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

Jump to Recipe

Cheesy Taco Sticks are the perfect combination of savory, cheesy goodness and zesty taco flavor wrapped in soft, golden pizza dough. These cheesy, flavorful snacks are ideal for game days, parties, or as a fun twist on taco night. The taco-seasoned ground beef pairs wonderfully with gooey cheese sticks, and the pizza dough bakes up golden and crisp for the ultimate hand-held treat.

What makes this recipe so irresistible is how the taco filling is wrapped in the dough, forming a pocket of deliciousness that is easy to dip in your favorite salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. The addition of garlic powder and parsley brings an extra layer of flavor to each bite, making these Taco Sticks even more satisfying. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or serving them as an appetizer at your next gathering, these Cheesy Taco Sticks will be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Flavor-packed

The combination of seasoned beef and melty cheese inside soft pizza dough creates a delicious, flavor-packed bite in every stick.

2. Quick and Easy

Using pre-made pizza dough and a taco seasoning packet, this recipe is quick to assemble and bake, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or spontaneous snack attack.

3. Customizable

You can customize these sticks with your favorite taco toppings, such as lettuce, tomatoes, or olives, to make them your own.

4. Great for Parties

These Cheesy Taco Sticks are perfect for serving at parties or gatherings since they’re easy to eat with your hands and pair well with dips like salsa and sour cream.

5. Kid-friendly

With the combination of taco flavors and gooey cheese, this dish is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike, making it a family-friendly meal.

Ingredients

Ground beef
Taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)

Pillsbury pizza dough (or any refrigerated pizza dough)
Colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks, halved
Butter, melted

Garlic powder
Dried parsley

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for seasoned black beans or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian alternative.

Add Veggies: Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or tomatoes to the taco filling for extra texture and flavor.
Different Cheese: If you prefer a different cheese, you can use mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses instead of Colby jack and cheddar.
Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or chili flakes to the taco meat for an extra kick of heat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once cooked through, drain any excess grease and stir in the taco seasoning according to package instructions (or add your homemade taco seasoning mix and a little water as needed). Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pizza dough on a clean surface, and then cut it into rectangles large enough to wrap around the cheese sticks.

Step 3: Assemble the Taco Sticks

Place a halved cheese stick in the center of each rectangle of dough. Spoon a portion of the cooked taco meat over the cheese, then fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges to seal.

Step 4: Bake the Taco Sticks

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

Step 5: Serve

Remove the taco sticks from the oven, let them cool slightly, and serve with your favorite taco dips, like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overstuff the taco sticks, or they may burst open during baking.

Sealing the Dough: Make sure to pinch the edges of the dough tightly so the filling doesn’t leak out during baking.
Use Fresh Dough: For best results, use fresh refrigerated pizza dough, as frozen dough may not bake as evenly or be as soft.
Make It Ahead: You can assemble the taco sticks ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

How to Serve

These Cheesy Taco Sticks are perfect for dipping into salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. They also pair well with a simple salad or Mexican street corn for a complete meal. If serving at a party, consider setting up a taco bar with additional toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover taco sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Freezing

To freeze the taco sticks, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating

Reheat taco sticks in the oven to keep the dough crispy. You can also use a microwave, but the texture of the dough may be less crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken is a great lean alternative to ground beef and works well with the taco seasoning.

2. Can I make these without cheese?

Yes, you can make taco sticks without cheese, or use a dairy-free cheese if you prefer.

3. Can I use homemade pizza dough?

Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough will work just as well as store-bought dough for this recipe.

4. Can I add more fillings to the taco sticks?

Yes, you can add other taco fillings such as sautéed onions, bell peppers, olives, or even shredded lettuce for added crunch.

5. How do I keep the taco sticks crispy?

To keep the taco sticks crispy, avoid overfilling them, and make sure to bake them long enough for the dough to get golden and crisp.

6. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the taco sticks ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.

7. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Definitely! Feel free to swap out the Colby jack and cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or any cheese that melts well.

8. Can I freeze the taco sticks?

Yes, you can freeze the taco sticks before or after baking. Just make sure to wrap them tightly and store in a freezer-safe container.

9. Can I use a different type of seasoning?

If you don’t have taco seasoning, you can create your own by combining chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.

10. Can I make these vegetarian?

Yes, you can make these taco sticks vegetarian by using a plant-based protein such as crumbled tofu or lentils in place of the ground beef.

Conclusion

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun, flavorful, and customizable dish that combines the best of tacos and cheesy comfort food. With crispy pizza dough, taco-seasoned beef, and gooey cheese, these taco sticks are a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a new favorite. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or part of a larger meal, these Cheesy Taco Sticks are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.