Taco Sticks with Cheese

Category: Food That Makes People Think You've Got Life Figured Out

Taco Sticks bring together savory ground beef, zesty taco seasoning, and gooey Colby Jack cheese, all wrapped inside fluffy pizza dough and baked to golden perfection. Each stick features a crispy exterior with a soft, cheesy center, creating a satisfying snack or casual dinner option. After baking, melted butter, garlic, and dried parsley add an aromatic finish. Simple to prepare with minimal ingredients and quick baking time, these flavorful sticks are perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or whenever you crave a handheld cheesy treat. Serve with salsa or guacamole for a complete Tex-Mex delight.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Sat, 02 Aug 2025 13:53:22 GMT
A plate of taco sticks with meat and cheese. Save
A plate of taco sticks with meat and cheese. | lilicooks.com

Taco sticks are my answer to hectic weeknights or last minute gatherings when everyone wants something comforting and cheesy but I do not want to fuss with tortillas. Wrapping savory, well seasoned beef and gooey cheese in puffy pizza dough makes the ultimate hand-held treat that disappears in minutes.

The first time I served these at a birthday party my friends begged for the recipe and now it is one of my most requested appetizers for game day. It is always fun watching kids and adults grab a second one before the tray is even empty.

Ingredients

  • Lean ground beef: The base of the filling for rich meaty taste Go for 90 percent lean so your filling stays flavorful but not greasy
  • Minced garlic: Adds aromatic depth and enhances the beef Fresh or preminced both work
  • Taco seasoning: Brings all the classic taco flavors together Choose your favorite brand and watch label for salt level
  • Pillsbury pizza dough: Makes the prep effortless and yields pillowy sticks Keep it chilled till ready to roll so it stays easy to handle
  • Colby Jack cheese sticks: The gooey cheesy filling melts perfectly Colby Jack gives bold flavor but mozzarella works in a pinch
  • Unsalted butter: Creates a golden finish and helps season the crust Choose good quality for best flavor
  • Garlic powder: For boosting the savory notes in that buttery topping
  • Dried parsley: Gives a little herby freshness and color

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Oven and Pans:
Before starting anything preheat your oven to 425 degrees to ensure even baking throughout Place parchment paper on two baking sheets to prevent sticking and aid cleanup
Brown the Beef:
In a frying pan over medium high heat crumble and cook ground beef for about five to seven minutes until there is no raw pink left Drain off all excess fat to keep the filling from getting soggy
Season the Filling:
With the beef still in the pan add the minced garlic and your full packet of taco seasoning Pour in the amount of water called for on your seasoning package so the flavors blend nicely Turn the heat up to high and cook for about two to three minutes stirring until most of the water evaporates After it looks saucy and thick take off the heat
Shape the Dough:
Remove your pizza dough from the fridge and place it right on your parchment lined sheet Unroll and stretch or pat it into a rectangle about twelve by eight inches Use your hands if needed for straight edges Cut this rectangle into twelve even squares about four by four inches each
Fill with Meat and Cheese:
Spoon a generous amount about three tablespoons of the beef mixture right into the center of each dough piece Then slice a cheese stick in half and place both halves side by side on top of the beef
Seal the Taco Sticks:
Carefully lift up the dough edges over the filling and pinch tightly to seal both the sides and ends together Tuck in the ends to keep everything secure Flip each stick over so the seam is facedown on the baking sheet This helps keep them puffy rather than flat
Butter and Season:
Melt your butter until just liquid then stir in garlic powder and dried parsley Using a pastry brush dab the mixture generously over each exposed dough stick You want every inch shiny and flavorful
Bake Until Golden:
Place your trays in the hot oven Bake for twelve to fourteen minutes until the tops of the taco sticks are nicely puffed and lightly golden brown
A plate of taco sticks with cheese and meat. Save
A plate of taco sticks with cheese and meat. | lilicooks.com

My favorite part is definitely the melty center You can never have too much cheese in my house and Colby Jack makes these irresistible I once let my kids stuff them themselves and now it is their favorite kitchen job they love making gooey cheesy surprises

Storage Tips

Leftover taco sticks save well in the fridge just seal them in a zip top bag or airtight container They taste great reheated in a toaster oven which revives the crisp crust better than a microwave If you want to freeze them bake fully then cool and wrap tightly They will keep for up to two months Flash bake again right from the freezer for a perfect snack

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to switch out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option If Colby Jack is not on hand mozzarella cheddar or pepper jack all melt beautifully Want it spicy Add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the meat or use hot taco seasoning blend

A plate of taco sticks with cheese and meat. Save
A plate of taco sticks with cheese and meat. | lilicooks.com

Serving Suggestions

These taco sticks are perfect game day snacks but they also make a fun weeknight dinner Serve with salsa guacamole or sour cream for dipping A simple side salad or Mexican style rice completes the meal If you love a dipping sauce queso or ranch are a huge hit with kids

Cultural and Historical Notes

This recipe is a playful spin on classic Tex Mex tacos blending the convenience of American ingredients like biscuit or pizza dough with beloved taco flavors The evolution of handheld snacks like these comes straight from potluck culture where the goal is always fuss free sharing

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you keep taco sticks from falling apart during baking?

Seal the edges firmly and place seam side down on the baking sheet to maintain shape while baking.

→ Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack can be great alternatives to Colby Jack for varied flavor.

→ What sauces pair well with taco sticks?

Salsa, guacamole, or sour cream are delicious for dipping and add extra Tex-Mex flavor.

→ Is it possible to make taco sticks ahead of time?

You can assemble them a few hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake for fresh results.

→ Can ground turkey be substituted for beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey can be used for a leaner option while still keeping great flavor.

Taco Sticks with Cheese

Seasoned beef and cheese inside pizza dough make these deliciously soft, golden taco sticks perfect for sharing.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
15 min
Overall Time
30 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Party & Snacks

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: Tex-Mex

Output: 12 Serves (12 taco sticks)

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Taco Filling

01 1 pound lean ground beef
02 1 teaspoon minced garlic
03 1 package taco seasoning plus water as per package instructions

→ Dough and Assembly

04 2 cans Pillsbury Pizza Dough
05 12 Colby Jack cheese sticks
06 ¼ cup unsalted butter
07 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Steps

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 02

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 03

Keep the tubes of pizza dough refrigerated until ready to use.

Step 04

Cook ground beef on medium-high heat in a frying pan for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.

Step 05

Add minced garlic, taco seasoning, and water as per package instructions to the pan. Cook on high heat for 2-3 minutes until the water has evaporated. Remove from heat.

Step 06

Unroll pizza dough onto the parchment paper and shape into a 12x8-inch rectangle. Cut each tube of dough into six 4x4-inch rectangles, yielding 12 pieces in total.

Step 07

Scoop approximately 3 tablespoons of the meat mixture into the center of each dough rectangle. Cut each cheese stick in half and place one half on top of the meat.

Step 08

Bring up the sides of the dough and pinch them together, pinching the ends and folding them up into the same side as the center seam. Ensure the dough isn’t stretched too thin.

Step 09

Melt butter in a microwave-safe container, then mix in garlic powder and dried parsley. Use a pastry brush or spoon to coat each taco stick with the butter mixture.

Step 10

Place the taco sticks seam-side down onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the oven for 12-14 minutes or until the tops are lightly browned.

Tips

  1. Ensure that pizza dough remains cold until assembly to facilitate handling.

Required Tools

  • Frying pan
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Microwave-safe container
  • Pastry brush or spoon

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy from cheese and butter.
  • Contains gluten from pizza dough.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 333
  • Fats: ~
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Proteins: ~