Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble these taco sticks earlier in the day and keep them refrigerated until you're ready to bake. Just add 1-2 minutes to the baking time if they're going in cold. You can also freeze them assembled but unbaked for longer storage.

How can I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Make sure to really pinch those seams closed and consider using a bit less cheese if you're having trouble. You can also try wrapping the cheese completely in the meat before wrapping in dough for an extra layer of protection.

Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?

Yes! Crescent roll dough makes a delicious substitute, though it will give you a slightly different texture. Press the seams together before cutting into rectangles, or use the perforations as guides for where to place your filling.

How do I know when they're done baking?

The tops should be golden brown and firm to the touch. If you're unsure, you can carefully check one by cutting it open – the dough should be cooked through with no raw spots, and the cheese should be completely melted.

Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

Name: Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning mix; 1 tube Pillsbury Pizza Dough; 5 sticks Colby jack and cheddar and/or pepper jack cheese sticks, halved; 4 tbsp butter, melted; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp dried parsley

This mouthwatering Cheesy Taco Sticks recipe transforms your favorite taco flavors into irresistible, handheld treats that everyone will love. Seasoned ground beef and gooey cheese are wrapped in flaky pizza dough for a simple yet satisfying meal that comes together in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or anytime you need a quick dinner win!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Simple: Just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work make this perfect for those “I don’t feel like cooking” nights.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike go crazy for these – who can resist that cheese pull when you take your first bite?
Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, main dish, or after-school snack. These taco sticks work for practically any occasion!
Customizable: Easy to adapt with your favorite taco fillings and toppings to please everyone at your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: The hearty base of our filling that brings rich flavor and satisfying protein. Choose lean ground beef for less fat.
Taco Seasoning Mix: The flavor powerhouse that transforms ordinary ground beef into taco meat. Feel free to use homemade taco seasoning if you prefer controlling the spice level.
Pillsbury Pizza Dough: The convenient wrapper that turns into a golden, flaky exterior. This time-saving ingredient makes assembly quick and foolproof.
Cheese Sticks: I use a mix of Colby jack, cheddar, and pepper jack for the perfect melty interior. The pepper jack adds a nice kick if you like a little heat.
Butter: Creates that gorgeous golden-brown exterior and carries the garlic flavor across the dough.
Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle savory note that complements the taco flavors beautifully.
Dried Parsley: Brings a touch of color and mild herbal flavor to the butter topping.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat crumbles for the beef. Each brings its own unique flavor profile while keeping the concept intact.

Cheese Choices

Try different cheese combinations like mozzarella for extra stretch, or pepper jack for more heat. You can even use Mexican blend shredded cheese instead of cheese sticks.

Veggie Boost

Add finely diced onions, bell peppers, or corn to the meat mixture for added nutrition and flavor.

Breakfast Version

Use scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and cheese for morning taco sticks that will get everyone out of bed!

How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 425°F and lightly coat a large baking sheet with non-stick spray. Having everything ready before you start will make the assembly process much smoother.

Step 2: Cook the Taco Meat

Brown the ground beef in a skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until it’s fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning packet along with the water called for on the package. Continue cooking until all the water evaporates. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Dough and Cheese

Unroll the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and flatten it out. Cut it into 10 small rectangles. Cut your cheese sticks in half to create 10 pieces.

Step 4: Assemble the Taco Sticks

Place about a tablespoon of the seasoned meat in the center of each dough rectangle. Top with a halved cheese stick. Carefully roll up each piece, making sure to pinch the seams and ends closed to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.

Step 5: Add the Garlic Butter Topping

Mix melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley in a small bowl. Brush this flavorful mixture generously over the tops of your assembled taco sticks.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the tops are beautifully golden brown and the cheese inside is melted. Let them cool for just a minute before serving but not too long or you’ll miss out on that amazing cheese pull!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Seal Those Edges: Be thorough when pinching the dough closed to prevent cheese from oozing out during baking.
Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to pack in more taco meat, but too much filling makes them difficult to seal.
Cool the Filling: Letting the taco meat cool slightly before assembly makes handling easier and prevents the dough from getting soggy.
Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Even Sizing: Try to cut your dough rectangles uniformly so all the taco sticks bake at the same rate.

How to Serve

Dipping Options

Serve with small bowls of salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or queso for dipping. The cool creaminess of sour cream perfectly balances the spicy taco flavors.

Make It a Meal

Pair with a simple side salad loaded with fresh veggies and a light vinaigrette dressing for a complete dinner.

Appetizer Spread

Arrange on a platter with various dips and garnishes like sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges for a crowd-pleasing starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover taco sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll stay tasty, though the dough won’t be quite as crisp as when freshly baked.

Freezing

You can freeze these either before or after baking! For unbaked sticks, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. For baked sticks, cool completely before freezing. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. The microwave works in a pinch (30-60 seconds), but the dough won’t be as crispy.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble these taco sticks earlier in the day and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to bake. Just add 1-2 minutes to the baking time if they’re going in cold. You can also freeze them assembled but unbaked for longer storage.
How can I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Make sure to really pinch those seams closed and consider using a bit less cheese if you’re having trouble. You can also try wrapping the cheese completely in the meat before wrapping in dough for an extra layer of protection.
Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?

Yes! Crescent roll dough makes a delicious substitute, though it will give you a slightly different texture. Press the seams together before cutting into rectangles, or use the perforations as guides for where to place your filling.
How do I know when they’re done baking?

The tops should be golden brown and firm to the touch. If you’re unsure, you can carefully check one by cutting it open – the dough should be cooked through with no raw spots, and the cheese should be completely melted.

Final Thoughts

These Cheesy Taco Sticks bring together everything we love about tacos in a fun, hand-held package that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The combination of seasoned beef, melty cheese, and golden dough creates an irresistible treat that disappears quickly whenever I make them. Give this recipe a try next time you need a quick dinner win – I’m confident it will become a regular request in your household!