Name: Cheesy Taco Sticks
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
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

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Introduction

If you’re in the mood for a fun, flavorful, and easy-to-make snack or meal, Cheesy Taco Sticks are the perfect choice. These irresistible cheesy sticks are packed with savory ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning and wrapped in a golden, buttery pizza dough crust. The gooey melted cheese in the center adds a rich, comforting texture that takes these taco-inspired sticks to the next level.

Cheesy Taco Sticks make an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner, game day snack, or even a party appetizer. They’re simple to prepare and a crowd-pleaser for both adults and kids alike. The combination of crispy pizza dough, spiced beef, and melty cheese is utterly satisfying. Plus, you can easily customize them with additional fillings like vegetables, sour cream, or salsa for extra flavor. These cheesy, taco-inspired treats are a fun twist on classic flavors, and they’re sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, these taco sticks come together in no time—perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute snack.

2. Flavorful Taco Filling

The seasoned ground beef, combined with the cheesy filling, offers all the great flavors of tacos without the mess of assembling individual tacos.

3. Kid-Friendly

Kids will love the cheesy, beefy filling, and the handheld nature of these sticks makes them easy to enjoy without utensils.

4. Customizable

Feel free to add extra toppings or fillings, like onions, peppers, or even jalapeños, to make these sticks your own.

5. Perfect for Parties

These Cheesy Taco Sticks are a great option for parties, tailgates, or potlucks, as they’re easy to serve, share, and devour.

Ingredients

Ground beef
Taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)
Pillsbury Pizza Dough
Colby Jack and cheddar cheese sticks, halved
Butter, melted
Garlic powder
Dried parsley

Variations

Add Veggies: Mix in diced onions, bell peppers, or even corn for added texture and flavor.
Spicy Version: Add some sliced jalapeños or chili flakes to the beef mixture for an extra kick.
Different Cheeses: Use a combination of mozzarella, pepper jack, or any of your favorite melting cheeses for a unique twist.
Vegetarian Option: Swap out the ground beef for black beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version.
Sauce Options: Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole on the side for dipping.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and water (according to the seasoning package instructions). Let the beef simmer for a few minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the Pillsbury pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangular shape that’s about ¼-inch thick.

Step 3: Assemble the Taco Sticks

Cut the dough into strips, about 1-2 inches wide. Place a halved cheese stick in the center of each strip. Add a spoonful of the seasoned ground beef mixture over the cheese, then fold the dough over the filling to create a sealed stick. Pinch the edges to ensure the taco stick is sealed tightly.

Step 4: Bake the Taco Sticks

Place the taco sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder and dried parsley for extra flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden and the cheese is melted.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the taco sticks from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overstuff: Be sure not to overstuff the taco sticks with filling, as it can cause the dough to tear or not cook evenly.
Seal the Edges Well: Pinch the edges of the dough together tightly to prevent the cheese and beef from spilling out during baking.
Use Fresh Dough: For the best results, use fresh pizza dough rather than dough that has been frozen or thawed, as it bakes more evenly.
Make It Crispy: If you prefer a crispier texture, bake the taco sticks for an extra 2-3 minutes or brush the dough with a bit more butter before baking.

How to Serve

Cheesy Taco Sticks are best served hot out of the oven with a variety of dipping sauces. Pair them with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or even a tangy ranch dressing for added flavor. These taco sticks are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even as part of a taco night spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover taco sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Freezing

To freeze taco sticks, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Reheating

Reheat taco sticks in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, depending on your microwave’s power.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?

Yes, you can use homemade pizza dough if you prefer, but store-bought dough is much quicker and more convenient for this recipe.

2. Can I make these taco sticks with ground turkey or chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to make a leaner version of the taco sticks.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the taco sticks in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. Just be sure to bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

4. Can I add more cheese?

Yes, feel free to add more cheese to the taco sticks for an extra cheesy bite. Mozzarella or pepper jack would be great additions.

5. What kind of cheese works best for these taco sticks?

Colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks work well because they melt easily and have great flavor, but feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses.

6. Can I make these taco sticks vegetarian?

Yes, swap the ground beef for black beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian-friendly option.

7. How can I make these taco sticks spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or a bit of hot sauce to the beef mixture for an extra kick of heat.

8. Can I use flour tortillas instead of pizza dough?

While pizza dough works best for this recipe, flour tortillas could be used as a substitute, though the texture will be slightly different.

9. Can I freeze the taco sticks before baking them?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled taco sticks before baking them. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

10. What’s the best way to dip these taco sticks?

These taco sticks are delicious when dipped in salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or even a creamy ranch dressing.

Conclusion

Cheesy Taco Sticks are the ultimate blend of savory taco filling, melty cheese, and buttery pizza dough, making them a fun and satisfying dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or craving a tasty snack, these taco sticks are sure to please. Easy to make and full of flavor, they’re the perfect handheld treat that combines all your favorite taco flavors in one delicious bite. Give this recipe a try, and watch them disappear in no time!