Description
Cheesy Taco Sticks are a quick and customizable comfort food perfect for a satisfying snack or meal. Ground beef seasoned with taco spices is wrapped in pizza dough around a melty cheese stick, then baked to golden, cheesy perfection. This recipe is versatile, offering options for leaner meats, gluten-free dough, and dairy-free cheese to suit various dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 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 & Cheese
- 1 package Refrigerator Pizza Dough (gluten-free option available)
- 8 sticks Colby-Jack Cheese Sticks (or cheddar/dairy-free cheese)
Topping
- 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 reaches the ideal baking temperature while you prepare the filling and dough.
- Cook the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked, then drain any excess grease to reduce fat content.
- Season the Meat: Add the taco seasoning packet and 2 tablespoons of water to the skillet, stirring well. Simmer for 2 minutes until the mixture thickens, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a clean surface and cut it into 8 equal rectangles, which will hold the filling.
- Fill and Wrap: Spoon the seasoned beef mixture onto each dough rectangle, then place one cheese stick on top of the meat. Carefully roll each rectangle tightly and pinch the seams to seal the filling inside.
- Apply the Topping: Mix melted butter with garlic salt, and brush this mixture generously over the outside of each rolled stick to enhance flavor and promote a golden crust.
- 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 and the cheese inside is melted and gooey.
Notes
- For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey for ground beef.
- Use gluten-free pizza dough for a gluten-free version.
- Dairy-free cheese can replace Colby-Jack for those with lactose intolerance or dietary preferences.
- If fresh garlic is preferred, mince and add it to the melted butter instead of garlic salt.
- Ensure seams are tightly sealed to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
