Name: Cheesy Taco Sticks
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning; ¼ cup water; 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough; 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup salsa; 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing); Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, additional salsa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the best of two worlds: tacos and cheesy breadsticks. It’s an easy, hand-held dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for dipping into your favorite sauces like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. These Cheesy Taco Sticks are versatile, quick to make, and loved by both kids and adults. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or main course, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
1/4 cup water
1 can (8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup salsa
1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, additional salsa

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up into small pieces. Drain excess grease and stir in taco seasoning and water. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into strips, roughly 1-2 inches wide.
Assemble the Taco Sticks: On each dough strip, place a spoonful of seasoned beef and top it with a generous amount of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Roll up the dough around the filling, pinching the edges to seal.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the rolled taco sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with olive oil for a golden finish. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the dough is golden and the cheese is melted.
Serve: Remove the taco sticks from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Spicy Taco Sticks: Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Version: Use black beans or sautéed vegetables as the filling instead of ground beef for a vegetarian-friendly option.
Different Cheeses: Try using a blend of Mexican cheese or pepper jack for an extra cheesy, spicy flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover taco sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them for 30-45 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork for the beef.

2. Can I make these taco sticks ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the taco sticks ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before baking.

3. Can I freeze the taco sticks?

Yes, these taco sticks freeze well. Assemble them, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

4. Can I use a different type of dough?

Yes, you can use crescent roll dough, puff pastry, or even homemade bread dough as a substitute for pizza dough.

5. How do I make the taco sticks crispier?

For extra crispiness, you can bake the taco sticks a little longer, or brush the dough with melted butter before baking.

6. Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Absolutely! Chopped onions, bell peppers, or corn would be great additions to the filling.

7. How do I make these less greasy?

Make sure to drain the excess fat from the ground beef after cooking. Using lean beef will also help reduce the fat content.

8. Can I make these without cheese?

Yes, you can omit the cheese for a lighter version, though they will be less creamy. You could also try adding a bit of guacamole inside for a creamy filling.

9. Can I bake these in an air fryer?

Yes, you can. Place the taco sticks in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.

10. Can I use a different dipping sauce?

Definitely! You can serve the taco sticks with guacamole, queso dip, or even a creamy ranch dressing for a fun twist.

Conclusion

Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun and easy-to-make dish that everyone will love. With the perfect combination of seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and warm dough, they make a perfect snack or meal for taco lovers. These taco sticks are customizable, quick, and will definitely become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Serve them at your next party, game day, or family dinner for a guaranteed hit