Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef, turkey, or chicken, and cook until browned, stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes.

Drain any excess fat, then stir in 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning and a splash of water. Cook for an additional minute until the meat is fully coated with the seasoning, then set aside to cool slightly.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out 1 sheet of refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough into a rectangular shape.

Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into rectangles, approximately 4 inches wide.

Take each rectangle of dough and spoon a generous amount of the taco meat mixture onto the center.

Add a mixture of 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese if using for an extra cheesy explosion.

Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges firmly to seal.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place the assembled Cheesy Taco Sticks seam-side down on the prepared sheet.

Brush the tops with 1-2 teaspoons of melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder for added flavor.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the sticks are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Allow the Cheesy Taco Sticks to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.

Serve them warm alongside your favorite dips, like salsa, guacamole, or ranch.