Name: Cheesy Beef Taco Sticks - Easy Appetizer Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 10-12 sticks
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning mix; 1 tube Pillsbury pizza dough; 5 Colby Jack and cheddar cheese sticks, halved; 4 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Cheesy Taco Sticks are about to become your new favorite weeknight wonder! If you’re searching for that perfect blend of comforting crunch and savory, zesty flavor that the whole family will adore, then look no further. These delightful little morsels are an absolute game-changer, transforming humble ingredients into something truly magical. What is it about them that captures our hearts (and taste buds)? It’s the irresistible combination of seasoned ground meat, melted cheese, and that satisfying crispy shell, all bundled into an easy-to-handle stick. They’re the ideal appetizer for your next game day, a fun twist on taco night, or simply a fantastic way to use up leftovers. Forget complicated assembly; these Cheesy Taco Sticks are designed for maximum flavor with minimum fuss, promising a burst of deliciousness in every single bite.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade)
1 tube Pillsbury pizza dough
5 Colby Jack and cheddar cheese sticks, halved
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley

Preparing the Taco Filling

The foundation of our delicious Cheesy Taco Sticks lies in a flavorful taco meat. To begin, place your 1 pound of ground beef into a large skillet over medium-high heat. As the beef begins to cook, break it apart with a spatula or spoon to ensure even browning. We want to cook the beef until it’s no longer pink, which usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Once cooked, carefully drain off any excess grease. This step is crucial for a less oily filling and a better texture for your taco sticks.

Next, it’s time to season the beef. Sprinkle the entire packet of taco seasoning mix over the cooked ground beef. If you’re using a homemade taco seasoning, now’s the time to add your blend. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the meat. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the seasoning to bloom. You’ll notice a fantastic aroma filling your kitchen at this stage! Set the seasoned taco meat aside to cool slightly while we prepare the dough. It’s important for the meat to cool a bit so it doesn’t melt the cheese too quickly or make the dough difficult to handle.

Assembling the Cheesy Taco Sticks

Now for the fun part: assembling our Cheesy Taco Sticks! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the tube of Pillsbury pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently press and stretch the dough into a rectangle, aiming for approximately a 10×12 inch size. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly uniform; rustic is good!

Evenly spread the cooled taco meat over about two-thirds of the pizza dough, leaving a border of about 1 inch along one of the longer edges. This unfettered edge will help us seal the dough later. Try to spread the meat in a relatively even layer so that each bite of your taco stick has a good amount of filling.

Now, place the halved Colby Jack and cheddar cheese sticks in a single layer on top of the taco meat. We’re using five cheese sticks, halved, so you’ll have 10 pieces in total. Arrange them so they are nestled within the taco meat. The combination of Colby Jack and cheddar provides a wonderfully melty and satisfying cheesy pull.

Carefully fold the remaining one-third of the pizza dough over the filling, creating a long, sealed pocket. Pinch the edges together firmly to prevent any of the delicious taco filling and cheese from escaping during baking. You can use your fingers to press down along the entire seam, or even use the tines of a fork for a decorative and secure seal.

Baking and Finishing the Taco Sticks

Once your taco sticks are assembled, it’s time to prepare them for baking. In a small bowl, whisk together the 4 tablespoons of melted butter with the 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley. This buttery garlic herb mixture is our secret weapon for a golden-brown, irresistibly flavorful crust.

Using a pastry brush, generously brush the entire surface of the folded pizza dough with the melted butter mixture. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. This coating will not only add a beautiful sheen but also infuse the dough with a savory garlic and herb aroma.

Carefully transfer the assembled taco sticks to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. We want to bake these Cheesy Taco Sticks until the dough is golden brown and puffed up, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This typically takes about 15-20 minutes, but keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.

Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes them easier to handle. Cut the taco sticks into individual portions using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife. Serve them warm and enjoy the explosion of taco flavor and gooey cheese!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your ultimate guide to crafting delicious and crowd-pleasing Cheesy Taco Sticks! We’ve walked through each step, from preparing the flavorful taco filling to achieving that perfect golden-brown bake. These Cheesy Taco Sticks are incredibly versatile, making them a fantastic appetizer for game nights, a fun addition to a family dinner, or even a satisfying snack. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; you’ll be amazed at how simple yet incredibly rewarding they are to make. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the fillings and toppings to make them uniquely yours!

For serving, consider pairing these Cheesy Taco Sticks with your favorite taco accompaniments like salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or even a zesty queso dip. They are also wonderful on their own! If you’re looking for variations, feel free to experiment with different cheeses – a spicy pepper jack or a sharp cheddar can add a wonderful depth of flavor. You can also swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or even a vegetarian option like seasoned black beans. The possibilities are endless when it comes to personalizing your Cheesy Taco Sticks.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Cheesy Taco Sticks ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and even assemble the sticks ahead of time. Store them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving for the freshest, crispiest results. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are coming directly from the fridge.

What is the best way to reheat leftover Cheesy Taco Sticks?

For the best results, reheat leftover Cheesy Taco Sticks in a preheated oven at around 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.