Cheesy Taco Sticks

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delicious and fun twist on traditional tacos that are sure to please everyone in the family. Made with ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning, gooey cheese, and a golden pizza dough crust, these cheesy sticks are the perfect combination of savory and cheesy. Whether you’re preparing them for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun party appetizer, they are simple to make and incredibly satisfying. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, these taco sticks come together in no time, making them an ideal choice for busy days when you crave something quick, flavorful, and comforting.

The beauty of these Cheesy Taco Sticks is how they combine the classic taco flavors everyone loves into a handheld, cheesy treat. The combination of melted cheese, savory beef, and the soft yet slightly crispy dough creates a flavorful bite that’s perfect for dipping into your favorite salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. Serve these Cheesy Taco Sticks for game day, a movie night, or even as a kid-friendly dinner – they are versatile, tasty, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients

This recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients like ground beef, cheese, and pizza dough, so you don’t need to worry about complicated shopping lists or unusual ingredients.

2. Quick and Easy

You can prepare these Cheesy Taco Sticks in under 30 minutes, making them a great option for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

3. Fun to Eat

These cheesy taco sticks are handheld and perfect for dipping, making them a fun option for kids and adults alike.

4. Flavor Packed

The combination of taco-seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and crispy pizza dough creates a flavor explosion with every bite.

5. Versatile

You can customize these taco sticks by adding your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, or avocado, and even experiment with different cheeses or proteins.

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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

• Ground Beef Substitutes: You can swap the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian version.
• Cheese: Try using different cheese combinations like mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a spicier cheese like jalapeño cheddar for a kick.
• Toppings: Add a variety of toppings to your taco sticks, such as diced tomatoes, green onions, or jalapeños before baking for extra flavor.
• Seasoning: If you like a little extra heat, try adding chili powder, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the beef mixture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and follow the package instructions or add water if using homemade seasoning. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Prepare the Pizza Dough

Roll out the Pillsbury pizza dough onto a clean, flat surface. Cut it into rectangles or strips (approximately 2 inches wide and 6 inches long), depending on how large you want your taco sticks to be.

Step 4: Assemble the Taco Sticks

Place a cheese stick half at the center of each pizza dough strip. Top with a spoonful of the seasoned ground beef mixture. Roll the dough around the filling, making sure the ends are sealed to keep everything inside.

Step 5: Brush with Butter and Season

Place the rolled taco sticks on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter, then sprinkle garlic powder and dried parsley over the sticks for added flavor.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the taco sticks are golden brown and the cheese is melted inside.

Step 7: Serve

Allow the taco sticks to cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• If you prefer a crispier crust, bake the taco sticks for a few extra minutes, keeping an eye on them to prevent burning.
• To ensure the taco sticks don’t leak cheese, make sure the edges of the dough are tightly sealed before baking.
• For an extra cheesy filling, you can add more cheese between the taco filling and dough before rolling.
• Use a non-stick baking mat or parchment paper to make cleanup easier and prevent the taco sticks from sticking to the baking sheet.

How to Serve

Cheesy Taco Sticks can be served as a main dish with a side of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for dipping. Alternatively, they can be served as an appetizer at parties, game days, or movie nights. These taco sticks are perfect for any occasion where people can grab and go with ease, making them a fun and casual meal option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cheesy Taco Sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.

Freezing

You can freeze these taco sticks either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked taco sticks, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, add an extra 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

Reheat the Cheesy Taco Sticks in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes if refrigerated. If frozen, allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as instructed. Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 1-2 minutes, though the texture might not be as crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to use mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a combination of different cheeses for a unique flavor.

2. Can I make these taco sticks vegetarian?

Yes, swap the ground beef with beans, lentils, or plant-based meat to make these taco sticks vegetarian.

3. Can I use homemade taco seasoning?

Yes, you can use homemade taco seasoning instead of the packet mix. Just ensure the seasoning mix has the necessary flavors, including chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder.

4. Can I make these taco sticks ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the taco sticks ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them before baking.

5. Can I use a different type of dough?

You can use other types of dough like crescent roll dough, but the texture may differ slightly from pizza dough.

6. How do I ensure the cheese doesn’t leak out during baking?

Make sure the dough is tightly sealed around the filling, and if necessary, crimp the edges to create a secure seal.

7. How many taco sticks does this recipe make?

This recipe makes approximately 10-12 taco sticks, depending on the size of your dough strips.

8. Can I add extra toppings inside the taco sticks?

Yes, you can add extras like diced onions, bell peppers, or jalapeños to the beef mixture for added flavor.

9. How can I make these taco sticks spicier?

Add chopped jalapeños to the ground beef mixture, or use spicy taco seasoning to amp up the heat.

10. Can I bake these taco sticks in advance and reheat them later?

Yes, you can bake them ahead of time and reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

Conclusion

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional tacos, offering a cheesy, savory filling wrapped in golden, flaky dough. With their simple ingredients and quick preparation, these taco sticks are perfect for busy nights, parties, or as a kid-friendly dinner. Whether served as a main dish or appetizer, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. Customize them with your favorite cheese, seasonings, and toppings to make them your own. Enjoy the cheesy goodness with minimal effort and maximum flavor!

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