These Baked Cheesy Taco Sticks are the perfect solution for busy weeknights! They’re quick to assemble, require minimal ingredients, and deliver a satisfying combination of crunchy dough, melty cheese, and savory taco filling.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Pillsbury Refrigerated Pizza Crust | 1 (13.8-ounce) can |
| Shredded Mexican blend cheese | 2 cups |
| Taco seasoning mix | 1 packet |
| Butter (optional) | For brushing |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Fresh chopped cilantro (optional) | For garnish |
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep: Heat your oven to 425°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for an additional minute or two.
- Assemble the Sticks: Unroll the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and stretch it into a large rectangle. Cut the dough into even squares or rectangles. Sprinkle some shredded cheese on each square, leaving a little bit of room on the edges for folding. Add a spoonful of the seasoned beef mixture on top of the cheese.
- Fold and Bake: Fold the dough squares in half over the filling to create little pockets or sticks. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. Brush the tops with melted butter (optional) and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. You can also add more cheese on top for extra cheesiness.
- Bake to Golden Brown: Bake the taco sticks for 10-12 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the taco sticks cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for a pop of color and freshness (optional).
Here’s a bit more detail on the recipe:
- Ground Beef: You can use lean ground beef for a healthier option, or you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
- Taco Seasoning: If you want to customize the flavor, you can make your own taco seasoning using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt.
- Cheese Options: Besides cheddar or a Mexican blend, you can also try pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Consider adding finely chopped onions, bell peppers, or even corn to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Serving Suggestions: These taco sticks go great with sides like guacamole, salsa, or a fresh salad. You can also sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top for added freshness.
Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your taste and what you have on hand! Enjoy cooking!