If you’re craving something fun, comforting, and unbelievably easy, these Cheesy Taco Sticks are such a treat. They’re golden, melty, and perfect for game nights, quick dinners, or whenever you need a playful twist on taco night. Let me walk you through them you’re going to feel like a pro.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 can (8–10 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Optional: sliced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese for extra heat
Steps
- Cook the beef. Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then drain any extra fat. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, letting it simmer for a couple of minutes until thickened.
- Prep your dough. Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle. Don’t stress about perfection rustic is charming here.
- Fill and roll. Slice the dough into strips, spoon a little taco meat onto each, and sprinkle generously with cheese. Fold the dough over and pinch the edges closed.
- Bake to golden perfection. Place the sticks on a baking sheet and brush lightly with melted butter mixed with garlic powder.
- Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are beautifully golden and you see a little bubbling.
- Cool slightly. Give them 5 minutes to settle so the cheese doesn’t spill out too quickly they’re worth the wait.
Chef’s Tips
- Seal tightly. A firm pinch along the edges helps keep all that lovely cheese inside.
- Don’t overfill. A small spoonful of meat goes a long way and keeps the sticks from bursting.
- Storing: They reheat beautifully in an air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes crisp and melty again.
Variations
- Chicken lovers: Swap the beef for shredded rotisserie chicken tossed with taco seasoning.
- Veggie version: Use sautéed peppers, onions, and black beans with cheese.
- Extra cheesy: Add a small stick of mozzarella inside each roll for a surprise pull.