I am beyond excited to share this delightful Taco Sticks Recipe with you—a fun twist on classic tacos that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Imagine crispy, golden pockets of warm pizza dough hugging seasoned ground beef and gooey cheddar cheese, all brushed with a flavorful buttery herb topping. These Taco Sticks are incredibly easy to make but packed with irresistible textures and flavors that will likely turn into your new go-to snack or meal. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Taco Sticks Recipe starts with a handful of simple but essential ingredients that come together to create a vibrant harmony of tastes and textures. Each component adds something special—from the savory taco-seasoned beef to the melty cheddar cheese and the flaky pizza dough base, not forgetting the buttery herb glaze that finishes it all perfectly.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: This is the hearty protein base that soaks up all the delicious taco seasoning.
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (1 ounce packet): Adds authentic, bold flavors with a balanced blend of spices.
- 1 tube (13.8 ounces) pizza crust dough: Provides a soft, chewy outside that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- 5 mild cheddar cheese sticks (cut in half): Creamy and mild, these melt into a gooey center inside each taco stick.
- 4 tablespoons melted butter: Brushed on top to create a golden, flavorful crust.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle savory depth in the butter glaze.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a sweet and fragrant note that complements the beef.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Brings a fresh, herbaceous tint and pretty flecks on top.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Taco Sticks Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by heating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or spraying it lightly with nonstick spray. This warm-up phase is crucial because a hot oven will give your Taco Sticks that gorgeous golden crust.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet set on medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. After draining any excess fat, stir in the taco seasoning and mix well to coat every bit of meat with that vibrant, spicy goodness.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
Roll out the pizza dough flat on a clean surface. Cut it in half lengthwise, then cut each half into five rectangles to make ten pieces total — these will be your taco stick wrappers.
Step 4: Assemble the Taco Sticks
Place half a cheddar cheese stick in the center of each dough rectangle, then top each with an even portion of the seasoned beef. Fold the dough edges over carefully, sealing well by pinching the ends to prevent any delicious fillings from escaping while baking.
Step 5: Butter and Bake
Mix together melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley to create a flavorful glaze. Brush this mixture generously over the sealed taco sticks. Bake them for 12 to 15 minutes until they turn beautifully golden brown and irresistible.
How to Serve Taco Sticks Recipe
Garnishes
These Taco Sticks are fantastic on their own, but a dollop of sour cream, some fresh guacamole, or a scoop of tangy salsa adds that perfect final flourish. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice also brightens them up nicely.
Side Dishes
Pair your taco sticks with simple sides like a crisp garden salad, Mexican rice, or crunchy tortilla chips for a meal that’s both balanced and bursting with texture. Beans, either refried or black, also make a hearty sidekick to this flavorful snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Taco Sticks Recipe on a festive platter lined with colorful napkins, and provide small bowls of various dips for guests to customize each bite. You can even create mini taco stick skewers by threading a few taco sticks onto bamboo picks for an easy party appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover taco sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows you to enjoy the flavors without any sacrifice in taste or texture. When storing, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze unbaked taco sticks by arranging them on a baking sheet and freezing until firm before transferring to a freezer bag. This keeps them fresh for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To bring leftover Taco Sticks Recipe back to life, reheat in an oven or toaster oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes, which helps restore that crisp exterior without drying them out. Microwaving can cause sogginess, so it’s best to avoid it.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese for this Taco Sticks Recipe?
Absolutely! While mild cheddar works wonderfully due to its meltiness and flavor, you can experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for a different twist.
Is there a vegetarian option for the filling?
Yes, you can easily swap ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative or use seasoned beans and sautéed vegetables to keep the filling hearty and flavorful.
Can I make these taco sticks gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, try using gluten-free pizza dough available at many grocery stores or make your own from scratch. Just ensure the taco seasoning and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
What dipping sauces go best with Taco Sticks?
Salsa, guacamole, and sour cream are classics, but you can also try spicy ranch, chipotle mayo, or pico de gallo to complement the flavors beautifully.
How long do these Taco Sticks keep their freshness?
When stored properly in the fridge, taco sticks stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, but they are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven for that perfect crispy-cheesy bite.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a fun, crowd-pleasing twist to taco night or just want a comforting, cheesy snack that’s easy to whip up, this Taco Sticks Recipe is absolutely worth trying. It’s simple, flavorful, and sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. I can’t wait for you to enjoy these as much as I do—happy cooking!
PrintTaco Sticks Recipe
These Taco Sticks are a delicious and flavorful handheld snack featuring seasoned ground beef and melted cheddar cheese wrapped in crispy pizza dough. Perfect for a quick appetizer or party treat, they combine the savory taste of taco seasoning with the gooey goodness of cheese, baked to golden perfection and brushed with a garlic-herb butter for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 10 taco sticks (serves 10)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (1 ounce packet)
- 5 mild cheddar cheese sticks, cut in half
Dough and Topping
- 1 tube (13.8 ounces) pizza crust dough
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or spraying it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat for a leaner filling, then stir in the taco seasoning to evenly coat the meat mixture.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a clean surface. Cut the dough in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 5 equal rectangles to yield 10 pieces.
- Assemble Taco Sticks: Place half a cheddar cheese stick in the center of each dough rectangle. Then evenly distribute the seasoned ground beef over the cheese on each piece.
- Seal Edges: Fold the edges of each dough rectangle over the filling to enclose it completely. Pinch the ends to seal so the meat and cheese do not leak out during baking.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley. Mix well to create the flavorful brushing mixture.
- Brush Taco Sticks: Generously brush each sealed taco stick with the seasoned melted butter mixture to add flavor and help them brown beautifully.
- Bake: Place the prepared taco sticks on the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for an extra delicious touch.
Notes
- You can customize the filling by adding diced onions, bell peppers, or jalapeños to the ground beef for extra flavor and texture.
- Use mild or spicy cheddar cheese sticks depending on your heat preference.
- Leftover taco sticks can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best texture retention.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the pizza dough with a gluten-free dough alternative.
