Description
These Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack featuring seasoned ground beef and melted cheese wrapped in flaky pizza dough. Perfect for game days, parties, or a fun family meal, they bake to golden perfection and are served with your favorite dipping sauces for added flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend recommended)
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough
Additional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Optional: Salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray to prepare for baking the taco sticks.
- Cook beef: In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even cooking.
- Season beef: Drain any excess grease from the beef and stir in the taco seasoning according to the packet instructions, typically adding a small amount of water. Simmer the mixture until it thickens and becomes flavorful.
- Prepare dough: Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough into a large rectangle, approximately 14 inches by 10 inches, on a clean, flat surface.
- Add filling: Spread the prepared taco meat evenly over one half of the dough rectangle, then evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the meat layer.
- Fold and cut: Fold the other half of the dough over the taco meat and cheese, pressing the edges firmly to seal the filling inside. Use a knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into 10-12 even sticks.
- Prepare for baking: Transfer the sticks to the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro for added flavor and browning.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the sticks for 10-12 minutes until they turn golden brown and the cheese inside is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the taco sticks from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving warm. Offer salsa, sour cream, or guacamole on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure you drain excess grease from the cooked ground beef to avoid soggy dough.
- You can substitute the taco seasoning with homemade spice mix for a fresher taste.
- For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Using refrigerated pizza dough saves time and makes rolling easier; make sure it’s at room temperature before rolling.
- Serve immediately for best texture, but leftover sticks can be reheated in a toaster oven for crispiness.
