Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe | Easy Handheld Snack with Beef & Melty Cheese
These Cheesy Taco Sticks are the ultimate mashup of tacos and comfort food—perfect for parties, game day, or quick weeknight dinners. Seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and zesty taco flavors are wrapped in soft dough and baked until golden. Dip them in salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for a fun, handheld meal that’s kid-friendly and adult-approved. Ready in under 30 minutes and totally customizable!
Equipment
- Skillet
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
- Knife or pizza cutter
Ingredients
Core Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll sheets
- 2 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tsp dried parsley (optional)
Optional Add-ins:
- Diced jalapeños
- Black beans
- Corn
- Chopped onions
Dipping Sauces:
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Queso dip
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400–425°F (200–220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook meat: Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain fat, stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water. Simmer until thickened.
- Prepare dough: Roll out pizza dough and cut into 8 equal rectangles.
- Assemble sticks: Add a spoonful of meat and cheese to each rectangle. Fold over and seal edges tightly.
- Brush tops: Mix melted butter with garlic powder and parsley. Brush over each stick.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve warm with your favorite dips.
Notes
- Let dough sit at room temperature for easier handling.
- Cheese sticks (like string cheese) work great for structure and melt.
- Make mini versions for appetizers or kids’ portions.
- Freeze baked sticks individually for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in oven or air fryer for best texture—avoid microwaving.