Irresistible Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe: Fiesta in Every Bite

Melted cheese and crispy taco sticks create a mouthwatering combo that will make you the hero of any gathering.

Packed with bold flavors, these delectable bites pack a serious punch.

Crisp tortillas wrap around seasoned meat and gooey cheese, promising a delightful crunch in every bite.

Surprisingly simple to assemble, this recipe requires minimal ingredients and delivers maximum satisfaction.

Weeknight dinners or game day snacks just got a serious upgrade with these irresistible treats.

Everyone from kids to adults will be fighting over the last taco stick, so make sure you prepare plenty.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and become the snack champion among your friends.

Why Cheesy Taco Sticks Are Crowd Favorites

Create Quick Handheld Meals: Perfect for busy families and game day gatherings, these taco sticks transform traditional taco flavors into a portable, mess-free snack everyone will love.

Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives to suit dietary preferences and keep the recipe flexible for different tastes and nutritional needs.

Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Children adore the cheesy, handheld format that makes eating fun, while parents appreciate a meal that combines protein, cheese, and excitement in one delicious package.

Simple Cooking Adventure: Minimal kitchen skills required – just brown meat, roll dough, and stuff with favorite ingredients, making this recipe accessible for cooking beginners and seasoned home chefs alike.

Ingredients for Cheesy Taco Sticks

• Ground Beef: A protein-packed base that brings rich flavor and hearty texture to the taco sticks.
• Pizza Dough: The flexible wrapper that holds the delicious filling and creates a golden, crispy exterior.
• Mozzarella Sticks: A creamy cheese element that melts beautifully inside the taco sticks.
• Shredded Cheese: Adds extra cheesy goodness and helps bind the filling together.

• Taco Seasoning: A zesty blend that infuses the ground beef with classic Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Garlic Powder, Dried Parsley: Provides an aromatic and herbal finish to the taco sticks' surface.

• Water: Helps activate and distribute the taco seasoning evenly through the meat.
• Melted Butter: Creates a golden, glossy exterior and adds richness to the dough.

• Salsa, Sour Cream, Guacamole: Classic dipping sauces that complement the taco sticks' flavors.

How to Bake Cheesy Taco Sticks

Step 1: Brown Tasty Meat Filling

Heat a skillet over medium flame and cook ground beef until it transforms into a rich, golden-brown color. Drain away excess fat, then infuse the meat with zesty taco seasoning and a splash of water.

Let the mixture simmer and thicken for a few moments, creating a robust flavor profile. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Dough Canvas

Gently roll out pizza dough into a generous rectangular shape. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 12 equal strips, creating a perfect foundation for your delicious rolls.

Step 3: Build Flavor Bundles

• Spicy meat filling
• Shredded cheese
• Half a mozzarella stick

Carefully fold the dough, completely encasing the fillings. Pinch and seal edges meticulously to prevent any delectable contents from escaping during baking.

Step 4: Enhance with Aromatic Touches

• Garlic powder
• Dried parsley

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into a preheated oven at 425°F.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the rolls transform into a gorgeous, golden-brown color with crispy edges.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Present these mouthwatering taco rolls immediately with classic dipping companions like salsa, sour cream, or creamy guacamole.

Handy Tips for Taco Stick Perfection

• Pinch edges tightly and seal the dough completely to keep the delicious filling inside during baking.
• Adjust the taco seasoning intensity by using mild or hot varieties to match your preferred heat preference.
• Remove excess fat from ground beef to ensure a crispy, non-greasy texture in your taco sticks.
• Let mozzarella sticks slightly soften before adding to help them melt smoothly inside the dough.
• Use a light, even brush of melted butter to create a golden, crispy exterior that adds extra flavor.

Variations on Cheesy Taco Sticks

• Vegetarian Taco Sticks: Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu seasoned with taco spices for a plant-based version.
• Chicken Fiesta Sticks: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or seasoned ground chicken for a lighter protein option.
• Gluten-Free Edition: Use gluten-free pizza dough or cauliflower crust and ensure taco seasoning is gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add diced jalapeños inside the filling or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top for extra heat and flavor complexity.

What Pairs Best with Taco Sticks

Bright, tangy green salsa cuts through the richness of the cheesy taco sticks, adding a zesty kick that enhances the overall flavor profile.

Smooth, cool sour cream provides a refreshing contrast to the hot, savory taco sticks, balancing the spices and creating a delightful taste experience.

Light, crisp beer like Corona or Modelo perfectly matches the cheesy, meaty taco sticks, cleansing the palate and highlighting the dish’s bold flavors.

Creamy avocado-based dip adds a smooth, rich dimension that complements the crispy exterior and cheesy interior of the taco sticks.

How to Store Cheesy Taco Sticks

• Store leftover taco sticks in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual taco sticks tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for maximum flavor and texture preservation.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed taco sticks at 350F for 8-10 minutes. Restore crispiness by placing directly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Reheat from refrigerated state for 30-45 seconds. Be cautious to avoid soggy texture by using short intervals and checking frequently.

FAQs

• Can I use different meat for this recipe?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work perfectly as substitutes for ground beef. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked and seasoned well.

• Is it possible to make these taco sticks ahead of time?

You can prepare the taco sticks and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, brush with butter and bake as directed.

• What if I don't have pizza dough?

Refrigerated crescent roll dough or homemade bread dough are excellent alternatives that will work just as well in this recipe.

• How can I make these taco sticks spicier?

Add diced jalapeños inside the filling or use a hot taco seasoning blend to increase the heat level to your preference.

Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering cheesy taco sticks bring Mexican street food magic straight to home kitchens. Crispy tortilla shells packed with zesty seasoned meat and melted cheese create an irresistible snack you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 6 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Salt
• Pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Dough and Dairy:

• 1 can (13.8 ounces) pizza dough
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Dipping Sauces (Optional):

• Salsa
• Sour cream
• Guacamole

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 425°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cooking surface.
2. In a skillet, brown the ground beef thoroughly over medium heat, draining any excess fat. Mix in taco seasoning and water, simmering until the mixture thickens and develops rich flavor.
3. Stretch the pizza dough into a rectangular shape, then carefully slice into 12 uniform strips for consistent sizing.
4. Distribute taco meat and shredded cheese evenly across each dough strip, positioning a half mozzarella stick on top for additional melty texture.
5. Carefully encase the filling by folding the dough, pressing and crimping edges to create a secure seal that prevents leakage during baking.
6. Arrange the taco sticks with sealed side facing downward on the prepared baking sheet. Generously brush tops with melted butter, then sprinkle with garlic powder and dried parsley for enhanced seasoning.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the exterior turns golden brown and crispy, indicating perfect doneness.
8. Serve immediately alongside salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for complementary dipping options that elevate the flavor profile.

Notes

• Customize the meat by using ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
• Ensure the dough is rolled thin enough to prevent thick, doughy sections while keeping the filling secure inside.
• Test the seal of each taco stick by gently pressing the edges to prevent cheese and meat from leaking during baking.
• Elevate the dish by experimenting with different cheese combinations like pepper jack or adding chopped jalapeños for extra kick.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 475 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg