Cheesy Taco Sticks

$- 1 package of refrigerated pizza dough - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup cooked ground beef, seasoned with taco seasoning - 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained - 1/2 cup corn kernels - 1 jalapeño, diced (optional) - 1/4 cup salsa - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) To make these Cheesy Taco Sticks, gather all the ingredients first. This helps you stay organized. Use refrigerated pizza dough for a quick and easy base. The pizza dough gives a nice, soft crust. Shredded cheddar cheese adds a rich, creamy flavor. Choose a good quality cheese for the best taste. For protein, cooked ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning is a must. It brings that classic taco taste. Black beans and corn kernels add texture and flavor. Rinse the beans well to keep them fresh. If you like some heat, add diced jalapeño. It gives an extra kick. Salsa adds moisture and flavor to the filling. The egg wash helps the taco sticks turn golden brown. Use cumin and garlic powder to enhance the taste. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Lastly, fresh cilantro gives a burst of flavor when you garnish the sticks. Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking. This way, you can enjoy the process and the tasty result! {{ingredient_image_1}} - First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Next, roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Make it a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. - In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef with black beans, corn, and diced jalapeño. - Add in salsa, cumin, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until well combined. - Spread the beef mixture evenly over one half of the rolled-out dough. Leave a small border at the edge. - Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the meat mixture. - Fold the other half of the dough over the filling. Pinch the edges to seal well. Use a fork to crimp the edges. - Cut the stuffed dough into strips, each about 1 inch wide. - Place the strips on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. - Brush the tops with beaten egg to give a golden color while baking. - Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy. - Allow the taco sticks to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for added flavor. To get that perfect golden color, use an egg wash. An egg wash is simply a beaten egg brushed on the surface. This step gives your taco sticks a nice shine and a crispy finish. Make sure to cover the tops well with the egg wash. Baking time can vary. Keep an eye on your taco sticks. If they look brown after 15 minutes, check them. You want them crispy but not burnt. If they need more time, bake them for a few more minutes. To boost flavor, add spices like cumin and garlic powder. These spices make each bite pop. You can also try other spices like paprika or chili powder for extra heat. For cheese, cheddar is great, but feel free to mix it up. You can use mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Experiment with what you like best! Serve your taco sticks with tasty dips. Salsa, guacamole, or sour cream make great choices. They add creaminess and flavor that pairs well with the taco sticks. For side dishes, consider fresh veggies or a simple salad. These sides balance the rich flavors of the taco sticks. Plus, they add color to your plate! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and quality spices to enhance the flavor of your taco sticks. Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to mix in other ingredients like bell peppers or olives to suit your tastes. Watch Your Baking Time: Keep an eye on the taco sticks while they bake to ensure they don't over-brown. Serve with Dipping Sauces: Pair your cheesy taco sticks with guacamole, sour cream, or extra salsa for added flavor. {{image_2}} You can easily make Cheesy Taco Sticks vegetarian. Instead of ground beef, use meat alternatives like lentils or crumbled tofu. Both options soak up flavors well. You can season them just like beef. Add taco seasoning for a delicious twist. This option keeps the dish hearty and nutritious. Want some heat? Add spices or more jalapeños. You can use cayenne pepper or chili powder for more flavor. If you like it really spicy, add diced jalapeños to the filling. Adjust the amount to fit your heat level. This will make your taco sticks exciting and full of life. Cheese is key to flavor. You can swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack. Each cheese brings a different taste. Mozzarella gives a mild stretch, while pepper jack adds spice. Mixing different cheeses can create a unique flavor. Experiment to find your favorite combination. To keep your cheesy taco sticks fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This will help them stay soft and tasty. They can last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Freezing is a great way to save taco sticks for later. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each stick in plastic wrap. This helps prevent freezer burn. For extra protection, place them in a freezer bag. You can freeze them for up to 2 months. When you are ready to eat, just reheat in the oven. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until hot. Choosing the right container is key for freshness. Airtight containers work best. They keep air out and moisture in. Glass containers or high-quality plastic ones are great choices. For added convenience, use resealable bags for freezing. Yes, you can use homemade pizza dough. Just make sure it is rolled out thin. Store-bought dough is fine too. It saves time and is easy to use. You want a dough that can hold the filling well. If you make dough at home, let it rise properly for great texture. Cheesy Taco Sticks can last in the fridge for about three days. Store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Reheat them in the oven for the best results. You can also use the microwave, but they may lose some crispiness. You can substitute ground beef with several options. Try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner choice. For a vegetarian option, use black beans or lentils. Tofu crumbles also work great for a meatless meal. Choose a protein that fits your taste and diet. You now have all you need to make delicious cheesy taco sticks. We covered the ingredients, preparation steps, baking tips, and variations. You can find great ways to store leftovers, too. Don’t limit yourself; try different flavors and fillings to suit your taste. This dish is fun to make and easy to enjoy with friends or family. Get creative, and let your taco sticks stand out on any table!$

Delicious cheesy taco sticks filled with seasoned beef, beans, and corn, perfect for a snack or appetizer.

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Course Appetizer

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1 package refrigerated pizza dough
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup cooked ground beef, seasoned with taco seasoning
0.5 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
0.5 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 jalapeño diced (optional for heat)
0.25 cup salsa
1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangular shape about 1/4 inch thick.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, black beans, corn, diced jalapeño, salsa, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Spread the beef and bean mixture evenly over one half of the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the meat mixture.
Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, stretching slightly to cover it. Pinch the edges together to seal well, and use a fork to crimp the edges for extra security.
Cut the stuffed dough into strips, about 1 inch wide.
Transfer the strips to the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced slightly apart.
Brush the tops of each taco stick with the beaten egg to give them a golden color while baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro on top for a burst of flavor.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the heat by adding more or less jalapeño.

Keyword appetizer, cheese, snack, taco