If you’re craving a snack that bursts with irresistible flavors and ooey-gooey cheese, the Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together savory, spiced ground beef wrapped in soft, golden pizza dough, hiding a melty cheese stick at its core for that perfect cheesy pull. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, these taco sticks combine the best of tacos and finger food into one scrumptious bite that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe is a breeze since it calls for straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the seasoned beef to the buttery garlic topping, every component is carefully chosen for maximum deliciousness.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides a hearty, protein-packed filling that turns flavorful with spices.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Adds aromatic depth and a subtle kick to the beef mixture.
- 1 package taco seasoning: The key to infusing that classic taco flavor into your filling.
- Water (as called for on the taco seasoning package): Helps the seasoning blend smoothly into the meat for rich, saucy taste.
- 2 cans Pillsbury Pizza Dough: Creates the soft, pillowy exterior that wraps your filling perfectly.
- 12 Colby Jack cheese sticks: Melted cheese is the irresistibly gooey center—the star of the show.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter: A luscious coating that golden-browns the crust while adding richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the buttery topping with a savory punch.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Sprinkles a fresh, herbal note and pretty specks of green on top.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Begin by heating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures your taco sticks bake evenly without sticking, making cleanup a snap afterward.
Step 2: Cook Ground Beef
Place the lean ground beef in a heated frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook it thoroughly for about 5-7 minutes until nicely browned. Don’t forget to drain away any excess fat to keep the filling light but flavorful.
Step 3: Add Seasonings
Into your sizzling beef, stir in the minced garlic, taco seasoning, and the amount of water specified on the seasoning packet. Cook everything together on high heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the liquid to evaporate for a rich, thick texture. Then, take the pan off the heat and set it aside.
Step 4: Prepare Dough
Open the cans of pizza dough and roll each tube out onto your parchment-lined baking sheet. Shape each into a roughly 12 by 8 inch rectangle. Cut these rectangles into six even pieces about 4 by 4 inches in size, creating 12 dough squares total. This will be the soft cradle for your taco filling.
Step 5: Assemble Taco Sticks
Spoon approximately 3 tablespoons of the beef mixture right into the center of each dough square. Slice each cheese stick in half, and nestle one half atop the seasoned meat to prepare for that cheesy center surprise.
Step 6: Seal Taco Sticks
Gently lift the edges of dough around the filling and pinch them snugly together to seal everything inside. Make sure to fold the ends upward toward the middle seam without stretching the dough too much, ensuring each stick holds its fluffy, pastry-like shape while keeping the filling secure. Lay each taco stick seam-side down on the baking sheets to keep them intact while baking.
Step 7: Prepare Butter Coating
In a small bowl, melt the unsalted butter, then mix in the garlic powder and dried parsley. Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously coat each taco stick with this buttery mixture, which will bake into a golden, flavorful crust.
Step 8: Bake
Slide your prepared baking sheets into the preheated oven. Bake the taco sticks for 12-14 minutes until the tops turn a lovely light brown and the dough feels cooked through and soft. Once baked, they’ll be ready to warm your taste buds!
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or green onions on top for a refreshing brightness and fun color contrast. If you like a bit of heat, a drizzle of your favorite salsa or a dollop of sour cream pairs beautifully with the seasoned beef and cheese.
Side Dishes
These taco sticks are fantastic on their own, but if you want to round out the meal, serve them alongside a crisp garden salad or Mexican street corn salad. Guacamole or pico de gallo also make excellent companions, offering creamy or zesty notes that complement each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange the taco sticks on a platter with small bowls of sides and dips scattered around. You might also thread them onto skewers or set them up vertically in a glass jar to create a fun taco stick “bouquet” for parties or family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Cheesy Taco Sticks, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor and texture nicely, making for an easy next-day snack or lunch.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked assembled taco sticks by placing them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then transferring them to a resealable freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftover cheesy taco sticks in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 8-10 minutes. This method helps retain crispness on the outside and melty goodness inside compared to microwaving, which can make the dough a bit soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese stick?
Absolutely! While Colby Jack offers a mild, creamy flavor, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a little extra spice.
Is it possible to make these vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for seasoned black beans or a plant-based meat substitute. The cheese and dough will still create that comforting, cheesy taco stick experience.
Can I prepare these in advance for a party?
Definitely. Assemble the taco sticks ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until baking. For even more convenience, freeze them as described earlier and bake fresh on the event day.
How should I store leftover taco sticks to keep them fresh?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. For best results, reheat in the oven to restore their crisp exterior and melted cheese interior.
What dips go well with Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe?
Classic dips like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or a creamy chipotle sauce pair wonderfully, enhancing the flavors without overpowering the taco filling.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of pulling apart a warm, cheesy taco stick with perfectly seasoned beef tucked inside soft dough. I hope you give this Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe a try soon, whether for game day, a quick weeknight dinner, or sharing with friends. Once you taste that gooey, flavorful combination, you’ll see why it’s a go-to favorite. Happy baking and happy eating!
Print
Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
These Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or appetizer featuring seasoned ground beef and melted Colby Jack cheese wrapped in soft, flaky pizza dough. Baked to golden perfection and brushed with a garlic-parsley butter coating, they’re perfect for parties, game days, or a fun family meal.
Ingredients
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 Cheese
- 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 to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- 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 excess fat to keep the filling lean.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, taco seasoning, and the water amount specified on the seasoning package. Cook on high heat for 2-3 minutes until the water evaporates. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Dough: Remove pizza dough from the refrigerator and cans. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, unroll the dough and hand-shape each tube into a 12×8 inch rectangle. Cut each rectangle into 6 even pieces approximately 4×4 inches each, making a total of 12 dough squares.
- Assemble Taco Sticks: Place about 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 meat.
- Seal Taco Sticks: Carefully bring the sides of the dough up and pinch them together to seal around the filling. Pinch the dough ends and fold them up toward the pinched center seam, ensuring not to stretch the dough too much to maintain a fluffy pastry shape. Position each stick seam-side down on the prepared baking sheets.
- Prepare Butter Coating: Melt the butter in the microwave, then stir in garlic powder and dried parsley. Using a pastry brush or spoon, evenly coat each taco stick with this buttery mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the taco sticks for 12-14 minutes until the tops turn lightly browned and the dough is cooked through.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease and prevent soggy dough.
- Make sure to drain excess beef fat after browning to keep the taco sticks from being oily.
- You can substitute Colby Jack cheese sticks with mozzarella or cheddar cheese sticks if preferred.
- For a spicier version, add some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
- The dough should not be stretched too much when sealing to maintain a flaky texture.
- Serve warm with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping.
