If you are craving a fun, flavorful, and utterly irresistible snack, you are going to fall head over heels for this Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe. These golden, flaky sticks stuffed with a savory blend of taco-seasoned ground beef and melted Colby Jack cheese are the perfect bite-sized combination of comfort and fiesta. Whether you want to impress guests at a casual get-together or enjoy a cozy night in with friends and family, these taco sticks deliver the tastiest crunch with an ooey-gooey center that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe is delightfully simple, relying on a handful of everyday ingredients that combine to create an unforgettable flavor explosion. Each component plays a crucial role—from the lean ground beef providing hearty richness, to the taco seasoning adding that perfect southwestern kick, and the dough bringing a wonderfully tender texture to the dish.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The protein base, cooked and seasoned to juicy perfection for a savory filling.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Adds a fragrant punch that perfectly complements the beef.
- 1 package taco seasoning: The key to unlocking authentic taco flavor without fuss.
- Water: Used to help the seasoning coat the beef evenly and create a moist filling.
- 2 cans Pillsbury Pizza Dough: Soft, stretchy dough that bakes up golden and flaky, wrapping all the flavors inside.
- 12 Colby Jack cheese sticks: The melty, cheesy surprise in the center of every taco stick.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter: Melted and brushed on top for a glossy, buttery finish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the savory flavor in the buttery glaze.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: A hint of herbaceous color and aroma on the final product.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by warming up your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. While it heats, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step saves you from sticking woes and makes cleanup a breeze after your taco sticks are baked to golden perfection.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the lean ground beef. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until completely browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Once done, drain off any excess fat to keep this snack flavorful but not greasy—this step ensures your filling stays deliciously hearty yet balanced.
Step 3: Add Seasonings
Stir in the minced garlic, taco seasoning, and the specified amount of water from the seasoning package. Turn the heat back to high and let the mixture cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the water evaporates. This concentrates the spices and infuses the beef with a perfectly seasoned taco flavor that will make everyone’s taste buds sing.
Step 4: Prepare the Dough
Remove the pizza dough from its cans and place each tube onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Shape each piece by hand into roughly a 12 by 8-inch rectangle, then cut it into six even squares about 4 by 4 inches each. This hands-on step shapes the canvas where all your cheesy taco magic will happen, and cutting uniform pieces ensures even baking.
Step 5: Assemble Taco Sticks
Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the beef mixture into the center of each dough square. Cut each cheese stick in half and nestle one cheese half on top of the beef. This layering is what creates that wonderful contrast between the spicy meat and the creamy, melty cheese center you will love biting into.
Step 6: Seal Taco Sticks
Gently bring the edges of the dough up and pinch them together to enclose the filling completely. Then pinch the ends and fold them upward toward the center seam to keep the filling secure. Be careful not to stretch the dough too thin—this careful sealing will create a fluffy, tender pastry that holds all your flavors inside as it bakes.
Step 7: Prepare Butter Coating
Melt the butter in the microwave, then stir in garlic powder and dried parsley. Use a pastry brush or spoon to generously coat each taco stick with this aromatic mixture. This buttery glaze adds a shiny, flavorful crust that is absolutely irresistible once baked.
Step 8: Bake
Place your prepared baking sheets into the oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the taco sticks are lightly browned and the dough is cooked through. You will know they are ready when they have a gorgeous golden color and the buttery aroma fills your kitchen—making it almost impossible to wait!
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of freshness and color, sprinkle chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños on top just before serving. These garnishes add layers of texture and brightness that complement the warm, cheesy richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe with cool sides like guacamole, sour cream, or salsa to balance the spices and add creamy or tangy elements. A crisp green salad or Mexican rice also makes a great accompaniment if you want to transform this snack into a fuller meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the taco sticks upright in a tall glass or rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin for a playful taco party vibe. Serving with small bowls of assorted dips nearby invites everyone to mix and match flavors, making the experience interactive and extra fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftover taco sticks in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. This keeps all of that cheesy, savory goodness intact and ready for quick enjoyment any time you want a tasty snack.
Freezing
If you want to make these in advance or have extra batches, you can freeze the uncooked, assembled taco sticks. Arrange them on a baking sheet so they don’t touch and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat refrigerated or thawed taco sticks, bake them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit on a parchment-lined sheet for about 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain their delightful crunch and flaky texture.
FAQs
Can I use different cheese in the Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe?
Absolutely! While Colby Jack melts beautifully, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, cheddar, or Monterrey Jack for a slightly different flavor profile or extra gooeyness.
Is it possible to make these vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with cooked seasoned beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative and follow the rest of the recipe as is for a delicious meatless option.
Can I prepare the taco sticks ahead of time and bake later?
Definitely. Assemble the sticks, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking to save time on the day you want to serve them.
What can I use if I don’t have pizza dough?
You can try using refrigerated biscuit dough or puff pastry as alternatives, but keep an eye on baking times as they may vary slightly.
Are these Cheesy Taco Sticks spicy?
They carry a mild to moderate heat depending on your taco seasoning choice. You can always adjust the spice level by selecting a mild or hot seasoning blend or adding fresh jalapeños to the filling.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and exciting about biting into these homemade Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe. With their irresistible combination of tender dough, spicy seasoned beef, and melty cheese, they make every gathering feel like a flavorful fiesta. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy sharing these delectable bites with your loved ones as much as I do!
Print
Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cheesy Taco Sticks are a deliciously fun twist on traditional tacos, combining seasoned ground beef, melty Colby Jack cheese, and fluffy pizza dough baked to golden perfection. Perfect for parties, game day, or a savory snack that pleases the whole family.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 package taco seasoning
- Water as called for on the taco seasoning package
Dough and Filling
- 2 cans Pillsbury Pizza Dough
- 12 Colby Jack cheese sticks
Butter Coating
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until fully browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the filling lean and flavorful.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, taco seasoning, and the amount of water as specified on the taco seasoning package. Cook on high heat for 2-3 minutes until the water evaporates and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Dough: Remove the pizza dough from the cans and refrigerator. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, unroll each dough tube and shape into a 12×8 inch rectangle. Cut each rectangle into 6 equal pieces about 4×4 inches each, giving you a total of 12 dough squares.
- Assemble Taco Sticks: Place approximately 3 tablespoons of the beef mixture in the center of each dough square. Cut each cheese stick in half and place one half on top of the beef filling.
- Seal Taco Sticks: Carefully bring the sides of the dough up and pinch them together to seal around the filling. Then pinch the ends and fold them up toward the pinched center seam. Be careful not to overstretch the dough in order to maintain a fluffy, pastry-like texture. Position each stick seam-side down on the baking sheets.
- Prepare Butter Coating: Melt the unsalted butter in the microwave. Stir in garlic powder and dried parsley. Using a pastry brush or spoon, evenly coat each taco stick with the buttery mixture to enhance flavor and browning.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes, until the tops of the sticks are lightly browned and the dough is fully cooked through.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and keep the taco sticks from becoming soggy.
- You can substitute Colby Jack cheese sticks with mozzarella or cheddar cheese sticks if preferred.
- If you don’t have taco seasoning, you can make your own blend using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.
- Ensure the dough is sealed well to avoid any filling leakage during baking.
- For a crispier crust, you may brush an additional layer of melted butter halfway through baking.
