Cheesy Taco Sticks

A Short Story About the Recipe

I still remember the first time I made these Cheesy Taco Sticks. It was a lazy Sunday afternoon, and I had a fridge full of leftover taco meat and a tube of refrigerated pizza dough. I wanted to make something quick, comforting, and fun—something that didn’t require forks and knives but would still impress my family. As I stood there in my kitchen, inspiration struck. I rolled up the taco filling with gooey cheese inside the dough and baked it until golden. When I served them hot with a side of salsa, the whole tray disappeared in minutes. Since then, this recipe has been my go-to for everything from casual weeknight dinners to game day snacks.

Over the years, I’ve played around with the fillings, tweaking the meat and cheese combinations and adjusting the seasoning. But no matter how many times I make them, those warm, cheesy bites never lose their magic. Every time I pull a tray from the oven, I get the same reaction—smiles, excitement, and requests for more.

This recipe has become a family favorite, and now it’s part of our rotation. Whether we’re hosting friends or just enjoying a quiet night in, these taco sticks always hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Versatile
These cheesy taco sticks can be enjoyed as an appetizer, a main dish, or even a lunchbox treat. You can swap in different proteins, change the spice level, or even sneak in veggies for picky eaters. They’re great for adapting to whatever you have in the fridge.

Budget-Friendly
Made with everyday pantry items and affordable ingredients, this recipe is perfect when you’re looking to save a little money without sacrificing flavor. One batch can feed a crowd or provide leftovers for the next day.

Ingredients for the Recipe

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 packet taco seasoning

• 1/3 cup water

• 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend of your choice)

• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

• Sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for dipping

How to Make This Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures the taco sticks bake evenly and get that perfect golden-brown color.

Step 1: Prepare the filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Break the meat into small crumbles with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Return the skillet to the heat and add the taco seasoning and 1/3 cup water. Stir to combine thoroughly. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the water is mostly absorbed and the seasoning has coated the meat evenly. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Roll out the dough
Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface or parchment paper. Gently stretch it out into a rectangle, about 14 by 10 inches. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to divide the dough into 8 equal rectangles. If the dough is too sticky, lightly dust it with flour before cutting.

Step 3: Add filling and cheese
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the taco meat onto the lower half of each dough rectangle. Add a generous pinch (around 2 tablespoons) of shredded cheese over the meat. If you’d like, sprinkle chopped green onions over the cheese for extra flavor. Be careful not to overfill, as this could cause the dough to split while baking.

Step 4: Seal the sticks
Fold the top half of the dough over the filling, creating a long stick shape. Press the edges together gently, then seal tightly by pinching with your fingers. You can also use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges. Make sure the filling is completely enclosed.

Step 5: Bake until golden
Place the sealed taco sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave about an inch between each one. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Brush this mixture generously over each taco stick. This adds flavor and helps them turn golden during baking.

Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the sticks are puffed up and golden brown. The cheese may ooze slightly, which only adds to the appeal.

Step 6: Serve and dip
Once the taco sticks are out of the oven, let them rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set a bit and prevents burns. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.

Quick and Easy

This recipe is ideal when time is short. The meat cooks in minutes, and the rest is mostly assembly. With store-bought dough and pre-shredded cheese, you can have everything ready for the oven in under 20 minutes.

Customizable

You can easily modify this recipe to suit your family’s preferences. Swap ground beef for ground chicken or turkey, or use beans for a vegetarian version. Add diced bell peppers, black olives, or corn to the filling for extra flavor and color. For a spicy twist, mix in chopped jalapeños or hot sauce with the taco meat.

Try different cheeses, like pepper jack for heat or mozzarella for extra stretch. You can also replace the pizza dough with crescent roll dough or even puff pastry for a flakier texture.

Perfect for Guests

These taco sticks are excellent party food. They’re easy to hold, require no utensils, and can be made in advance. You can prep the sticks earlier in the day and refrigerate them until it’s time to bake. This makes entertaining stress-free. They’re a hit with both kids and adults and disappear fast at any gathering.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I make these taco sticks ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the taco sticks a few hours in advance. Cover them with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready, brush with the butter mixture and bake as directed.

Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. After baking and cooling completely, place the taco sticks in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or until heated through. This makes them a great make-ahead snack or lunch option.

What can I use instead of pizza dough?
Crescent roll dough or puff pastry works well if you’re looking for a different texture. Crescent rolls give a buttery flavor, while puff pastry offers a flaky crunch. Adjust the baking time slightly as needed.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8–10 minutes. This keeps the outside crispy. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the dough soggy.

Can I use different meats?
Yes, ground chicken or turkey are great alternatives. You can also try shredded rotisserie chicken mixed with taco seasoning for a quicker option. Avoid cured meats like ham—use chicken ham if you’d like that flavor.

What sauces go best with these?
Sour cream, guacamole, and salsa are classic choices. For a creamy twist, try Greek yogurt with lime juice and chopped cilantro. If you’re feeling creative, mix together plain yogurt, garlic powder, and hot sauce for a tangy dip.