Cheesy Beef Taco Sticks

This cheesy taco stick recipe transforms ordinary taco night into a fun, handheld treat that's perfect for game days, quick dinners, or whenever you need a crowd-pleasing snack. The combination of seasoned beef and melty cheese wrapped in golden pizza dough creates an irresistible flavor bomb that disappears fast in my household.

I first made these taco sticks when hosting an impromptu movie night, and they've become our go to Friday tradition. My nephew who normally picks at his food devoured three in one sitting and now requests them every time he visits.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Creates the hearty base for these taco sticks use 80/20 for best flavor
• Taco seasoning mix: Provides all the classic Mexican spices without measuring each one separately
• Pillsbury Pizza Dough: Makes this recipe quick and foolproof look for it in the refrigerated section
• Cheese sticks: Provide the perfect melty core choose colby jack and cheddar blend for optimal meltability
• Butter: Creates the delicious garlic coating that gives these sticks their irresistible finish
• Garlic powder: Infuses the butter coating with savory flavor use fresh minced garlic for even more punch
• Dried parsley: Adds color and a touch of freshness to the butter coating

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Set your oven to 400°F while you prepare the filling. Using parchment paper on your baking sheet is crucial here as it prevents the cheese from sticking if it leaks out during baking and makes cleanup infinitely easier.

Brown The Beef:

Cook your ground beef over medium heat until no pink remains, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Draining the excess fat is important for preventing greasy taco sticks. When adding the taco seasoning, I like to add about 2 tablespoons of water to help the spices coat every bit of meat evenly.

Prepare The Dough:

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. When cutting into rectangles, try to make them as even as possible for consistent cooking. I find using a pizza cutter makes this job much easier than using a knife.

Assemble The Taco Sticks:

Place about 2 tablespoons of beef on each rectangle, slightly off center. Position the cheese stick half on top of the meat. When rolling, start from the side with the filling and roll toward the empty edge, making sure to seal the edges well by pinching firmly. If the dough tears at all, patch it with a small piece from another section.

Create Garlic Butter:

Melt your butter just until liquid but not hot. Mixing in the garlic powder and parsley creates an aromatic mixture that will bake into a beautiful golden crust. Make sure to brush every exposed surface of the dough for maximum flavor.

Bake To Perfection:

Watch the taco sticks carefully during the last few minutes of baking. They should be golden brown with some cheese possibly bubbling out the ends. If your oven has hot spots, rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning.

Rest Before Serving:

Allowing the taco sticks to rest for 3 to 5 minutes after baking lets the cheese cool just enough so it doesn't burn your mouth while still remaining wonderfully gooey.

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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the contrast between the crispy, buttery exterior and the gooey cheese center. It reminds me of the after school snacks my mom used to make, but with a grown up twist that satisfies my taco cravings without all the usual mess of traditional tacos.

Make Ahead Options

These taco sticks shine as a make ahead meal option. You can prepare them completely up to the baking stage, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply brush with the garlic butter mixture and bake for an additional 2 to 3 minutes longer than the recipe states. This makes them perfect for busy weeknights or preparing for parties in advance.

Creative Variations

The basic taco stick recipe is just the beginning. Try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or vegetarian crumbles for a meatless version. You can also add black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers to the meat mixture for added nutrition and flavor. For breakfast taco sticks, use scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and cheese wrapped in the dough. The possibilities are endless once you master the basic technique.

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Dipping Sauce Suggestions

While these taco sticks are delicious on their own, serving them with dipping options takes them to another level. Beyond the suggested salsa and sour cream, try a cilantro lime crema made from sour cream, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. A quick avocado ranch dip combining mashed avocado with ranch dressing creates another crowd pleasing option. For heat lovers, mix mayonnaise with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy dip.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover taco sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best reheating results, avoid the microwave which can make the dough soggy. Instead, place them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. The air fryer also works wonderfully for reheating, giving you back that crispy exterior in just 3 to 4 minutes at 350°F.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these Cheesy Taco Sticks ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the taco sticks up to the point of baking, then refrigerate them (covered) for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, brush with the garlic butter mixture and bake as directed, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time since they'll be starting cold.

→ What can I use instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives work great as substitutes. You can also use refried or black beans for a vegetarian version. Just make sure to season well with the taco seasoning for authentic flavor.

→ Can I freeze these taco sticks?

Absolutely! After baking, let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

→ What dips work best with these Cheesy Taco Sticks?

Classic pairings include salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and queso dip. For added flavor, try mixing sour cream with a bit of taco seasoning or making a spicy ranch by adding hot sauce to ranch dressing.

→ How can I make these spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or green chilies to the beef mixture, use pepper jack cheese instead of colby jack, or incorporate hot sauce or red pepper flakes into the meat while cooking. You can also serve with a spicy salsa for dipping.

→ Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?

Yes, crescent roll dough works well as a substitute. Simply pinch the perforations together before cutting into rectangles. The texture will be slightly flakier than with pizza dough, but equally delicious.