Cheesy Taco Sticks

These Cheesy Taco Sticks are the ultimate handheld meal perfect for game day, busy weeknights, or a fun family dinner. They combine seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and soft pizza dough baked to golden perfection. Think of them as a cross between tacos and cheesy breadsticks! For another easy Mexican-inspired dinner, try our Easy Taco Soup.

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Cheesy Taco Sticks filled with beef and melted cheddar cheese

Cheesy Taco Sticks


  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 sticks 1x

Description

These Cheesy Taco Sticks are the ultimate handheld meal — perfect for game day, busy weeknights, or a fun family dinner. They combine seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and soft pizza dough baked to golden perfection. Think of them as a cross between tacos and cheesy breadsticks!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or 2 tbsp homemade)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and pepper jack)
  • 1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Optional: sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for dipping

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
  3. Stir in taco seasoning and ¼ cup of water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
  4. Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle and cut into 8 equal pieces.
  5. Place a spoonful of beef and a sprinkle of cheese in the center of each piece.
  6. Fold and seal edges tightly, forming a stick shape.
  7. Brush each stick with egg wash and a little olive oil for shine.
  8. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
  9. Serve warm with salsa, sour cream, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Use Monterey Jack or mozzarella for extra gooeyness. Add diced onions, peppers, or corn to the filling. Spice things up with jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Try pairing with Caldo de Pollo or Homemade Guacamole.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 stick
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 390mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 11g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: cheesy taco sticks, taco sticks, handheld taco, taco appetizer, pizza dough tacos

Why You’ll Love It

  • Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
  • Kid-friendly: Perfectly cheesy and mess-free for little hands.
  • Customizable: Add your favorite taco toppings or dipping sauces.
  • Great for leftovers: Easy to reheat and enjoy again.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or 2 tbsp homemade)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and pepper jack)
  • 1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Optional: sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for dipping
Baked taco sticks on a plate with salsa and sour cream for dipping

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
  3. Stir in taco seasoning and ¼ cup of water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
  4. Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle and cut into 8 equal pieces.
  5. Place a spoonful of beef and a sprinkle of cheese in the center of each piece.
  6. Fold and seal edges tightly, forming a stick shape.
  7. Brush each stick with egg wash and a little olive oil for shine.
  8. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
  9. Serve warm with salsa, sour cream, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

  • Cheese options: Use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend for extra gooeyness.
  • Add veggies: Mix in diced onions, peppers, or corn to the beef filling.
  • Spice it up: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add jalapeños for a kick.
  • Try pairing these taco sticks with Homemade Guacamole or Caldo de Pollo for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Cheesy Taco Sticks as an appetizer, snack, or main dish. They’re great alongside Mexican rice, a fresh salad, or Cucumber Carrot Salad for something light and refreshing. For a game-day spread, pair them with Buffalo Chicken Dip and crispy tortilla chips.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap individually in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes or air-fry for 5 minutes to regain crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?

Absolutely! Crescent dough makes them even flakier and lighter.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes — assemble them and refrigerate before baking. Just pop them in the oven when ready.

What’s the best cheese for taco sticks?

Sharp cheddar gives great flavor, but pepper jack adds a nice spicy touch.

More to Try

Conclusion

These Cheesy Taco Sticks bring together everything you love about tacos — the seasoned meat, the melted cheese, and that warm, crispy exterior. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, snack, or quick dinner, they’ll disappear in minutes. For more fun handheld meals, check out our Pizza Stick Variations or Fried Sweet Potato Turnovers.

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