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Cheesy Taco Sticks Delight

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These cheesy taco sticks are made by wrapping seasoned ground beef and halved cheese sticks inside refrigerated pizza dough. After sealing, they’re brushed generously with a garlic butter and parsley mixture, then baked until golden brown and crispy. The combination of savory taco spices with gooey Colby Jack and cheddar cheese creates a satisfying snack perfect for parties or casual bites. For best results, cool the beef filling before assembling and ensure seams are pinched tight to avoid leaks. Serve warm with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for added flavor.

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Barbara Chef
Updated on Fri, 22 Aug 2025 01:12:11 GMT
A plate of food with a bowl of sauce. Pin it
A plate of food with a bowl of sauce. | gracefulflavors.com

These cheesy taco sticks are a party favorite that bring together crispy pizza dough, savory taco-seasoned beef, and melty cheese for a snack everyone will reach for. They come together quickly and offer that perfect mix of crunchy and gooey in every bite.

I first whipped these up for a casual game night and now they are a staple whenever friends come over. The combination of seasoned beef and cheese tucked inside crisp dough never fails to impress.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: one pound choose lean for less grease and better texture
  • Taco seasoning: one packet adds classic southwestern spice opt for a brand you like to customize heat level
  • Refrigerated pizza dough: one tube convenient base that crisps nicely and holds filling well
  • Colby Jack and cheddar cheese sticks: five halved a blend that melts beautifully for that gooey goodness
  • Butter: four tablespoons melted for brushing on top to get golden crust
  • Garlic powder: one teaspoon infuses a fragrant finish
  • Dried parsley: one teaspoon adds freshness in color and flavor

When picking your cheese, go for a good quality string cheese with a balance of flavors for best melt and taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit or 218 Celsius and prepare a baking sheet by coating it lightly with non-stick spray. This prevents sticking and helps crisp the bottoms evenly.
Cook the Beef:
Place the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon and cook until fully browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat to avoid greasiness in the final sticks. Stir in the taco seasoning until all beef is coated well. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool fully so it won’t make the dough soggy later.
Prepare the Dough:
Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a flat surface and gently flatten to form a rectangle. Cut the dough lengthwise down the middle, then slice each half into ten equal rectangles for a total of twenty pieces.
Assemble the Sticks:
Place about a tablespoon of cooled taco beef mixture on each dough rectangle. Top with half a cheese stick. Carefully roll the dough over the filling and pinch the edges closed tightly to seal.
Add the Topping:
Combine melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley. Brush this evenly over the assembled taco sticks to give them a beautiful golden color and fragrant finish.
Bake:
Place the taco sticks on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until they turn golden brown and the cheese is melted inside.
Serve Warm:
Enjoy your taco sticks warm. They are delightful on their own or paired with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping.
A plate of food with meat and cheese. Pin it
A plate of food with meat and cheese. | gracefulflavors.com

I absolutely love the melted cheese in these taco sticks. It reminds me of family cookouts where everyone gathered around, grabbing snacks and swapping stories. The cheesy pull with every bite makes these sticks unforgettable and a true crowd pleaser.

Storage Tips

After baking, let the sticks cool to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for about three days and are easy to reheat covered in the oven or microwave. To freeze, place unbaked sticks on a sheet pan, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen adding extra time.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter option. Use your favorite taco seasoning or a homemade blend for full control over flavors. Mozzarella can substitute the cheese sticks for a milder melt if preferred. For a richer top coat try brushing with olive oil mixed with herbs instead of butter.

Serving Suggestions

These sticks pair beautifully with fresh pico de gallo or guacamole. A simple side salad dressed with lime juice keeps the meal light and balances the rich flavors. They also make for a fantastic finger food at parties alongside bowls of salsa and sour cream.

A plate of food with a bowl of sauce. Pin it
A plate of food with a bowl of sauce. | gracefulflavors.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prevent the dough from becoming soggy?

Allow the seasoned beef to cool completely before filling the dough to prevent moisture buildup that can make the dough soggy.

→ What cheese works best for filling?

Colby Jack and cheddar cheese sticks are ideal as they melt well and complement the taco seasoning flavor.

→ Can I prepare these in advance?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled sticks before baking. Just add an extra 3-5 minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen.

→ What is the best way to seal the dough rolls?

Pinch all seams firmly to fully enclose the filling and prevent leaks during baking.

→ Are there suggested dipping options?

This dish pairs nicely with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole to enhance the flavors.

Cheesy Taco Sticks Delight

Golden baked dough sticks filled with seasoned beef and melted cheese, brushed with garlic butter.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Barbara

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (8 servings)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Filling

01 1 pound ground beef
02 1 packet taco seasoning mix

→ Dough

03 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough

→ Cheese

04 5 Colby Jack and cheddar cheese sticks, halved

→ Topping

05 4 tablespoons butter, melted
06 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Coat a large baking sheet with non-stick spray and set aside.

Step 02

Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking up with a wooden spoon until fully browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat.

Step 03

Return skillet to stove. Add taco seasoning to beef and stir until evenly coated. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.

Step 04

Unroll pizza dough and flatten into a rectangle. Cut lengthwise in half, then divide into 10 equal rectangles.

Step 05

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of taco beef onto each dough rectangle. Place a halved cheese stick on top. Roll up dough around filling, pinching seams closed completely.

Step 06

Combine melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley. Brush mixture generously over tops of each filled dough stick.

Step 07

Arrange taco sticks on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 08

Serve warm, optionally garnished with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Notes

  1. Allow beef mixture to cool before filling dough to prevent sogginess.
  2. Pinch all seams closed to avoid filling leakage during baking.
  3. These can be frozen before baking; increase cooking time by 3-5 minutes if baking from frozen.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Baking sheet
  • Brush for applying butter mixture

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy and gluten