Cheesy Taco Sticks

These Cheesy Taco Sticks combine savory ground beef, taco seasoning, and melty cheese sticks all wrapped in flaky Pillsbury Pizza Dough. Perfect as a quick dinner, appetizer, or game-day snack, these cheesy taco sticks are a hit with everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to make—ready in just 22 minutes.
• Perfect for kids, parties, or casual dinners.
• Packed with bold taco flavors and gooey cheese.
• Customizable with your favorite toppings or fillings.
• Freezer-friendly for make-ahead convenience.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 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

Directions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

• Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
• Lightly coat a large baking sheet with non-stick spray and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled.
2. Drain excess fat and stir in the taco seasoning (omit water for this recipe).
3. Let the seasoned beef cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Prepare the Dough

1. Roll out the pizza dough until flat.
2. Cut the dough in half lengthwise, then into 5 strips vertically, creating 10 small rectangles.

Step 4: Assemble the Taco Sticks

1. Place about 1 tablespoon of taco meat in the center of each rectangle.
2. Top the meat with a halved cheese stick.
3. Carefully roll the dough around the filling, pinching the seams to seal tightly.

Step 5: Add Butter Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley.
2. Brush the butter mixture generously over the tops of the taco sticks.

Step 6: Bake

• Arrange the taco sticks on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Step 7: Serve

• Serve warm with your favorite taco toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or diced tomatoes.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10 taco sticks
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes

Nutrition Information (Per Taco Stick)

• Calories: 255 kcal
• Protein: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fat: 15g
• Sodium: 365mg

Variations

• Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes inside each stick.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with seasoned black beans or refried beans.
• Cheese Lovers: Use pepper jack, mozzarella, or queso fresco for a different cheese flavor.
• Taco Pizza Roll: Use larger dough rectangles and layer with taco meat, cheese, and salsa for a pizza-style version.
• Add Veggies: Include finely chopped bell peppers, onions, or spinach for added texture and flavor.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover taco sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 5–7 minutes, or microwave for 30 seconds.
• Freezing: Wrap uncooked taco sticks tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes to the cooking time.

FAQs

1. Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?

Yes, crescent roll dough works well for a flakier texture.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the taco sticks and refrigerate them for up to 1 day before baking.

3. What dipping sauces go well with these?

Try sour cream, salsa, guacamole, queso, or even ranch dressing.

4. Can I use leftover taco meat?

Absolutely! This recipe is a great way to use up leftover taco meat.

5. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pizza dough for a gluten-free version.

6. Can I substitute ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives work great.

7. How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Make sure to seal the dough tightly around the filling and pinch the edges closed.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe scales easily. Just bake in batches if needed.

9. Can I add taco toppings inside the sticks?

Yes, just avoid overfilling to keep the dough sealed.

10. How do I ensure the sticks are crispy?

Bake on the middle rack and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.

Conclusion

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a quick, easy, and delicious dish perfect for busy weeknights or fun gatherings. Packed with savory taco flavors and gooey cheese, they’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Customize them with your favorite toppings and enjoy a new twist on taco night!

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• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 10 sticks 1x
• Category: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

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Description

Make these Cheesy Taco Sticks for a quick and irresistible snack or dinner! Filled with flavorful taco-seasoned beef and gooey colby jack and cheddar cheese, all wrapped in golden, buttery Pillsbury pizza dough, these taco sticks are perfect for family meals, parties, or game day appetizers.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Filling:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)

For the Taco Sticks:

• 1 tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough
• 5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks, halved

For the Topping:

• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

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Instructions

• Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a large baking sheet with non-stick spray and set aside.
• Prepare the Ground Beef:
  • Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until fully browned and crumbled.
  • Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning mix (without adding water). Let the meat cool to room temperature.
• Prepare the Dough:
  • Roll out the pizza dough until flat. Cut it in half lengthwise, then make 4 vertical cuts, creating 10 small rectangles.
• Assemble the Taco Sticks:
  • Place about 1 tablespoon of taco meat in the center of each rectangle.
  • Top the meat with half a cheese stick. Roll the dough around the filling, ensuring all seams are pinched closed to avoid leaks.
• Brush and Bake:
  • Combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley in a small bowl. Brush the mixture over the tops of the taco sticks.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the taco sticks are golden brown and fully cooked.
• Serve: Enjoy hot with your favorite taco toppings or dipping sauces, like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

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Notes

• Taco Meat Tips: You can use leftover taco meat for convenience. If you make a full pound of ground beef, you may have leftovers; these can be frozen for future use.
• Cheese Options: Experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or Monterey jack for a different flavor profile.