Description
Looking for a fun, easy, and delicious twist on taco night? These Cheesy Taco Sticks are everything you love about tacos—savory seasoned meat, melty cheese, and soft dough—all wrapped up into a hand-held snack or meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day appetizers, or kid-friendly lunches, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family.
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Ingredients
For the Taco Filling:
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1 lb ground beef or ground chicken
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
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¼ cup water
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Salt to taste
For the Assembly:
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1 can refrigerated pizza dough (or crescent dough sheet)
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1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend like Monterey Jack and cheddar)
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1 tbsp melted butter
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp dried parsley (optional, for garnish)
For Serving (Optional):
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Salsa
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Sour cream
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Guacamole
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Ranch dressing
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Taco Filling
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft.
Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add ground beef (or chicken) and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon.
Drain excess grease if needed.
Stir in taco seasoning and water, then simmer for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about ¼-inch thick.
Use a pizza cutter or knife to slice the dough into 6–8 equal rectangles.
Step 4: Assemble the Taco Sticks
Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the taco meat onto the center of each rectangle.
Top with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
Fold one side of the dough over the filling, then roll and pinch the edges to seal tightly.
Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Add Butter Topping
In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder and parsley.
Brush the tops of the taco sticks with the butter mixture for a golden, flavorful finish.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Seal the Edges – Make sure to pinch the seams tightly to keep the filling from leaking.
Don’t Overfill – Too much filling can cause the sticks to burst open during baking.
Use Pre-Shredded Cheese – It melts perfectly and saves time.
Switch It Up – Try ground turkey, seasoned black beans, or a meatless crumble for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American-Mexican Fusion