Irresistibly Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
Irresistibly Cheesy Taco Sticks combine seasoned ground beef and melted Colby-Jack cheese wrapped in soft pizza dough, baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or party treat, these taco sticks bring bold Mexican flavors in a fun and easy-to-eat form.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 taco sticks 1x
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
For the Filling
- 1 pound Ground Beef (can substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 packet Taco Seasoning (use homemade seasoning for lower sodium)
- 2 tablespoons Water (optional if beef is well-drained)
For the Dough
- 1 tube Refrigerator Pizza Dough (gluten-free dough can be used for dietary restrictions)
For the Cheese
- 8 sticks Colby-Jack Cheese Sticks (can replace with mozzarella or cheddar sticks)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat. Add taco seasoning and water, stir well, and simmer for 3-5 minutes until the seasoning is well distributed and slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, unroll the tube of pizza dough and gently stretch it into a large rectangle approximately 12×10 inches.
- Assemble Taco Sticks: Cut the dough lengthwise into 8 equal strips. Place a cooked beef mixture evenly down the center of each strip, then lay one cheese stick on top of the beef in each strip.
- Wrap and Seal: Fold the edges of the dough strips over the filling, overlapping slightly, and pinch the edges to seal tightly around the beef and cheese, forming a stick shape.
- Bake the Sticks: Place the sealed taco sticks seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake in preheated oven for 15-18 minutes until the dough is golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and let cool for 2 minutes. Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping.
Notes
- Using a lean ground turkey or homemade taco seasoning reduces fat and sodium content.
- Gluten-free pizza dough options make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Ensure the beef is cooked thoroughly and drained well to avoid soggy dough.
- For extra crispiness, brush the tops of the dough with a beaten egg before baking.
- These taco sticks can be baked ahead, then reheated in the oven for a few minutes to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco stick (approx.)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: taco sticks, cheesy taco sticks, ground beef snack, easy appetizer, Mexican snacks, pizza dough recipe
