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Cheesy Taco Sticks

Cheesy Taco Sticks

This recipe takes all the savory, spicy, comforting flavors of a classic taco and wraps them up in a warm, golden, dippable stick of dough. It's the perfect, crowd-pleasing dish for a family movie night, a game-day gathering, or a fun weeknight dinner. Each bite is a perfect harmony of textures and tastes, making them more exciting and fun to eat than a standard taco.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) water
  • 1 can (13.8 oz / 390 g) refrigerated pizza dough
  • 1½ cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (110g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp dried parsley
  • Salsa, for serving
  • Sour cream, for serving
  • Guacamole, for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Pizza cutter or sharp knife
  • Small bowl

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it's fully browned. If there's a lot of excess grease, carefully drain it from the skillet.
  3. Season the Filling: Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, coating the meat evenly. Pour in the water and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
  4. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  5. Shape the Dough: Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently roll or stretch it into a large rectangle. Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the dough lengthwise into 10 equal-sized strips.
  6. Assemble the Taco Sticks: Spoon a line of the cooled taco filling down the center of each dough strip. Be careful not to overfill! Sprinkle generously with both the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
  7. Seal and Bake: Carefully fold one side of the dough over the filling to meet the other side. Pinch the edges together firmly to create a complete seal along the length of the stick. Place the sticks seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet.
  8. Add the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the garlic powder and dried parsley. Brush this garlic butter mixture over the top of each taco stick.
  9. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are beautifully golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Serve and Enjoy: Let the Cheesy Taco Sticks cool for a few minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed warm with your favorite dipping sauces like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Notes

For the best results, let the meat filling cool for 10-15 minutes before assembling to prevent the dough from becoming sticky and hard to handle. Ensure a tight seal by firmly pinching the edges of the dough together to prevent the filling from leaking out. Don't skip the garlic butter topping, as it adds flavor and helps the sticks brown beautifully.