Description
Mouthwatering cheesy taco sticks bring Mexican street food magic straight to home kitchens. Crispy tortilla shells packed with zesty seasoned meat and melted cheese create an irresistible snack you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
- 6 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Dough and Dairy:
- 1 can (13.8 ounces) pizza dough
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Dipping Sauces (Optional):
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 425°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cooking surface.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef thoroughly over medium heat, draining any excess fat. Mix in taco seasoning and water, simmering until the mixture thickens and develops rich flavor.
- Stretch the pizza dough into a rectangular shape, then carefully slice into 12 uniform strips for consistent sizing.
- Distribute taco meat and shredded cheese evenly across each dough strip, positioning a half mozzarella stick on top for additional melty texture.
- Carefully encase the filling by folding the dough, pressing and crimping edges to create a secure seal that prevents leakage during baking.
- Arrange the taco sticks with sealed side facing downward on the prepared baking sheet. Generously brush tops with melted butter, then sprinkle with garlic powder and dried parsley for enhanced seasoning.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the exterior turns golden brown and crispy, indicating perfect doneness.
- Serve immediately alongside salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for complementary dipping options that elevate the flavor profile.
Notes
- Customize the meat by using ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
- Ensure the dough is rolled thin enough to prevent thick, doughy sections while keeping the filling secure inside.
- Test the seal of each taco stick by gently pressing the edges to prevent cheese and meat from leaking during baking.
- Elevate the dish by experimenting with different cheese combinations like pepper jack or adding chopped jalapeños for extra kick.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 475 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg