Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

These Cheesy Taco Sticks deliver a playful fusion of flavors that elevate taco night. Savory seasoned ground beef and melted cheese are encased in crispy pizza dough and brushed with aromatic garlic butter. Each bite offers a delightful blend of spice and comfort, making this snack irresistibly fun and satisfying.

I first tried these Cheesy Taco Sticks when I was looking for a fun twist on taco night and they quickly became one of my favorite snack recipes. I like that they combine a couple of different food ideas into one tasty bite.

With 1 lb ground beef and a packet of taco seasoning simmered in 1/2 cup water, the beef filling is flavorful enough without being too heavy. Wrapped in 1 lb pizza dough and filled with 2 cups of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese these sticks offer a good balance of protein and calcium.

I also use 4 tbsp unsalted butter mixed with 2 garlic cloves minced to brush the dough, giving it a nutty and slightly spicy flavor. Being an easy take on both Mexican food recipes and comfort food, it’s a fun way to bring some authentic beef recipes easy style to your table.

Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s really easy to make and doesn’t need any fancy ingredients. I love that the taco seasoning mixes with the cheese and meat in a way that gives me a cool twist on ordinary taco night. I also dig how the garlic butter brushed on top adds an extra kick which makes it so flavorful. Plus, its fun to create this mix of pizza and tacos and it never feels like a boring snack.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef: Packed with protein, it gives a savory, slightly fatty taste essential for hearty flavor.
• 1 lb pizza dough: Provides needed carbohydrates, creating an enjoyable, chewy base for every bite.
• 2 cups shredded cheese: Offers calcium and a creamy texture with a tang that elevates every stick.
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter: Contributes a rich, smooth finish that helps blend the garlic and spices.
• Packet taco seasoning: Brings a mix of spices that add bold, fiery flavor and excitement to the dish.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 lb pizza dough
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced or 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a baking sheet.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Break it up as it cooks.

3. Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup of water, then let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.

4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough until it’s roughly 1/4-inch thick.

5. Sprinkle the two cups of shredded cheese evenly over the dough, then spread the cooked beef on top.

6. Cut the dough into rectangular strips, making sure each piece gets a fair bit of cheese and meat.

7. Roll each strip up loosely ensuring the filling stays inside and the edges pinch together.

8. Arrange the rolled strips on the prepared baking sheet.

9. In a small bowl, mix the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter with the minced garlic (or garlic powder) and brush this garlic butter over the dough sticks, then add a pinch of salt and black pepper.

10. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the dough is golden and the cheese is all melted. Enjoy your Cheesy Taco Sticks!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheat it to 400°F)
2. Baking sheet (lightly greased)
3. Large skillet (for cooking the ground beef)
4. Spatula or wooden spoon (to break up and stir the beef)
5. Measuring cup (for 1/2 cup of water)
6. Clean, lightly floured surface (for rolling out the pizza dough)
7. Rolling pin (to roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness)
8. Knife or pizza cutter (to slice the dough into rectangular strips)
9. Small bowl (for mixing the garlic butter with salt and pepper)
10. Pastry brush (to spread the garlic butter over the dough sticks)

FAQ

Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Ground beef: You can try using ground turkey or even a plant-based meat substitute if you’re feelin experimental.
• Taco seasoning: Instead of the packet, mix your own chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt for a fresher taste.
• Pizza dough: If you dont have time to roll it out, a store-bought ready-made crust works fine as well.
• Cheddar or Monterey Jack: You might swap in pepper jack or even mozzarella if you’re looking for a milder flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Margarine or a light drizzle of olive oil can be used as a replacement, but keep in mind it might change the richness a bit.

Pro Tips

1. When browning your beef, dont overcrowd the pan so it really gets a nice sear. If you add a little chopped onion or even a splash of lime juice while its simmering, it can totally boost the flavor.
2. Try to roll the dough really evenly. If its too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour on the surface. This makes sure that every single taco stick cooks uniform and doesnt come out soggy in some spots.
3. For an extra crispy outside, preheat your baking sheet in the oven for a few minutes before placing the dough on it. This little hack can really help get that golden crunch you want.
4. When you mix and brush on the garlic butter, warm it up a bit first so the garlic really wakes up. And dont be shy with the salt and pepper either give it a good toss so every bite is flavourful.