Description
Cheesy Taco Sticks are a quick and customizable comfort food treat combining seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and soft pizza dough. Perfect for weeknight dinners or game day snacks, these savory rolls are baked to golden perfection and bursting with bold taco flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound Ground Beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 packet Taco Seasoning (homemade for controlled sodium)
- 2 tablespoons Water (optional if beef is well-drained)
Dough and Cheese
- 1 package Refrigerator Pizza Dough (gluten-free option available)
- 8 sticks Colby-Jack Cheese Sticks (or cheddar/dairy-free cheese)
Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons Butter (or olive oil for a lighter option)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Salt (fresh garlic can be substituted or omitted)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the taco sticks to a perfect golden brown.
- Cook the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally and draining any excess grease to keep the filling moist but not oily.
- Season the Meat: Add the taco seasoning packet and 2 tablespoons of water to the cooked beef, then simmer for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens and flavors combine well.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 8 equal rectangles to serve as the base for each taco stick.
- Assemble the Taco Sticks: Spoon the seasoned beef mixture evenly onto each dough rectangle, then place one cheese stick on top of the beef in each piece.
- Roll and Seal: Carefully roll each dough rectangle tightly around the cheese and beef, pinching the seams firmly to seal and prevent filling leakage while baking.
- Brush with Butter and Garlic Salt: Mix melted butter with garlic salt and brush this flavorful coating over each rolled taco stick to add richness and promote browning.
- Bake: Place the prepared taco sticks on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the dough is golden brown, crisp on the outside, and the cheese inside has fully melted.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey for a leaner protein option.
- Use gluten-free pizza dough for a gluten-free version.
- Swap butter with olive oil for a healthier fat alternative.
- Omit garlic salt or use fresh garlic for a different flavor profile.
- Serve warm with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for extra flavor.
- Ensure the seams of the dough are sealed well to prevent cheese leakage during baking.
