Experience a delectable union of taco goodness and cheesy delight as seasoned beef and gooey cheddar come together enveloped in tender pizza dough. Infused with aromatic garlic butter and a hint of zesty taco spice, these unique taco sticks offer a playful fusion of flavors perfect for satisfying cravings with every bite.

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I love makin these Cheesy Taco Sticks because they bring a twist to taco night without too much fuss. I start by browning 1 lb ground beef with 1 packet taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water until it’s cooked through.

Then I roll out 1 tube of refrigerated pizza dough (about 10 oz) and sprinkle in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese to get that gooeyness we all crave. Next, I mix 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp garlic powder together and brush it over the dough before baking.

I finish it off with a little salt and pepper for taste. What’s cool is that this dish not only packs a punch of protein and calcium but also gives a fun twist on classic Mexican dishes.

It’s a hearty idea for anyone craving an easy, authentic beef and cheesy snack on taco night. Enjoy these delicious taco sticks for a quick and tasty meal!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love these Cheesy Taco Sticks because they totally pack a flavor punch. First off, the mix of seasoned ground beef with that spicy taco seasoning and gooey cheddar really makes my taste buds go crazy. There’s just something about that cheesy, meaty blend that keeps me coming back for more.

Another reason is how easy they are to make. Even on hectic nights, I can roll out some pizza dough, cook up the beef and dab on the garlic butter, and boom—I’ve got a snack thats delicious enough to be a meal. It feels like I’m getting a gourmet twist on taco night without spending hours in the kitchen.

I also love that it’s fun to share with my friends and family. Making these sticks is like a mini adventure in the kitchen and it always leads to good times and lots of laughs, even if I mess up the slicing a bit.

And lastly, it gives me that perfect comfort food vibe. The crispy, buttery dough rolled up with meaty filling and extra garlic butter is pure happiness on a plate. I know it might sound silly, but few things make me feel as cozy and satisfied as these taco sticks do.

Ingredients

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Ground beef gives strong protein and iron with savory flavor in every bite.
Taco seasoning delivers a mix of spices that instantly upgrades the beef taste.
Pizza dough is rich in carbohydrates, offering a soft yet chewy base for sticks.
Shredded cheddar cheese adds creaminess, fat, and extra zing while contributing protein.
Melted butter blends with garlic for smooth, rich flavor that ties it all together.
Minced garlic and optional garlic powder add a zesty kick and healthy benefits.
Water helps blend the taco mixture evenly while keeping the meat moist during cooking.
Salt and pepper round out the seasoning for balanced overall flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

1 lb ground beef

1 packet taco seasoning

1/2 cup water

1 tube refrigerated pizza dough (about 10 oz)

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix with Monterey Jack if you like)

3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp garlic powder (optional, but it makes the garlic butter extra tasty)

Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and get a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

2. In a medium skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s browned. Drain any extra grease.

3. Add the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water to the beef, and season it with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

4. While the beef cooks, roll out the refrigerated pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a nice rectangle.

5. Evenly spread the seasoned beef over the dough, leaving a small border on the edges, then sprinkle all of the shredded cheddar cheese on top.

6. Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log, pressing down gently as you go.

7. Slice the log into sticks about 1-inch thick; try to keep them as even as possible.

8. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, and garlic powder (if you’re using it) together.

9. Place the taco sticks on the baking sheet and brush the garlic butter mixture generously over each stick.

10. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the dough turns golden and crisp, then let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Cheesy Taco Sticks!

Equipment Needed

1. You need an oven (preheated to 425°F) plus a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. A medium skillet for browning the beef and a spatula or wooden spoon for stirring it.
3. A measuring cup and spoon set to add water, butter, and seasonings accurately.
4. A clean, lightly floured surface and a rolling pin (or any similar tool) to roll out the dough.
5. A sharp knife along with a cutting board to slice the dough log into even 1-inch sticks.
6. A small bowl to mix the garlic butter and a basting brush (or an alternative small brush) to coat the taco sticks evenly.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different meat like ground turkey or chicken?

A: Yeah, you can use other meats but remember ground beef gives that classic taco flavor. Just make sure you cook it well and season it properly.

Q: What do I do if my pizza dough is hard to work with?

A: If it feels too stiff, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes so it's easier to stretch out and roll. It should get more pliable.

Q: How can I get my cheesy taco sticks extra crispy?

A: Preheat your oven really well and if your taco beef is a bit wet, let it fry a little longer so the grease cooks off. That helps a ton with the crunch.

Q: Can I freeze the leftover cheesy taco sticks?

A: Yeah, just let them cool down completely, then wrap them well or store in an airtight container before you pop them in the freezer.

Q: Are there any tricks to amp up the garlic butter flavor?

A: Sure thing, if you love garlic then adding a pinch more garlic powder or even another minced clove can really make that butter pop. Just mix it into the melted butter before drizzling.

Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of 1 lb ground beef you can try ground turkey or even ground chicken if you want a lighter option
If you dont have the taco seasoning packet you can mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder and onion powder in the right proportions
You can substitute the tube of refrigerated pizza dough with puff pastry or biscuit dough though the texture might change a bit
If cheddar cheese isn’t available, feel free to use a mix of pepper jack with mozzarella or just a sharp cheddar for a different twist
Instead of unsalted butter you can use margarine or even a little bit of coconut oil to get that garlic butter taste

Pro Tips

1. When browning your beef, make sure you get it nice and crispy before adding the seasoning. I found that letting it really stir up and get a good color makes all the difference in flavor.

2. When you’re rolling out that dough, dont worry too much about making it perfect. A few uneven edges can actually help create a more rustic, crunchy bite when baked.

3. Be generous with the garlic butter. I know it might seem like too much at first, but trust me, that extra brush makes the flavor burst in every bite.

4. If you’re up for it, try adding a little extra taco seasoning to the meat after browning. It helps intensify the flavors, but be careful not to overdo it or it might taste too salty.