Description
Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer combining seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and soft pizza dough baked to golden perfection. Perfect for taco night or as a flavorful party snack, these handheld treats offer a delicious blend of savory spices and gooey cheese wrapped in a crispy crust, served with optional sour cream or salsa on the side.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/3 cup water
Dough and Cheese
- 1 (8-count) tube refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Topping and Finishing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- Sour cream or salsa for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Season Meat: Add taco seasoning and water to the beef. Stir and simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough and cut it into 8 equal-sized rectangles ready for filling.
- Fill and Seal: Place a spoonful of the seasoned taco meat and a generous pinch of shredded cheddar cheese onto the center of each dough rectangle. Fold the dough around the filling and pinch the edges to seal, shaping them into stick-like forms.
- Season and Bake: Arrange the taco sticks seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each stick with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with garlic powder and dried parsley.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the sticks are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm, accompanied by sour cream or salsa for dipping if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Add chopped jalapeños or green onions to the filling for an extra spicy kick.
- These taco sticks freeze well. To reheat, bake them in the oven until warmed through to maintain the crust’s crispiness.
