Name: Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 tablespoon taco seasoning; 1/4 cup water; 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (optional); salsa or sour cream for dipping

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Imagine tucking into a golden, handheld treat oozing with gooey cheese and spiced taco filling—there’s nothing quite like Cheesy Taco Sticks to light up your snack game. This recipe pulls together everything you love about tacos and pizza in one irresistible bite: tender ground beef, melty cheddar and mozzarella, warmly seasoned, all wrapped up in a pillowy pizza dough crust and baked to perfection. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, prepping game-day snacks, or jazzing up a weeknight meal, Cheesy Taco Sticks are the kind of crowd-pleaser you’ll want on repeat.

Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cheesy Taco Sticks is just how easy these essential ingredients come together for maximum flavor. Each one plays a vital role—from spicing the meat to achieving melty, stringy pockets of cheese tucked inside a golden crust.

Ground Beef (1 pound): The heart of the filling, giving these taco sticks a savory, satisfying bite.
Taco Seasoning (1 tablespoon): Delivers bold, zesty taco flavor without any guesswork.
Water (1/4 cup): Helps distribute the taco seasoning and keeps the filling nice and juicy.
Refrigerated Pizza Dough (1 tube): Your secret shortcut for a soft-yet-crispy crust—so easy to use and always a hit.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 1/2 cups): Provides that classic, melty sharpness every good taco-inspired dish needs.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1/2 cup): Adds stretch and creaminess to complement the cheddar.
Unsalted Butter, melted (2 tablespoons): Brushed on top for golden color and a rich finish.
Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Kicks up the flavor on the crust, making every bite irresistible.
Dried Parsley (1/2 teaspoon, optional): A sprinkle of color and herby aroma, if you’re feeling fancy!
Salsa or Sour Cream (for dipping): The ultimate pairing for dipping, dunking, or drizzling over your finished Cheesy Taco Sticks.

How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get that perfectly crisp exterior. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this helps with easy cleanup and prevents the Cheesy Taco Sticks from sticking, so you get golden bottoms every time.

Step 2: Cook the Taco Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s cooked through and crumbly, breaking up larger pieces as you go. Once it’s done, drain off any excess grease. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, pour in the water, and stir until everything’s well mixed and the filling is thick and aromatic. Let it cool slightly—this helps make assembly a breeze and prevents soggy dough.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto your work surface and cut it into 8 fairly equal rectangles. If you want even-sized Cheesy Taco Sticks, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter and get as close to even as possible. This ensures every stick bakes up consistently and looks beautiful on the platter.

Step 4: Fill and Fold

Place a generous spoonful of taco meat in the center of each rectangle. Sprinkle a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the meat—don’t be shy, the more cheese, the better the gooey payoff! Fold the dough over the filling (like rolling up a burrito), pinch the edges together, and gently roll to form sticks, ensuring all the tasty filling stays tucked inside.

Step 5: Brush, Season, and Bake

Lay the assembled taco sticks seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Brush each one with melted butter—this helps them bake up golden and flavorful. Sprinkle a little garlic powder (and dried parsley if you like a pop of green). Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until they’re beautifully puffed and browned. Let them cool for a moment, then serve warm with plenty of salsa or sour cream for dunking.

How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, scatter a bit of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro over your Cheesy Taco Sticks after baking. A dusting of extra shredded cheese right as they come out of the oven adds another layer of melty goodness. If you love heat, sprinkle a few finely diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce right before serving.

Side Dishes

Cheesy Taco Sticks are wonderfully versatile, so keep things fun! Pair them with a fresh green salad, crisp tortilla chips and guacamole, or some spiced black beans for a filling meal. For a party spread, make them part of a larger appetizer platter alongside quesadillas, nachos, or mini tacos.

Creative Ways to Present

Skewer mini Cheesy Taco Sticks onto party picks for a grab-and-go snack at your next gathering. Serve them stacked in a bread basket lined with colorful napkins for a festive touch, or arrange them around a big bowl of salsa for dramatic (and delicious!) effect. For kids, create a DIY dipping station with a few sauces—think ranch, salsa, and sour cream—for extra mealtime fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Taco Sticks keep surprisingly well! Cool them completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and the crust stays relatively tender, making next-day snacking super tempting.

Freezing

Want to save a batch for later? Arrange cooled Cheesy Taco Sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months and make quick work of sudden snack attacks or last-minute lunches.

Reheating

To revive leftover or frozen Cheesy Taco Sticks, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes (longer if frozen), or until warmed through and the cheese is gooey again. A quick zap in the microwave works for a speedy snack, but the oven will help preserve that lovely crispy crust.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a fantastic lean substitute. Just keep an eye on seasoning—sometimes you’ll want a pinch more taco seasoning or salt, since poultry can be milder than beef.

Can I make Cheesy Taco Sticks vegetarian?

Yes—you can swap out the meat for cooked and seasoned beans, crumbled tofu, or even a veggie-based meat alternative. Layer with the same delicious cheeses and proceed as usual for a veggie-friendly version.

What’s the best way to prevent the filling from leaking?

Make sure you don’t overfill each dough rectangle and pinch the edges very firmly to seal. Rolling the taco sticks with the seam side down on the baking sheet also helps keep everything tucked in during baking.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

You can assemble Cheesy Taco Sticks a few hours ahead—just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This makes them perfect for busy days or party prep.

What other cheeses work in this recipe?

Feel free to experiment! Pepper jack adds a spicy kick, Monterey Jack is ultra creamy, or try a sharp provolone for extra depth. Just be sure to shred the cheese yourself for maximum meltiness.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Taco Sticks are pure cheesy comfort, guaranteed to win over eaters of all ages with their melty filling and golden crust. If you’re seeking an appetizer, a fun twist on taco night, or simply an excuse to bake something cheesy and delicious, give these a try—you’ll be hooked after the very first bite!

Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

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4.7 from 3 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 8 taco sticks 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos. These stuffed pizza sticks are filled with seasoned ground beef and gooey cheese, baked until golden brown, and perfect for dipping in salsa or sour cream. They make a great appetizer, snack, or kid-friendly meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the taco meat:

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
1/4 cup water

For the taco sticks:

1 tube refrigerated pizza dough
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
salsa or sour cream for dipping

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cook the taco meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease. Add taco seasoning and water, cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Prepare the taco sticks: Unroll pizza dough, cut into 8 rectangles. Spoon taco meat onto each rectangle, top with cheeses. Fold dough over the filling, seal edges, and form sticks. Place seam side down on baking sheet.
Bake: Brush tops with melted butter, sprinkle with garlic powder and parsley. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
Serve: Serve warm with salsa or sour cream for dipping.