Irresistibly Cheesy Taco Sticks
These Irresistibly Cheesy Taco Sticks are crispy, golden, and loaded with gooey melted cheese and savory seasoned beef. Wrapped in soft tortillas and baked to perfection, each bite delivers a deliciously cheesy, flavorful punch. They’re a fun, easy-to-make snack or party favorite that’s sure to disappear fast.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- Lean ground beef works best but ground turkey or chicken can also be used.
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Use store bought or homemade taco seasoning.
- ½ cup water
- Helps the seasoning coat the meat evenly.
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough or crescent dough
- Pizza dough gives a chewy texture; crescent dough makes them softer and fluffier.
- 1½ cups shredded cheese
- Cheddar Colby-Jack, Mexican blend, or mozzarella all work well.
- 1 tbsp butter melted
- Brushed on top for golden color.
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Adds subtle flavor to the crust.
Optional Add Ins:
- ¼ cup diced onions
- ¼ cup sliced jalapeños
- 2 tbsp chopped green chilies
- Taco sauce inside the filling
- Sesame seeds or Italian seasoning for topping
For Serving:
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Nacho cheese sauce
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Taco Meat
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Break it up as it cooks so it stays crumbly. Drain excess grease.
- Add the taco seasoning and water. Stir well and simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Cooling helps prevent the dough from getting soggy.
3. Prepare the Dough
- Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into 8–10 equal strips, depending on how thick you want your taco sticks.
- If using crescent dough, press the seams together and cut into strips.
4. Fill the Taco Sticks
- Spoon a line of taco meat down the center of each dough strip. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the meat. Don’t overfill too much filling can cause leaks.
5. Roll and Seal
- Carefully roll the dough around the filling and pinch the edges to seal. Place each stick seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Brush with Butter
- Mix melted butter with garlic powder. Brush the tops of each taco stick for flavor and color.
7. Bake Until Golden
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the taco sticks are golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on them near the end to avoid over-browning.
8. Serve Warm
- Let cool for 3–5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Video
Notes
📝 Notes
- Use soft flour tortillas for easy rolling.
- Season ground beef with taco spices for bold flavor.
- Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella for extra cheesiness.
- Brush with a little oil before baking for a golden finish.
- Serve immediately for the best melty texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven to keep them crispy.
- Optional: top with fresh herbs or jalapeños for extra zing.