Name: Cheesy Taco Sticks
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade: 1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp paprika, salt & pepper); ½ cup water; 1 can (13.8 oz) pizza dough (or homemade); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend); 6 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half; 2 tbsp butter, melted; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp dried parsley (for garnish); Salsa, sour cream, or guacamole (for dipping)

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There’s something downright magical about the combination of gooey melted cheese, savory taco-seasoned meat, and golden, crispy dough. These Cheesy Taco Sticks are like a hug in food form—warm, satisfying, and packed with bold flavors. Perfect for a quick snack, a fun dinner, or even a party appetizer, this recipe is all about effortless indulgence. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a regular craving!

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Taco Sticks

Versatile

Cheesy Taco Sticks are the ultimate anytime meal or snack. Whether you’re making them for game night, a movie marathon, or a quick lunch, they fit any occasion.

Budget-Friendly

Made with simple, affordable ingredients, this recipe won’t break the bank. It’s all about getting the most flavor out of pantry staples!

Quick and Easy

With minimal prep and a fast cooking time, these taco sticks come together in a breeze. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings.

Customizable

Spice it up with your favorite seasonings, swap the protein, or add extra toppings inside—there are endless ways to make this dish your own!

Crowd-Pleasing

A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.\

Ingredients

Ingredients in Cheesy Taco Sticks

Here’s the magic of these taco sticks—they’re made with just a few simple ingredients, but the result is unbelievably delicious.

Ground Beef

The heart of the filling. Cooked with taco seasoning, it adds a savory, spiced bite to every cheesy stick.

Taco Seasoning

A blend of bold spices that bring the classic taco flavor. Use store-bought or homemade for extra freshness.

Crescent Roll Dough

Soft, buttery, and flaky—this dough creates the perfect golden shell for your taco filling.

Shredded Cheese

Melted, gooey cheese in every bite. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend works great!

Butter

Brushed on top for a golden finish and extra flavor.

Garlic Powder

A hint of garlic makes these sticks even more irresistible.

Fresh Parsley (Optional)

For a pop of color and freshness, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top before serving.

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F. This ensures even baking and that crispy golden crust we love.

Cook the Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease, then stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water. Simmer until the seasoning is fully absorbed and the beef is flavorful.

Prepare the Dough

Roll out the crescent roll dough and separate it into rectangles. Pinch the seams together to create a solid piece of dough.

Add the Filling

Spoon the seasoned beef onto each rectangle, then sprinkle with shredded cheese. Fold the dough over the filling, sealing the edges by pinching them tightly.

Bake to Perfection

Place the stuffed taco sticks on a lined baking sheet. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle garlic powder on top. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Finishing Touches

Let the taco sticks cool for a few minutes before serving. If desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley for an extra pop of color and freshness.

Serve and Enjoy

Pair with your favorite dipping sauces, like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. These cheesy taco sticks are best enjoyed warm!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8 Calories per serving: 250

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Cheesy Taco Sticks

These taco sticks are delicious on their own, but here are some ways to elevate your meal:

Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
Pair with a side salad for a balanced meal.
Enjoy with tortilla soup for a comforting combo.
Serve alongside a plate of nachos for the ultimate Tex-Mex spread.

Additional Tips

For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips inside the taco sticks before baking.
Swap the ground beef for shredded chicken, turkey, or even black beans for a different twist.
Add diced jalapeños to the filling for a spicy kick.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for the best texture.

FAQ

Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the taco sticks in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake.

Can I freeze them? Absolutely. Bake them first, let them cool, then freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough? Yes! Puff pastry will give a flakier texture, but it works just as well.

What’s the best cheese to use? Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all melt beautifully in this recipe.

Can I air-fry these instead of baking? Yes! Air fry at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Can I make this vegetarian? Definitely! Swap the ground beef for black beans, lentils, or seasoned tofu.

How do I prevent the taco sticks from bursting open? Make sure to pinch the edges tightly and avoid overfilling them.

Can I add more toppings inside? Of course! Try adding olives, diced tomatoes, or even a drizzle of hot sauce.

What dipping sauces pair well with these? Salsa, queso, sour cream, ranch, or guacamole are all great choices.

Can I use homemade dough instead? Yes! If you prefer, you can make your own pizza or crescent dough from scratch.

Conclusion

Cheesy Taco Sticks are the ultimate easy, fun, and satisfying recipe to add to your rotation. Whether you’re serving them up for a crowd or just treating yourself to something delicious, these handheld bites will never disappoint. Give them a try—you just might find your new favorite comfort food!

Cheesy Taco Sticks

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Author: Grace Sullivan
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 12 taco sticks 1x
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a delicious, easy-to-make snack or appetizer featuring taco-seasoned beef and gooey melted cheese wrapped in soft pizza dough. Perfect for game nights, parties, or a quick meal, these handheld treats are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened, then remove from heat.
Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle and cut it into 12 equal strips.
Place 1 tablespoon of taco meat and shredded cheese onto each strip. Add half of a mozzarella stick on top.
Fold and seal the dough around the filling, pinching the edges to prevent leakage.
Place the taco sticks seam-side down on the baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter, then sprinkle with garlic powder and dried parsley.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve warm with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping.

Notes

For extra flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan or taco seasoning on top before baking.
Use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough for a softer texture.
Add chopped jalapeños or green onions for a spicy kick!