Irresistible Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe That Sparks Joy

Crispy golden taco sticks promise a delightful twist on classic Mexican-inspired snacks that will make you smile.

Melted cheese and seasoned ground beef create an irresistible combination inside a perfectly crunchy exterior.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become more exciting with these handheld treats.

Kids and adults alike cannot resist the savory crunch and gooey center.

Minimal ingredients and simple preparation mean you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in minutes.

Quick to assemble and even faster to devour, these taco sticks will become your new favorite party appetizer.

Grab a plate and get ready to impress everyone at the table.

FAQs About Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

• Is it possible to make these taco sticks ahead of time?

You can prepare the taco sticks and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours, or freeze them for up to a month before baking.

• What if I don't have Pillsbury Pizza Dough?

You can use crescent roll dough, pizza dough from a local bakery, or make your own homemade pizza dough as a replacement.

• How can I make these taco sticks spicier?

Add some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or use a spicy taco seasoning blend to increase the heat level of the recipe.

Reasons to Love Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

• Tackle Dinner Quickly: Prepare a mouthwatering meal in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes and time is short.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for shredded chicken or make vegetarian by using black beans, allowing everyone to enjoy their personalized taco sticks.
• Kid-Approved Crowd-Pleaser: Combine the beloved flavors of tacos with cheesy goodness, creating a handheld treat that will make children and adults cheer with delight.
• Minimal Cleanup Hero: Use just a few kitchen tools and parchment paper, ensuring you spend more time enjoying the meal and less time washing dishes.

Ingredients for Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

• Ground Beef: A savory meat that serves as the primary protein and flavor base for the taco filling.

• Cheese Sticks: A melty, stretchy ingredient that adds richness and gooey texture to the taco sticks.

• Pillsbury Pizza Dough: A convenient base that wraps and holds the taco filling.
• Taco Seasoning: A spice blend that infuses the ground beef with classic Mexican-inspired flavors.

• Butter, Garlic Powder, Dried Parsley: A flavorful mixture that creates a golden, aromatic crust on the exterior of the taco sticks.

• Salsa, Guacamole, Sour Cream: Complementary condiments that enhance the taste and provide additional dipping options.

How to Prepare Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up The Cooking Space

Get your oven cranking at 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Brown The Meat

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles until fully cooked. Drain away excess fat.

Step 3: Spice Up The Meat

Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef, stirring thoroughly to distribute the zesty flavors evenly.

Step 4: Prepare The Dough Canvas

Unroll pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Slice the dough into 10 rectangular sections with smooth, even cuts.

Step 5: Layer And Roll

Place a generous spoonful of seasoned beef down the center of each dough rectangle.

• Seasoned beef
• Cheese stick halves

Fold and roll the dough around the filling, pinching edges firmly to create sealed pockets.

Step 6: Create A Flavor Glaze

• Melted butter
• Garlic powder
• Dried parsley

Brush the herbed butter mixture generously over each rolled stick.

Step 7: Bake To Golden Perfection

Arrange rolls on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 8: Serve With Delicious Companions

Allow rolls to cool slightly. Offer dipping options like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for extra excitement.

Pro Tips for Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

• Select the Perfect Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to minimize excess grease and keep your taco sticks from becoming too oily.
• Seal Edges Completely: Pinch and press dough edges firmly to prevent cheese and beef from leaking during baking, ensuring a neat and tidy final product.
• Control Moisture Carefully: Drain ground beef thoroughly after cooking to avoid soggy dough and maintain crisp, golden-brown exterior on your taco sticks.
• Enhance Flavor Boost: Sprinkle additional taco seasoning or add a dash of cumin and chili powder to intensify the Mexican-inspired taste profile of your dish.
• Experiment with Cheese Varieties: Try different cheese types like pepper jack, sharp cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend to create unique flavor variations.

Variation Ideas for Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

• Vegetarian Taco Sticks: Replace ground beef with black beans or crumbled tofu, seasoned with taco spices for a plant-based protein option.
• Spicy Jalapeño Version: Add diced jalapeños inside the taco sticks or mix them into the meat for an extra kick of heat.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free pizza dough or wrap the filling in corn tortillas instead of traditional pizza dough for celiac-friendly preparation.
• Chicken Taco Stick Variation: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or ground chicken for a lighter protein choice.

Pairing Suggestions for Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

• Pair Perfectly with Zesty Salsa Dip: Homemade fresh salsa with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice creates a bright, tangy complement to the rich, cheesy taco sticks.
• Refresh with Mexican Cerveza: Light, crisp Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese, providing a cool, refreshing contrast.
• Complement with Creamy Guacamole: Smooth, creamy avocado dip with hints of lime and jalapeño brings a cool, smooth texture that balances the warm, spicy taco sticks.
• Match with Citrus Margarita: Tequila-based cocktail with fresh lime juice and a salted rim enhances the bold flavors of the taco sticks, adding a zesty, adult twist to the meal.

Storage Advice for Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

• Store leftover taco sticks in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each stick individually in aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
• Place cooled taco sticks in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Unwrap the taco stick, place on a microwave-safe plate, and heat for 30-45 seconds. Add a damp paper towel to maintain moisture and prevent the dough from becoming tough.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, wrap taco sticks in foil, and warm for 10-12 minutes.

Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 27-30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory cheesy taco sticks combine Mexican-inspired flavors with crispy, melted goodness that promises pure comfort. Crisp tortillas wrapped around spicy ground beef and gooey cheese create an irresistible snack you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Cheese:

• 5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks, halved

Dough and Seasoning:

• 1 tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• 4 tablespoons (4 tbsp) butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) dried parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cooking surface.
2. In a skillet, transform ground beef into a savory mixture, browning thoroughly over medium heat and eliminating any surplus fat.
3. Infuse the meat with robust taco seasoning, stirring meticulously to ensure complete flavor integration and creating a zesty filling.
4. Unleash the pizza dough’s potential by stretching it across a flour-dusted surface, then precisely dividing into ten uniform rectangular sections.
5. Craft each taco stick by layering seasoned beef onto the dough rectangles, strategically positioning a cheese stick fragment atop the meat, then carefully enveloping and sealing the contents within a tight dough embrace.
6. Elevate the flavor profile by whisking melted butter with aromatic garlic powder and herbaceous dried parsley, then delicately brushing this mixture across the exterior of each assembled taco stick.
7. Transfer the prepared taco sticks onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing them to transform in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until achieving a golden, crisp exterior.
8. Allow a brief cooling period to prevent potential mouth burns, then present the taco sticks alongside complementary dipping companions like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for an enhanced culinary experience.

Notes

• Experiment with different ground meats like turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that still packs tons of flavor.
• Consider making homemade taco seasoning to control sodium and customize spice levels, which allows for more personalized taste profiles.
• Gluten-free alternatives work perfectly by substituting pizza dough with gluten-free crescent roll dough or cauliflower-based wrap alternatives.
• Veggie lovers can replace meat with black beans, roasted corn, or plant-based crumbles to create a delicious vegetarian version without losing the classic taco essence.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg