Cheesy Taco Sticks
These Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos! Packed with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and wrapped in pizza dough, they make the perfect snack or dinner for the whole family.
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:
1. Cook the beef:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then stir in the taco seasoning mix and follow the instructions on the seasoning packet (typically adding a bit of water). Let the beef mixture simmer until fully combined and the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the dough:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Unroll the Pillsbury pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out slightly to ensure it’s big enough to cut into strips.
- Slice the dough into 10-12 strips, depending on the size of your taco sticks.
3. Assemble the taco sticks:
- Place a cheese stick half in the center of each dough strip.
- Spoon a portion of the seasoned ground beef mixture over the cheese.
- Carefully fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges to seal each taco stick into a little pocket.
4. Bake:
- Arrange the taco sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Brush the garlic butter mixture over the top of each taco stick for a golden, flavorful finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden and cooked through.
5. Serve:
- Remove the taco sticks from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Tips for Success:
- Cheese variation: Feel free to experiment with different cheese sticks, like mozzarella or pepper jack, for extra flavor!
- Add-ins: For extra flavor, you can add chopped onions, jalapeños, or black olives to the beef mixture before filling the taco sticks.
- Make it crispy: For extra crispiness, try brushing the taco sticks with a little olive oil before baking instead of the garlic butter.
These Cheesy Taco Sticks are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and flavorful. Enjoy them as a fun weeknight dinner or party snack!
