Name: Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 tablespoon taco seasoning; 1/4 cup water; 1 can (8-count) refrigerated pizza dough or crescent dough sheet; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 tablespoon butter, melted; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Optional: salsa or sour cream for dipping

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If you’re craving something melty, snackable, and a little bit magical for dinner or game night, look no further than Cheesy Taco Sticks! This recipe takes the irresistible flavors of classic tacos and wraps them in pillowy dough with loads of ooey-gooey cheese, creating the ultimate handheld comfort food. Kids beg for these, guests rave about them, and they disappear so quickly you’ll want to double the batch. Cheesy Taco Sticks blend fun and flavor in every bite, making them a must-try whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want something deliciously cozy for yourself.

Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Cheesy Taco Sticks is how they rely on a handful of well-chosen ingredients, each playing a starring role in flavor, texture, or gooey factor. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love every component:

Ground Beef: The hearty and savory foundation that brings big taco satisfaction to every bite. Feel free to swap in ground turkey or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter spin!
Taco Seasoning: Packs in all the classic, zesty Mexican spices. You can use your favorite blend or even whip up your own for a custom touch.
Water: Helps the seasoning cling to the meat, melding everything into a deliciously saucy filling.
Refrigerated Pizza Dough or Crescent Dough Sheet: The golden, fluffy exterior that transforms these into grab-and-go wonders. Store-bought makes things extra easy, but feel free to try homemade if you’re feeling ambitious!
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Brings sharpness and that quintessential taco cheese flavor.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The secret to melty, stretchy cheese pulls that make every bite even more fun.
Butter (melted): Brushed on top for a glossy, rich finish that helps the sticks turn gloriously golden in the oven.
Garlic Powder: Sprinkled over the butter for a pop of savory aroma and flavor in every bite.
Optional: Salsa or Sour Cream for Dipping: Add a fun, creamy, or zesty note to contrast the cheesy filling—perfect for dunking!

How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and tossing in your ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s browned and crumbly. This should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, drain it off so your Cheesy Taco Sticks turn out perfectly hearty and never greasy.

Step 2: Spice It Up

Add your taco seasoning and water to the browned beef, stirring everything together. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the flavors meld and you have a beautifully thickened, aromatic taco filling. The scent alone will get everyone excited for dinner!

Step 3: Prepare the Dough

Roll out your refrigerator pizza dough or crescent dough sheet on a lightly floured surface. Using a knife or pizza cutter, slice it into 8 equal rectangles. This is the fun, hands-on part that sets the stage for all that gooey cheese and savory beef.

Step 4: Assemble the Cheesy Taco Sticks

On each dough rectangle, spoon a generous heap of taco meat down the middle. Sprinkle a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the meat—don’t be shy with the cheese! Carefully fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to fully seal. Place each one seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet for best results.

Step 5: Add Buttery Goodness

Brush the tops of your taco sticks with melted butter and sprinkle over the garlic powder. This tiny extra step makes a huge difference. It ensures your Cheesy Taco Sticks bake up golden, glossy, and loaded with savory flavor right from the first bite.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your tray into a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the dough is puffed, golden, and absolutely irresistible. Let them cool just slightly—you want the cheese inside to be molten, not scalding!

How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks

Garnishes

Enhance your Cheesy Taco Sticks with classic garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, a handful of sliced green onions, or even a dash of red pepper flakes if you love a little heat. A squeeze of lime over the top adds brightness that balances out the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these Cheesy Taco Sticks with a simple side salad tossed with lime vinaigrette, tangy coleslaw, or even some classic Mexican rice and beans. It’s a fun way to make a whole meal out of this hearty snack, and the fresh sides will keep things feeling balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or game nights, arrange your Cheesy Taco Sticks on a large platter with small bowls of salsa, sour cream, and guacamole for dipping. For a family dinner, stand the sticks upright in a bread basket lined with a colorful napkin to keep them warm and ready for grabbing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to find yourself with leftover Cheesy Taco Sticks (it’s rare, but it happens!), just let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to three days and make a satisfying lunch or snack later on.

Freezing

Want to get ahead of a busy week? Bake, cool, then wrap Cheesy Taco Sticks individually in foil or plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to two months—perfect for future cravings or last-minute entertaining.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Cheesy Taco Sticks in the oven or a toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. The dough will crisp back up and the cheese inside will melt all over again. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the dough soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course, Appetizer

Absolutely! Cheesy Taco Sticks are super flexible. Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work beautifully—just cook them with the seasoning as you would the beef.

Is homemade dough okay instead of store-bought?

Definitely. If you have a little extra time, homemade pizza dough or crescent dough will give your Cheesy Taco Sticks a lovely, personal touch. Just make sure to roll it to a similar thickness so the cooking time stays about the same.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

For sure. Sautéed bell peppers, onions, or corn mixed into the beef are all fantastic choices. Just don’t overload the filling—too much moisture can keep the dough from baking up crispy.

Will they still taste good at room temperature?

Yes! Cheesy Taco Sticks are delicious warm, but they’re also a hit at potlucks or in lunchboxes at room temperature. The cheese will be less gooey, but the flavor stays strong.

Can I make Cheesy Taco Sticks ahead for parties?

Absolutely. Assemble the sticks up to a few hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Pop them in the oven just before your guests arrive for fresh-baked, melty goodness everyone will love.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—Cheesy Taco Sticks are destined to become a regular request in your household. They’re fun to make, even more fun to eat, and perfect for sharing with friends or family. I hope you’ll channel your inner taco lover and give this craveable recipe a try soon!

Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

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4.7 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 taco sticks 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delicious twist on traditional tacos, featuring seasoned ground beef and gooey melted cheese tucked inside a flaky crust. Perfect for a quick dinner or a fun appetizer!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Taco Meat:

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
1/4 cup water

For the Taco Sticks:

1 can (8-count) refrigerated pizza dough or crescent dough sheet
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional: salsa or sour cream for dipping

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Instructions

Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cook the taco meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add taco seasoning and water; simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
Prepare the taco sticks: Roll out the dough and cut it into 8 equal rectangles. On each piece, spoon a portion of the taco meat and sprinkle with a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Fold the dough over the filling, pinch the edges to seal, and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Bake the taco sticks: Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Serve: Serve warm with salsa or sour cream for dipping.