If ever there were a crowd-pleasing snack that makes everyone smile, it’s this Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe. Imagine all your favorite taco night flavors—savory, spice-kissed beef and gooey cheese—bundled into a golden crust that’s made for dipping and sharing. These taco sticks are easy enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for game day spreads, and they bring together the very best of Mexican-American comfort food in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe relies on just a handful of straightforward ingredients, but each one is totally key. From the flavorful ground beef filling to the buttery crisp topping, every component adds something crave-worthy—whether it’s the melty cheese, pillowy dough, or a touch of garlicky herb flavor.
- Ground Beef: Gives the filling its hearty, savory base. Brown it well for maximum flavor.
- Taco Seasoning: Brings a punch of classic taco flavor—store-bought or homemade both work beautifully.
- Water: Helps the seasoning blend into a saucy mixture that’s easy to spoon onto the dough.
- Refrigerated Pizza Dough: Makes these taco sticks a snap to assemble, baking up beautifully soft and golden.
- Shredded Cheddar or Mexican Blend Cheese: Melts into the beef and creates those dreamy cheese pulls everyone loves.
- Melted Butter: Brushed on top, it guarantees a shiny, rich finish with bakery-style appeal.
- Garlic Powder: Adds irresistible aroma and flavor to the tops of the sticks (don’t skip it if you love a little extra something-something!).
- Dried Parsley (Optional): Offers a pop of color and herbs, but the recipe is flexible if you don’t have it.
- Salsa or Sour Cream for Dipping (Optional): Bright, creamy dips that take each bite to the next level.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef & Add Taco Seasoning
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding your ground beef. Let it cook, breaking it up with your spatula, until it’s browned all over—this will take about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any extra fat carefully, then sprinkle over the taco seasoning and pour in the water. Stir everything together until thoroughly mixed. Simmer for a few minutes until the mixture thickens slightly, then set it aside. This mixture needs to cool a little before you handle it, so it doesn’t make the dough soggy.
Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a big rectangle—aim for about 14 by 10 inches. If the dough resists stretching, let it rest for a couple of minutes and then continue. Use a knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into 6 equal rectangles; if you want mini sticks for a party, go a bit smaller and make 8 or even 10.
Step 3: Fill and Shape the Taco Sticks
Spoon a generous amount of your seasoned taco beef into the center of each dough rectangle. Top each with a big handful of shredded cheese—don’t be shy! Fold the dough over the filling, pinch the edges to seal (really seal them, or you might lose some of that glorious filling in the oven), and gently shape each piece into a stick. A little tug and roll helps you get them into that perfect snackable shape.
Step 4: Butter, Season, and Bake
Place your assembled taco sticks seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them a bit of space to avoid sticking together as they bake. Brush the tops with melted butter—this is what gives them that bakery-style sheen and soft, flavorful crust. Sprinkle with garlic powder and dried parsley if you’re using it. Slide the pan into a 400°F oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the sticks are golden, puffed, and the cheese just starts to ooze out the ends.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let your Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe cool for a minute or two (if you can wait!), then serve them warm with little bowls of salsa or sour cream for dipping. Watch them disappear one by one—these are irresistible straight from the oven, but also pretty great at room temp for parties or packed lunches.
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
Garnishes
Bring some pizzazz to your Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe by topping them with a final dusting of dried parsley or a sprinkle of extra cheese as soon as they come out of the oven. For a fresh look, you might even scatter on some finely chopped green onions or a few sliced jalapeños if you like a hint of heat.
Side Dishes
These cheesy sticks make a fantastic appetizer on their own, but they’re also perfect alongside a simple salad tossed with lime vinaigrette, a bowl of fresh pico de gallo, or seasoned rice. Pair them with classic Mexican sides like black beans or roasted corn, and you have a complete meal that feels like your favorite taco night, just reinvented.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with presentation by stacking your Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe in a breadbasket lined with parchment paper for easy sharing. Try cutting them into bite-size pieces and skewering with toothpicks for party platters, or serve them as a fun “build-your-own” board with a rainbow of salsas, guacamole, and hot sauce so everyone can dip to their heart’s content.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have extras, store leftover taco sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They’ll keep their flavor and texture, and honestly, they’re just as tempting the next day as a quick snack or hearty school lunch.
Freezing
For longer storage, this Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe is totally freezer-friendly. Simply arrange the cooled sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet, then freeze until solid. Transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag, where they’ll keep for up to two months. To enjoy, no need to thaw—just follow the reheating directions below.
Reheating
To keep these sticks crisp on the outside and gooey in the middle, reheat refrigerated or frozen taco sticks in a 350°F oven (or toaster oven or air fryer) until warmed through, usually about 8–10 minutes. Microwaving works for a time crunch but won’t give you that golden, bakery-fresh finish.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or a vegetarian substitute instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey cooks up beautifully in this recipe, and plant-based crumbles work just as well. The Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe is all about the spices and cheesy texture, so feel free to customize with the protein of your choice.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes! Assemble your taco sticks a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Pop them in the oven just before serving so everyone gets that fresh-from-the-oven experience with gooey cheese and a warm crust.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Pinching the seams of your dough really well helps a lot, and placing the taco sticks seam-side down is key. Some cheese lava is inevitable (and delicious), but a tight seal will save most of it for the inside!
What are some fun variation ideas?
Try adding diced jalapeños, black beans, or chopped onions to the beef mixture for extra flair. Swap out the cheese for pepper jack or Monterey Jack. You can even brush the outside with taco sauce before baking if you want an extra punch of seasoning.
Are these kid-friendly?
Definitely! This Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe is a mega-hit with kids (and adults too). They’re perfect for little hands, easy to eat, and full of familiar flavors. Just go easy on the spicy add-ins if you’re serving younger eaters.
Final Thoughts
There’s something special about sharing a batch of fresh-baked Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe with friends or family—each bite is a joyful mashup of taco night and comfort food magic. Give this easy recipe a whirl for your next get-together (or just a cozy weeknight), and I bet you’ll want to make it again and again!
Print
Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 taco sticks 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional tacos. Ground beef seasoned with taco spices, wrapped in pizza dough with gooey cheese, then baked until golden and crispy. Perfect for parties, snacks, or a quick meal!
Ingredients
Ground Beef Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- ¼ cup water
Taco Sticks:
- 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- salsa or sour cream for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat, then add taco seasoning and water. Simmer until thickened. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the dough: Roll out pizza dough into a large rectangle, cut into 6 pieces. Fill each with meat and cheese, fold, and seal.
- Bake: Place sticks on the baking sheet, brush with butter, sprinkle with garlic powder and parsley. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Warm with salsa or sour cream for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles.
- Customize with jalapeños, black beans, or onions for added flavor.
- Freeze leftovers for later reheating in the oven or air fryer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
