Cheesy Taco Sticks

Name: Cheesy Taco Sticks
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Mexican
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

Recipe By:

jesseca

Posted:

February 26, 2025

Updated:

February 26, 2025

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Creating delicious Cheesy Taco Sticks is perfect for a cozy dinner or a fun party snack! Imagine biting into a gooey, cheesy stick wrapped in flaky dough, bursting with seasoned ground beef. It’s a flavor explosion that appeals to adults and kids alike! Plus, the best part? You likely have most of the ingredients at home. This recipe is not only easy to make, but it also allows for a bit of creativity if you want to add your own twist. So, roll up your sleeves, pop on your apron, and get ready to whip up a batch of these cheesy delights that will surely impress friends and family alike!

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Why This Recipe Works

Creating the perfect Cheesy Taco Stick is all about balancing flavors and textures. The combination of seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and flaky pizza dough brings a satisfying bite that appeals to both kids and adults. Using simple ingredients you probably already have makes this recipe an accessible option for a weeknight meal or party snack. Every bite is a warm hug, featuring the bold zest of taco seasonings paired with the comforting goodness of cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Taco Sticks

These Cheesy Taco Sticks are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them to match your family’s tastes or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Want more heat? Toss in some jalapeños. Prefer a vegetarian option? Swap out the beef for black beans or lentils. Plus, they come together quickly, making them perfect for last-minute cravings or busy weekdays. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!

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

Prepare the Oven and Ingredients

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Getting the oven ready ensures that your cheesy sticks bake evenly and turn golden brown.

Prepare the Baking Sheet

Lightly coat a large baking sheet with non-stick spray and set aside. This step prevents the sticks from sticking, ensuring perfect bites every time.

Cook the Ground Beef

Brown the Ground Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until it’s fully browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat, allowing the beef to retain its rich flavor.

Season the Beef

Return the skillet to the stovetop. Mix in the taco seasoning packet (do not add water), stirring until the meat is fully coated. Remove from heat, allowing the mixture to cool to room temperature. This ensures that when you start assembling, the filling won’t be too hot to handle!

Prepare the Pizza Dough

Roll Out the Dough

Spread the pizza dough out until it’s flat. It may take a little work, but rolling it is essential for even cooking. Cut it in half lengthwise, then slice into 4 sections vertically to create a total of 10 small rectangles. This gives you the perfect shape to hold all that cheesy goodness.

Assemble Cheesy Taco Sticks

Fill the Dough

Place about a tablespoon or more of the taco meat in the center of each pizza dough rectangle. Top each with a halved cheese stick. It’s okay to be generous—you want that cheesy pull!

Roll and Seal

Carefully roll up each pizza stick, ensuring all seams are tightly pinched closed. This helps prevent any of the cheesy goodness from leaking out during baking. Just imagine how great they’ll smell while cooking!

Brush and Bake

Prepare the Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. This mixture adds extra flavor and color to the tops of the sticks, making them even more appetizing.

Brush and Bake

Brush the tops of the cheesy taco sticks with the butter mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown on top. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be irresistible!

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with your favorite taco toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole. The contrast of the warm, cheesy sticks with cool salsa or creamy sour cream takes your snacking experience to a whole new level.

Tips for Success

For extra flavor, consider adding chopped onions or jalapeños to the ground beef mixture. These additions make each bite a little more exciting!
Ensure the cheese sticks are fully enclosed before baking to avoid any leakage. No one wants to miss out on that melted cheese goodness!

Variations

Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Try different cheeses, such as pepper jack or mozzarella, to suit your taste. You could even mix a couple for a cheesy extravaganza!

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture. Microwaving may make them a bit soggy, so the oven is a better option.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make Cheesy Taco Sticks ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can prepare and assemble them ahead of time and store them in the fridge before baking. Just pop them in the oven whenever you’re ready!

Q2: What other toppings can I use?
A2: Try toppings like diced tomatoes, green onions, or shredded lettuce for added freshness. It brings color and crunch!

Q3: Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
A3: Absolutely! Homemade taco seasoning can enhance the flavor and allow you to adjust the spices to your preference. Plus, it’s fun to experiment!

Q4: Are these Cheesy Taco Sticks freezer-friendly?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the assembled sticks before baking. Just bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. That’s smart cooking!

Q5: How can I make them vegetarian?
A5: Substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils and add some sautéed veggies for flavor. So many options!

These Cheesy Taco Sticks are sure to become a household favorite, providing a delightful fusion of familiar flavors in a fun, handheld format. Enjoy them as a cozy dinner or a fun appetizer for your next gathering. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or mix things up with your variations, these treats are destined to bring joy to your table.

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