Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos. These savory, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned taco-filled breadsticks are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Filled with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and a hint of taco spice, these cheesy taco sticks are perfect for an appetizer, game day snack, or even a casual dinner. It’s a crowd-pleasing treat that’s simple to make and sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love these cheesy taco sticks because they combine two favorite foods—tacos and cheese—into one irresistible dish. The soft dough wrapped around seasoned ground beef and melted cheese makes each bite a delightful combination of savory, cheesy goodness. The taco seasoning adds just the right amount of spice, while the cheese provides a satisfying meltiness. These sticks are fun to dip into salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, making them the perfect finger food for parties or casual meals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Dough:
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade dough)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Serving (optional):
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning and water to the beef, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
- Remove the beef mixture from the heat and stir in the diced onion and shredded cheeses. Set aside.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to form a rectangle, about 12×8 inches.
- Spread the beef and cheese mixture evenly over half of the dough.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a pocket. Press the edges to seal tightly.
- Cut the filled dough into strips, about 1-inch wide.
- Brush each taco stick with olive oil and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Total time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
- For a spicier version, add some diced jalapeños to the beef filling or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the taco sticks before baking.
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
- Add other taco fillings like diced tomatoes, black olives, or bell peppers to the mixture for extra flavor.
- Swap the mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a Mexican cheese blend for more variety.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftover taco sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, though they may lose some of their crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of dough for this recipe?
Yes, you can use puff pastry, crescent roll dough, or homemade pizza dough if you prefer.
2. Can I make these taco sticks ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the taco sticks up to the point of baking. Simply store the unbaked sticks in the refrigerator for up to a day and bake them when ready to serve.
3. Can I freeze these taco sticks?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked taco sticks for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place them directly from the freezer into a preheated oven and bake for a few extra minutes.
4. How can I make these taco sticks vegetarian?
Replace the ground beef with seasoned black beans, lentils, or tofu for a vegetarian version.
5. Can I use store-bought taco meat?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought taco meat or seasoned ground beef from a local deli.
6. Can I make these taco sticks spicy?
Yes, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture for an extra kick of heat.
7. Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out cheddar and mozzarella for your favorite cheese, like pepper jack or gouda.
8. How can I serve these taco sticks?
Serve these taco sticks with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for dipping, or alongside a fresh salad.
9. How do I know when they are done?
The taco sticks are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, about 15-20 minutes of baking.
10. Can I add extra toppings to the taco filling?
Yes, feel free to add extra toppings like black olives, green onions, or diced tomatoes to the beef mixture for added flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Cheesy Taco Sticks are the perfect fusion of tacos and cheesy breadsticks, making them an irresistible snack or meal. With seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and crispy dough, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re looking for a fun appetizer, a game day snack, or a quick dinner, these cheesy taco sticks are easy to make and bursting with flavor. Plus, they’re great for dipping in salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, making them the ultimate crowd-pleaser!
Print
Cheesy Taco Sticks
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Course
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican, American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun and tasty twist on traditional tacos, combining seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and crispy dough for a delicious handheld treat. Perfect for game day snacks, appetizers, or casual dinners, these cheesy taco-filled breadsticks are a hit with the whole family. Dip them in salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for an irresistible snack that’s sure to please everyone.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Dough:
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade dough)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Serving (optional):
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning and water to the beef, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in the diced onion and shredded cheeses. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to form a rectangle, about 12×8 inches.
- Spread the beef and cheese mixture evenly over half of the dough.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a pocket and press the edges to seal tightly.
- Cut the filled dough into strips about 1-inch wide.
- Brush each taco stick with olive oil and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole for dipping.
Notes
- For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture before baking.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of these taco sticks.
- For a different flavor, use a Mexican cheese blend instead of cheddar and mozzarella.
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