There’s something so irresistibly fun and satisfying about Cheesy Taco Sticks: A Family Favorite. Picture melty cheese and flavorful taco-seasoned beef wrapped in golden pizza dough, all brushed with herby garlic butter — it’s easy enough for busy weeknights and festive enough for game-day snacking. Best of all, it brings everyone together, drawing the family to the kitchen with its enticing aromas and crowd-pleasing flavors. This is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again, whether for an appetizer, lunchbox treat, or a laid-back dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of basic yet essential ingredients, Cheesy Taco Sticks: A Family Favorite captures classic taco flavors in a warm, cheesy, handheld bundle. Every single ingredient is chosen for maximum flavor, texture, and just the right crunch!
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef gives these taco sticks that craveable, classic taco bite.
- Taco Seasoning Mix: The secret shortcut — perfectly blended spices that deliver instant southwest flavor.
- Water: Helps the seasoning fully coat the beef, creating a juicy, robust filling.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For meltiness and tang, cheddar tucks beautifully into every bite.
- Refrigerated Pizza Dough: No kneading required — this dough bakes up golden and sturdy enough to hold all that delicious filling.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted and brushed on before baking, it adds richness and helps the sticks brown beautifully.
- Garlic Powder: Just a touch infuses each bite with that mouthwatering, garlicky aroma.
- Dried Parsley: For a pop of color and a fresh, herby note.
- Salsa or Sour Cream for Dipping: Essential for dunking and doubling down on fun.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks: A Family Favorite
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Start by warming up your skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring and breaking it into crumbles as it sizzles. Once the beef is browned and there’s no pink left, carefully drain off any extra fat so the filling isn’t greasy. This is where the taco magic begins!
Step 2: Season the Beef
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning mix and pour in the water. Stir well, making sure every bit of beef gets coated in those savory, zesty spices. Let the mixture simmer for two to three minutes, until it thickens slightly and smells amazing. Set the skillet aside; you’re ready to move to the dough.
Step 3: Prepare the Pizza Dough
Roll out your refrigerated pizza dough on a floured surface, forming a big, even rectangle. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the rectangle into 8 long strips. These will become your taco sticks, so cutting evenly helps everything bake at the same rate.
Step 4: Fill and Roll
Spoon a ribbon of the taco meat along one side of each dough strip, sprinkling a generous handful of cheddar on top. Carefully fold the dough over the filling and pinch the seam and ends closed. Don’t worry if they look rustic — that’s part of the charm!
Step 5: Brush with Garlic Butter
Mix the melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley. Place your assembled sticks on a lined baking sheet, then generously brush them with the flavorful butter mixture. This step gives Cheesy Taco Sticks: A Family Favorite their shiny, herby crust.
Step 6: Bake
Pop your tray into a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Watch as the dough puffs up and turns irresistibly golden brown. Your kitchen will fill with such tempting aromas — trust me, it’s hard not to sneak one hot off the pan!
Step 7: Serve Warm
Transfer the hot, golden taco sticks to a plate. Serve right away with bowls of salsa and sour cream for dipping. Gather everyone around and dig in while the cheese is still gooey.
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks: A Family Favorite
Garnishes
Take your taco sticks to the next level with fun garnishes! Sprinkle extra cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top, add a shower of fresh chopped cilantro for color, or scatter sliced green onions for a crisp, oniony bite. Crumbled tortilla chips or diced jalapeños are perfect for those who love some crunch or heat.
Side Dishes
Pair Cheesy Taco Sticks: A Family Favorite with classic sides like a zippy corn salad, Mexican rice, or a tangy pico de gallo. For a lighter touch, try a crisp green salad laced with black beans or charred corn. Of course, a big bowl of guacamole or queso dip for extra dunking is never a bad idea!
Creative Ways to Present
This dish is super versatile! Serve them lined up on a wooden board at parties, or stand them upright in a mason jar for a playful look at movie nights. Mini taco sticks make great lunchbox additions, while larger versions are perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Taco Sticks: A Family Favorite keep well in the fridge. Once completely cool, transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making them a great grab-and-go lunch or snack.
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, these taco sticks freeze beautifully! Wrap each stick individually in foil or plastic wrap, then pop them in a resealable freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When a taco craving hits, just grab, defrost, and bake!
Reheating
The best way to bring leftovers back to life is in a hot oven or toaster oven — about 10 minutes at 350°F will restore the crust and melt the cheese again. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven gives crispier results.
FAQs
Can I use a different meat in Cheesy Taco Sticks: A Family Favorite?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken work wonderfully if you’d like to lighten things up or change the flavor. You can even try plant-based meat substitutes for a vegetarian twist.
Is it possible to make these ahead for a party?
Definitely. You can assemble the taco sticks a few hours in advance, cover them, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. The buttery topping goes on right before baking for the best shine and flavor.
What dips work best besides salsa and sour cream?
Get creative with your dips! Queso, ranch, chipotle mayo, or a creamy avocado sauce all pair fabulously with Cheesy Taco Sticks: A Family Favorite, so feel free to set out a variety and let people choose.
Do I have to use pizza dough, or can I substitute crescent roll dough?
Pizza dough is sturdy and holds the filling well, but crescent roll dough adds a fluffier, buttery twist. Feel free to swap in crescent dough if that’s what you have — just watch the baking time, as it browns more quickly.
How can I add more spice to the filling?
For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne, or a splash of hot sauce right into the beef mixture. You can even use pepper jack cheese for an extra layer of heat!
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with Cheesy Taco Sticks: A Family Favorite. They’re fun to make, a blast to eat, and always a guaranteed hit no matter who’s at your table. I hope you’ll try this recipe soon and watch it become a staple in your own home — happy baking!
Print
Cheesy Taco Sticks: A Family Favorite Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 8 sticks 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos. These taco-filled breadsticks are perfect for parties, game days, or a quick family dinner. With flavorful seasoned beef, gooey cheddar cheese, and a crispy crust, they’re sure to become a new family favorite!
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 2/3 cup water
Other Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salsa or sour cream for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook Beef: Brown ground beef in a skillet, drain fat, add taco seasoning and water, simmer until thickened.
- Prepare Sticks: Roll out pizza dough, cut into strips, fill with beef and cheese, fold over, and seal.
- Bake: Brush sticks with seasoned butter, bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with salsa or sour cream for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or shredded chicken.
- For a spicier version, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the taco filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
