Introduction

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos, perfect for snacking or a casual meal. With a crispy pizza dough base filled with seasoned beef and melted cheese, they are quick to make and sure to please everyone at the table.

The image shows a white plate with three golden-brown stuffed bread rolls topped with small green herb bits. One roll is being held by a woman's hand, pulled apart to reveal a melted, stretchy yellow cheese and dark brown filling inside. The plate also holds a white square bowl filled with chunky red tomato sauce next to the rolls. The background is a soft pale fabric with a white marbled surface underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 can refrigerated pizza dough
1/2 pound ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salsa and sour cream for dipping

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat and stir in the taco seasoning with a little water according to the packet instructions. Simmer until thickened, then remove from heat.
Step 2: Roll out the pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 12 by 9 inches. Spread the seasoned beef evenly over the dough, then sprinkle both the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top.
Step 3: Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log starting from the long edge. Pinch the seam to seal and slice into 1-inch thick sticks.
Step 4: Place the sticks cut side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.
Step 5: Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the sticks are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving with salsa and sour cream for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add chopped green chilies or jalapeños with the beef before rolling the dough.
Try using pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick or add diced onions and bell peppers to the beef mixture.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with seasoned black beans or sautéed vegetables.

Storage

Store leftover taco sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until heated through and crispy again.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate on a white marbled surface, holding three golden-brown, herb-speckled bread rolls. One roll is broken open, with melted yellow cheese and bits of ground meat inside, stretching as a woman's hand pulls it apart. Next to the rolls, there is a small white square dish filled with chunky red marinara sauce. The bread rolls have a light, crispy texture on the outside, seasoned with green herbs, and the sauce looks thick with visible tomato pieces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated dough?

Yes, homemade pizza dough works great for this recipe. Just roll it out to a similar size and thickness before adding the filling.

Can I prepare these in advance?

You can assemble the taco sticks and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold from the refrigerator.

Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 50 reviews

Cheesy Taco Sticks combine the flavors of seasoned ground beef and melted cheeses wrapped in soft, golden pizza dough. These savory sticks are perfect as a game-day snack or a fun appetizer, served with tangy salsa and creamy sour cream for dipping.

Author: Nora
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 taco sticks 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-American

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

1 can refrigerated pizza dough

Filling

1/2 pound ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Topping & Dipping

1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salsa, for dipping
Sour cream, for dipping

Instructions

Prepare the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning with a splash of water according to package instructions, simmering for 2-3 minutes until well combined and flavorful. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Roll Out the Dough: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface or parchment paper, unroll the refrigerated pizza dough into a rectangle about 12×8 inches thick.
Assemble Taco Sticks: Evenly spread the cooked taco-seasoned beef over the dough, then sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top. Starting from one long side, gently roll the dough into a tight log, pinching the seam to seal.
Slice and Prepare for Baking: Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into about 12 sticks. Place the sticks cut side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
Brush with Butter and Season: Mix melted butter with garlic powder and brush this mixture generously over each taco stick to add flavor and help them brown.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the sticks are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Present with salsa and sour cream for dipping.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture before rolling.
Make sure to seal the dough roll tightly to prevent filling leakage during baking.
Leftover taco sticks can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for a crispy finish.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
Use pre-shredded cheese or shred your own for fresher taste.

Keywords: cheesy taco sticks, taco appetizers, pizza dough snack, easy baked snacks, game day food