Introduction
Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun, handheld twist on traditional tacos. Made with pizza dough or crescent rolls and filled with seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and taco flavor, these are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or quick dinner. Kids love them, and they’re ideal for game days or busy weeknights when you need something fast, fun, and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade)
- ½ cup water
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (or crescent dough sheet)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the beef – In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Season – Add taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the dough – Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle and cut it into 6–8 smaller rectangles.
- Add filling – Place a spoonful of the taco meat and a generous amount of cheese in the center of each rectangle.
- Roll and seal – Fold the dough over the filling, pinch the edges to seal, and place seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush with butter – Mix melted butter with garlic powder and brush over each stick.
- Bake – Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve – Let cool slightly and garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro if desired.
Description
Cheesy Taco Sticks are golden on the outside, melty and flavorful on the inside. Each bite is a combination of crispy dough, zesty taco meat, and stretchy cheese. Think of it as a cross between a taco and a mozzarella stick, wrapped up in pizza dough for ultimate snack satisfaction.
Tips
- Use crescent roll dough for a flakier, buttery texture.
- Let the meat cool slightly before filling to avoid soggy dough.
- Seal edges well to prevent cheese from oozing out.
- Serve with dips like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Variations
- Spicy version – Add jalapeños or use spicy taco seasoning.
- Vegetarian – Use black beans or meatless crumbles instead of beef.
- Cheese lovers – Mix in mozzarella or pepper jack for extra cheesiness.
- Breakfast version – Swap beef for scrambled eggs and sausage.
Correction
If your dough bursts open while baking:
- Avoid overfilling and make sure edges are firmly sealed.
If the sticks turn out undercooked: - Bake a few extra minutes or reduce oven crowding to ensure even heat.
Enjoy!
These Cheesy Taco Sticks are best enjoyed warm, dipped in salsa or your favorite sauce. Perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or any time you’re craving a cheesy taco twist. They’re guaranteed to disappear fast!