Cheesy Taco Sticks
These easy-to-make and delicious cheesy taco sticks recipe are a perfect appetizer for parties or a quick dinner on a busy weeknight. Buttery breadsticks stuffed with tender seasoned beef and lots of cheese!
Easy Taco Sticks Recipe
Get ready for a fiesta of flavor with these easy to make taco sticks recipe!
Packed with juicy ground beef, melted cheese, and taco seasonings, they are delicious any day of the week.
Plus, they’re a breeze to whip up in just a few simple steps. Super fun, like these walking tacos for a crowd and walking dessert tacos!
Perfect for a fun family dinner, party appetizer or after school snack, they are a great way to celebrate the next taco night.
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Ingredients Needed
Ground beef – Lean ground beef is best. Substitute ground turkey if desired.
Taco seasoning – Use 1 packet taco seasoning, taco seasoning for chicken, or fajita seasoning if desired.
Cheese – I like cheddar cheese sticks or substitute mozzarella or Colby Jack cheese sticks.
Dough – Refrigerated tube Pillsbury pizza dough is best but a crescent dough sheet will work too.
Butter – Unsalted butter is best. Substitute olive oil if needed.
Spices – Onion powder, garlic powder, and dried parsley.
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How to make Taco Sticks
First: Preheat oven to 425F. Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat and mix in taco seasoning.
Second: Roll out pizza dough and cut into 10 small rectangles. Place half a cheese stick in the middle of the dough and top with the beef mixture.
Third: Fold the edges over and seal. Mix the melted butter and spices in a small bowl. Brush over the taco sticks.
Fourth: Place taco sticks on a large baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 425F for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
What do you serve with them?
Great with a salad, side of rice, black beans, white queso with evaporated milk, and this homemade salsa for chips.
How long do they last?
Store any leftover taco sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in a microwave, air fryer, or oven until heated through.
Can you freeze them?
These can be baked and then frozen. Be sure to use an air tight and freezer-safe container.
Seal frozen taco sticks in individual packages for better portioning. To reheat, microwave, air fry, or bake in the oven.
Favorite Taco Toppings
I like to serve these simple cheesy taco sticks with homemade salsa, sour cream, spicy guacamole recipe, or queso dip.
What type of ground beef is best for taco sticks?
Ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 fat ratio is ideal for taco sticks because it has enough fat to keep the meat moist and flavorful. But not too much that it becomes greasy.
Can I substitute the cheddar cheese sticks with another type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the cheddar cheese sticks with any type of cheese that melts well, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella.
How do I prevent the taco sticks from leaking while baking?
Make sure to pinch the edges of the taco sticks tightly to seal the filling inside.
Place them seam sides down. You can also brush the taco sticks with an egg wash before baking to help seal them.
How can I make the taco sticks healthier?
You can use lean ground beef or turkey instead of regular ground beef. You can also add more vegetables to the filling, such as diced bell peppers or onions.
Can I use a different type of meat in the taco sticks?
Yes, you can use any type of ground meat. Ground turkey or ground chicken are my favorite.
Tapas Tips & Tricks
- Homemade taco seasoning is best.
- Use leftover taco meat for easier meal prep.
- Drain excess grease from ground beef to keep them from getting soggy when baking.
- Try different cheeses!
- Substitute crescent roll sheets for the pizza crust dough.
- Let the pizza dough come close to room temperature to make it easier to stretch and seal.
- Roll out the dough if it seems thick in some areas.
- Prep the baking sheet with aluminum foil or non-stick spray for easier clean up.
- Cut these up and add them to a cheese and cracker tray at a party!
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Whether you’re looking for an easy recipe for a dinner idea or fun party appetizer, these easy cheesy taco sticks are sure to be a hit with hungry kids and adults alike.
Taco Sticks
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning 1 ounce packet
- 1 tube 13.8 ounces pizza crust dough
- 5 mild cheddar cheese sticks cut in half
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat an oven to 425F. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with nonstick spray.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if desired. Stir in taco seasoning and mix to combine.
- Roll out pizza dough. Cut in half lengthwise and then cut each half into 5 pieces. This should give you 10 rectangles.
- To the center of each rectangle, place a half a cheese stick.
- Then top with the meat mixture, evenly distributing it among the 10 rectangles.
- Fold the edges over and seal up. Pinch the ends closed so nothing leaks out.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley.
- Brusht the taco sticks with the melted butter mixture.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown on the outside.
- Remove from the oven and serve with your favorite toppings. I like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Notes
- Homemade taco seasoning is best.
- Use leftover taco meat for easier meal prep.
- Drain excess grease from ground beef to keep them from getting soggy when baking.
- Try different cheeses!
- Substitute crescent roll sheets for the pizza crust dough.
- Let the pizza dough come close to room temperature to make it easier to stretch and seal.
- Roll out the dough if it seems thick in some areas.
- Prep the baking sheet with aluminum foil or non-stick spray for easier clean up.
Nutrition
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