Description
These Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delicious and easy appetizer or snack that's perfect for taco lovers. Ground beef seasoned with classic taco flavors is wrapped with colby jack and cheddar cheese inside soft pizza dough sticks, brushed with garlic butter, and baked to golden perfection. Ready in just 22 minutes, they make a crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Taco Meat
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)
For the Cheesy Taco Sticks
- 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) and lightly coat a large baking sheet with non-stick spray to prepare for baking.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until fully browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat, return the skillet to the stove, stir in the taco seasoning mix without adding water, and mix well until the beef is fully coated. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough flat on a clean surface. Cut the dough in half lengthwise, then make 4 evenly spaced cuts perpendicular to the length to create 10 small rectangular pieces.
- Assemble the Taco Sticks: Place about one tablespoon or more of the seasoned beef in the center of each dough rectangle, top with half a cheese stick, then carefully roll up the dough around the filling, pinching the seams tightly to seal each stick.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Brush this flavorful mixture generously over the tops of each assembled taco stick.
- Bake: Arrange the cheesy taco sticks on the prepared baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until they are golden brown on top and the cheese has melted inside.
- Serve: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and serve hot with your favorite taco toppings or dipping sauces.
Notes
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the cooked beef for a less greasy filling.
- Allow the seasoned beef to cool before assembling to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
- You can substitute the cheese sticks with shredded cheese if preferred, but cheese sticks make rolling easier.
- Serve with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- These can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
