef snacks, pizza dough recipes