Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

Introduction:

These Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos, combining seasoned ground beef with gooey cheese, all wrapped in a golden, flaky pizza dough. Perfect for a quick dinner, game day, or a tasty appetizer, these sticks are sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• 1 tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough
• 5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks, halved
• 4 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried parsley

Directions

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning mix according to the packet instructions and set aside.
3. Prepare the Dough:
   • Roll out the Pillsbury Pizza Dough on a floured surface and cut it into 10 equal rectangles.
4. Assemble the Taco Sticks:
   • Spoon a portion of the seasoned ground beef onto each rectangle of dough. Place a halved cheese stick on top of the beef. Roll the dough around the filling, pinching the edges to seal. Arrange the taco sticks on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Add Topping:
   • In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley. Brush this mixture over the top of each taco stick.
6. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked.
7. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the cheesy taco sticks to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10 sticks
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 27-30 minutes

Variations

• Ground Turkey: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
• Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the seasoned beef for extra heat.
• Vegetarian: Use a meat substitute or extra cheese and veggies for a vegetarian version.
• Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheese sticks like mozzarella or pepper jack for varied flavors.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, though the texture may not be as crisp.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use homemade pizza dough?
   • Yes, homemade pizza dough works well. Just ensure it’s rolled out to the right thickness.
2. Can I freeze these taco sticks?
   • Yes, you can freeze them. Wrap in plastic wrap or foil and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven.
3. What if I don’t have taco seasoning?
   • You can use a mix of cumin, paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder as a substitute.
4. Can I add other toppings inside the sticks?
   • Absolutely! Try adding diced onions, bell peppers, or olives to the beef mixture.
5. How do I prevent the dough from being too soft?
   • Ensure the dough is rolled out evenly and sealed tightly around the filling. Avoid overloading with filling.
6. Can these be made ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare them in advance and bake them just before serving. Alternatively, assemble and freeze them, then bake from frozen.
7. Can I use different types of cheese?
   • Yes, feel free to use any cheese you like, such as Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Swiss.
8. What can I serve with these taco sticks?
   • They pair well with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or a simple side salad.
9. How do I ensure the cheese doesn’t leak out?
   • Seal the edges of the dough well and don’t overfill the taco sticks.
10. Can I make these vegetarian?
    • Yes, substitute the ground beef with beans or a veggie meat alternative for a vegetarian version.

Conclusion

Cheesy Taco Sticks offer a delightful combination of seasoned beef and melted cheese, all wrapped in a crispy, golden dough. This recipe is not only simple to make but also versatile and customizable to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Perfect for a quick meal or a party snack, these taco sticks are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy the savory flavors and cheesy goodness of these irresistible treats!

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