Description
Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun and delicious handheld treat perfect for snack time or a casual meal. Ground beef seasoned with taco spices is rolled inside pillowy pizza dough along with gooey colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks, then baked to golden perfection and brushed with a garlic butter topping. These flavorful and cheesy bites are sure to be a crowd-pleaser for parties or family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)
Dough and Cheese
- 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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot enough for baking the cheesy taco sticks to a golden brown finish.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Lightly coat a large baking sheet with non-stick spray and set aside to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cook Beef Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef thoroughly by breaking it up with a wooden spoon until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat from the pan. Return the skillet to the stovetop, add the taco seasoning packet (without adding water), and stir to coat the beef evenly. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Prepare Dough and Fillings: Roll out the pizza dough flat, then cut it in half lengthwise and make 4 cuts crosswise to create 10 small rectangular pieces. Place about a tablespoon or more of the seasoned taco beef in the center of each rectangle, top each with a halved cheese stick, then carefully roll up the dough around the fillings. Pinch the seams closed tightly to seal.
- 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 rolled taco stick before baking.
- Bake: Arrange the prepared taco sticks on the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot, optionally with your favorite taco toppings or dips for added flavor.
Notes
- Do not add water with the taco seasoning to keep the filling less soggy and prevent the dough from getting too wet.
- Make sure to pinch all seams of the dough rolls to prevent cheese and meat from leaking during baking.
- Use non-stick spray on the baking sheet or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- For extra flavor, serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole as dipping options.
- These can be made ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
