Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun and flavorful twist on taco night, combining savory seasoned beef with melty cheese wrapped in golden pizza dough. These handheld snacks are perfect for parties, game days, or a quick family dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)
• 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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F and lightly coat a large baking sheet with non-stick spray. Set it aside.
2. Step 2: In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until fully browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.
3. Step 3: Return the skillet to the stove and stir in the taco seasoning mix (without adding water). Mix well to coat the beef evenly, then remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
4. Step 4: Roll out the pizza dough flat, then cut it in half lengthwise. Make 4 cuts along the length to create 10 small rectangles in total.
5. Step 5: Place about a tablespoon of the seasoned beef in the center of each rectangle, top with a halved cheese stick, then carefully roll up the dough. Pinch the seams closed to seal the filling inside.
6. Step 6: Mix the melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley. Brush this mixture over the tops of the rolled taco sticks.
7. Step 7: Bake on the prepared sheet for 10 to 12 minutes or until the sticks are golden brown on top. Serve hot with your favorite taco toppings or sides.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder to the beef while cooking.
• Substitute mozzarella sticks for a milder cheese option or use pepper jack for added spice.
• Try brushing the sticks with a little salsa or hot sauce after baking for a zesty finish.

Storage

Store leftover cheesy taco sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to keep the crust crispy and the cheese melty. Avoid microwaving as it can make the dough soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the taco sticks and refrigerate them uncooked for a few hours before baking. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Can I use other types of dough?

Absolutely. Puff pastry or biscuit dough can be used as alternatives, but baking times may vary slightly. Keep an eye on them to achieve a golden, cooked-through crust.

Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

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4.5 from 132 reviews

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delicious and fun twist on traditional tacos, featuring seasoned ground beef and melty cheese wrapped in flaky pizza dough. Baked until golden brown and brushed with a flavorful garlic butter and parsley topping, these handheld treats are perfect for a quick snack, party appetizer, or casual meal.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 10 cheesy taco sticks 1x
• Category: Snack, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Mixture

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)

Sticks

• 1 tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough
• 5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks (halved)

Topping

• 4 tbsp butter (melted)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly coat a large baking sheet with non-stick spray and set it aside for later use.
2. Cook Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook 1 lb. ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until fully browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat, then return the skillet to the stove. Add the taco seasoning packet (without water) and stir until the beef is evenly coated. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
3. Prepare Dough and Fill: Roll out the tube of Pillsbury Pizza Dough until it’s flat. Cut the dough lengthwise in half, then make 4 cuts along the width to create 10 small rectangular pieces. Place about a tablespoon or more of the cooled taco meat in the center of each rectangle, top with a halved cheese stick, then carefully roll up each piece into a stick shape, pinching seams closed to seal in the filling.
4. Make Garlic Butter and Brush: In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of melted butter with 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon dried parsley. Brush this mixture generously on the tops of each cheesy taco stick for a flavorful finish.
5. Bake: Arrange the prepared taco sticks on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown on top and the cheese inside is melted. Serve hot with your favorite taco toppings such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

• Ensure the taco meat is cooled before assembling to prevent premature dough activation or sogginess.
• You can substitute the cheese sticks with any shredded cheese or other cheese sticks of your choice.
• For a homemade taco seasoning, mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
• Serve with dips like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for added flavor.
• These taco sticks are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to retain crispiness.

Keywords: cheesy taco sticks, taco snacks, easy appetizers, baked taco recipe, ground beef snacks, pizza dough recipes