These Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delightful fusion of seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, all wrapped snugly in soft pizza dough and baked to golden perfection. They're an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or a fun snack that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I find these taco sticks to be incredibly versatile. They're quick to prepare, making them perfect for busy evenings. The combination of savory beef and gooey cheese wrapped in dough satisfies my comfort food cravings. Plus, they're easily customizable to suit different tastes, whether I want to add some spice or keep them mild for the kids.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough
- 5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks, halved
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a large baking sheet.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning to the beef, following the instructions on the seasoning packet. Stir to combine and set aside to cool slightly.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 10 equal rectangles.
- Place a spoonful of the seasoned beef onto each rectangle, then top with a halved cheese stick.
- Roll the dough around the filling, pinching the edges to seal tightly. Place the taco sticks seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley. Brush this mixture over the tops of the taco sticks.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked.
- Allow the taco sticks to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 10 taco sticks
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
Variations
I like to experiment with different fillings and flavors. Sometimes, I substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, I use black beans or seasoned vegetables. Adding jalapeños or using pepper jack cheese gives them a spicy kick, which I enjoy when I'm in the mood for something hotter.
Storage/Reheating
To store leftovers, I place the cooled taco sticks in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. When I'm ready to reheat, I prefer using the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain their crispiness. Microwaving is quicker but can make them a bit soggy.
FAQs
Can I make these taco sticks ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare the taco sticks up to the baking step and refrigerate them. When I'm ready to serve, I bake them as directed. This makes them a convenient option for parties or busy days.
Can I freeze the taco sticks?
Absolutely. After baking and cooling, I freeze the taco sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, I transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When I want to enjoy them, I reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
What dipping sauces pair well with these taco sticks?
I love serving them with a variety of dips like salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or even queso. These add extra flavor and make the taco sticks even more enjoyable.
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Yes, homemade pizza dough works great. I make sure it's rolled out to the same thickness as the store-bought version to ensure even cooking.
How can I make these taco sticks spicier?
To add more heat, I mix chopped jalapeños into the beef mixture or use a spicier cheese like pepper jack. Sometimes, I also add a dash of hot sauce to the meat for an extra kick.
Conclusion
Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos. I enjoy making them because they're easy, customizable, and always a hit with family and friends. Whether I'm serving them as a main dish or an appetizer, they never fail to impress. Give them a try, and I'm sure they'll become a favorite in your household too.
Cheesy Taco Sticks
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 10 taco sticks
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
Description
Cheesy Taco Sticks are the ultimate comfort food fusion – seasoned ground beef and melty cheese wrapped in golden pizza dough. Perfect as a quick dinner, a game-day appetizer, or a kid-friendly snack, these cheesy taco sticks are quick, easy, and packed with bold flavor!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough
- 5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks, halved
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a baking sheet.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet, drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning per packet instructions; let cool slightly.
- Roll out pizza dough and cut into 10 rectangles.
- Add a spoonful of beef and half a cheese stick to each rectangle.
- Roll dough over filling, seal edges, and place seam-side down on the sheet.
- Combine melted butter with garlic powder and parsley, brush on top.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until golden brown.
- Cool slightly and serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Notes
- Substitute beef with turkey, chicken, or beans for variation.
- Spice it up with jalapeños or pepper jack cheese.
- Prep ahead and bake later for convenience.
- Oven reheating is best for preserving crispness.
