There’s something about handheld, cheesy, taco-flavored snacks that bring people together. Whether you’re making these for a game night, a casual family dinner, or a fun appetizer for a party, these Cheesy Taco Sticks are bound to be a hit. Imagine biting into a warm, golden-brown crust filled with seasoned beef and gooey, melted cheese—pure comfort food perfection!
This recipe combines all the best parts of tacos and pizza into a portable, dippable snack that’s perfect for any occasion. The best part? They’re super easy to make, require just a handful of ingredients, and can be ready in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – With pre-made pizza dough and a simple beef filling, these taco sticks come together in no time.
- Perfect for Sharing – Great for game days, parties, or even a fun dinner that kids will love.
- Customizable – Switch up the cheese, add some spice, or serve with different dips to make it your own.
- Deliciously Cheesy – Every bite is filled with melty cheese and flavorful taco-seasoned beef.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 tube Pillsbury pizza dough
- 5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks, halved
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks
Making these cheesy taco sticks is as easy as assembling, wrapping, and baking. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your taco sticks turn out golden, cheesy, and absolutely delicious.
Step 1: Prepare the Taco Filling
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. As the beef cooks, break it apart with a spatula to ensure even cooking. Once it’s browned and no longer pink, drain any excess grease.
Next, stir in the taco seasoning mix along with the amount of water indicated on the seasoning packet (usually around 2/3 cup). Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle. If it feels a bit sticky, dust a little extra flour on top to prevent it from tearing.
Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into 10 equal strips. Each strip should be wide enough to hold a portion of the taco meat and a cheese stick.
Step 3: Assemble the Taco Sticks
Take a strip of dough and place a spoonful of the seasoned beef along the center. Lay a halved cheese stick on top of the beef. Carefully fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges to seal tightly. You want to make sure there are no openings so the cheese doesn’t leak out while baking.
Repeat with the remaining dough strips, beef, and cheese sticks. Place each assembled taco stick seam-side down on a lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Add the Buttery Topping
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the tops of each taco stick with the garlic butter mixture. This will give them a beautiful golden color and an irresistible flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and crispy on the outside. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to ensure they don’t overcook.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once baked, remove the cheesy taco sticks from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. The cheese inside will be molten-hot, so giving them a little time to set will prevent any burns.
Serve them with your favorite dips—salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or queso all pair beautifully!
Helpful Tips
- Seal the Dough Well – Make sure to pinch the edges securely to prevent the cheese from oozing out while baking.
- Switch Up the Cheese – While colby jack and cheddar are a classic combo, feel free to try mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a spicy jalapeño cheese for extra kick.
- Make it Spicy – Add some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Dipping Sauces – These taco sticks taste even better when paired with dips like salsa, queso, ranch, or spicy mayo.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 10 taco sticks
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Kid-friendly
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.
- If you don’t have Pillsbury pizza dough, crescent roll dough can work as a substitute. Just pinch the seams together before cutting into strips.
- Want to make them vegetarian? Swap the ground beef for seasoned black beans or plant-based meat alternatives.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Estimated values per taco stick:
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
Frequently Asked Question
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the taco sticks and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Just brush them with butter right before placing them in the oven.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely! After baking, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through.
What other fillings can I use?
Besides beef, you can use shredded chicken, turkey, or even refried beans for a vegetarian version. Feel free to get creative with different cheeses and seasonings!
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months in a sealed freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes or pop them in an air fryer for a few minutes to crisp up the dough.
Related Recipes
If you loved these Cheesy Taco Sticks, here are some other cheesy favorites to try:
- Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: A Flavorful Twist on Taco Night
- A Hearty and Nourishing Salmon Bowl You’ll Love
- One-Pan Chicken and Pineapple Tacos
- Crispy Chicken Wonton Tacos
Conclusion
Cheesy Taco Sticks are everything you love about tacos, wrapped in a golden, buttery crust that’s crispy on the outside and melty on the inside. They’re fun, easy to make, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you serve them as a snack, appetizer, or even a quick meal, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Try them out, and don’t forget to dip them in your favorite sauce—because everything tastes better with a little extra cheese and salsa!
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Cheesy Taco Sticks
Description
There’s something about handheld, cheesy, taco-flavored snacks that bring people together. Whether you’re making these for a game night, a casual family dinner, or a fun appetizer for a party, these Cheesy Taco Sticks are bound to be a hit. Imagine biting into a warm, golden-brown crust filled with seasoned beef and gooey, melted cheese—pure comfort food perfection!
This recipe combines all the best parts of tacos and pizza into a portable, dippable snack that’s perfect for any occasion. The best part? They’re super easy to make, require just a handful of ingredients, and can be ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 tube Pillsbury pizza dough
- 5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks, halved
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Instructions
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. As the beef cooks, break it apart with a spatula to ensure even cooking. Once it’s browned and no longer pink, drain any excess grease.
Next, stir in the taco seasoning mix along with the amount of water indicated on the seasoning packet (usually around 2/3 cup). Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef. Remove from heat and set aside.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle. If it feels a bit sticky, dust a little extra flour on top to prevent it from tearing.
Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into 10 equal strips. Each strip should be wide enough to hold a portion of the taco meat and a cheese stick.
Take a strip of dough and place a spoonful of the seasoned beef along the center. Lay a halved cheese stick on top of the beef. Carefully fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges to seal tightly. You want to make sure there are no openings so the cheese doesn’t leak out while baking.
Repeat with the remaining dough strips, beef, and cheese sticks. Place each assembled taco stick seam-side down on a lined baking sheet.
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the tops of each taco stick with the garlic butter mixture. This will give them a beautiful golden color and an irresistible flavor.
Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and crispy on the outside. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to ensure they don’t overcook.
Once baked, remove the cheesy taco sticks from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. The cheese inside will be molten-hot, so giving them a little time to set will prevent any burns.
Serve them with your favorite dips—salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or queso all pair beautifully!
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.
- If you don’t have Pillsbury pizza dough, crescent roll dough can work as a substitute. Just pinch the seams together before cutting into strips.
- Want to make them vegetarian? Swap the ground beef for seasoned black beans or plant-based meat alternatives.