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When I've got a chaotic weeknight or a last minute crowd to feed, I whip up taco sticks. They're cheesy, cozy, and way less trouble than messing around with tortillas. All you do is wrap tasty beef and plenty of cheese in soft pizza dough. It’s basically the perfect grab-and-go snack and it never lasts long at my house.
First birthday I made these, nobody stopped at just one and everyone asked me how to make them. Now, anytime there’s a game, these cheesy snacks are always the first thing folks grab—sometimes even before I set the tray down.
Irresistible Ingredients
- Dried parsley: Little green flecks give some brightness and bring color
- Colby Jack cheese sticks: Make for a super melty middle—Colby Jack tastes amazing but use mozzarella if that’s what you’ve got
- Pillsbury pizza dough: Makes life way easier, just keep it cold until you need it so it rolls out nicely
- Lean ground beef: Adds all the flavor and heartiness—go for 90 percent lean so your filling is tasty but not oily
- Minced garlic: Lifts up the whole filling—fresh or jarred work fine
- Taco seasoning: Your shortcut to all those taco flavors—any brand will do, just watch for how salty it is
- Unsalted butter: For a shiny, golden outside that packs flavor—pick the best butter you can
- Garlic powder: Gives a little extra flavor boost in that buttery crust
Simple Step-by-Step
- Bake Until Golden:
- Slide your trays into that hot oven and cook for about twelve to fourteen minutes. Sticks should look puffed up and just barely golden at the top.
- Butter and Season:
- Warm your butter till fully melted, stir in the dried parsley and garlic powder, then use a brush to slather every stick with this mix. Don’t miss a spot!
- Seal the Taco Sticks:
- Pull up the sides of each dough square, pinch firmly so nothing leaks out. Flip them seam down on the tray to keep their shape nice and fluffy.
- Fill with Meat and Cheese:
- Drop about three tablespoons of your beef in the middle of each dough portion. Cut your cheese stick in half and put both pieces right on top.
- Shape the Dough:
- Take the cold pizza dough and gently unroll it onto your parchment. Pat or stretch it to a rectangle. Chop it into twelve even squares so they’ll all cook right.
- Season the Filling:
- Toss in the taco seasoning and minced garlic, add the water your seasoning calls for, then turn the heat up and cook about two to three minutes, stirring, until it thickens up. Take it off the burner once it’s looking saucy.
- Brown the Beef:
- Crumble the beef all over a hot pan and cook it five to seven minutes. Once it’s all brown, drain off the fat so your filling doesn’t get soggy.
- Prep the Oven and Pans:
- Fire up the oven to 425 so it’s ready. Throw parchment on your two baking sheets to keep things from sticking and make cleaning easy.
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The gooey cheesy center totally wins at my house. I say the more cheese the better, and Colby Jack just works magic in there. One time, I let my kids stuff the dough themselves and now it’s their favorite part—they always want to help make these bubbly, cheesy bundles.
Storage Advice
If you’ve got leftovers, tuck them into a zip bag or airtight box for the fridge. Warm them up in a toaster oven for the best crispy edges (skip the microwave if you like a crisp crust). To freeze, bake them all the way, chill, wrap tight, and they’re good for a couple months. Put them back in a hot oven straight from the freezer and they taste like new.
Swap Outs
Ground chicken or turkey swaps in great if beef isn’t your thing. Out of Colby Jack? Use cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice. Craving heat? Mix in some crushed red pepper or try a spicy taco blend in the meat filling.
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Serving Ideas
They’re game day rockstars, but honestly, we eat them for quick dinners, too. Dip in salsa, sour cream, or guac for extra fun. Add Mexican rice or a side salad if you’re feeling fancy. My kids beg for ranch or queso as a dip every single time.
Fun Cultural Notes
This is a playful mashup of classic Tex Mex with a shortcut twist—think pizza dough or biscuits instead of shells. These hand-held snacks are totally a potluck favorite because you don’t need forks or plates. Just grab and share.
Recipe FAQs
- → What stops taco sticks from opening while baking?
Press the edges nicely and make sure the seam is on the bottom when placing them on the tray.
- → Can I switch up the cheese used?
Sure! Try cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack if you want something with a kick.
- → What dips go nicely with taco sticks?
Give salsa, guacamole, or sour cream a try—they all pair deliciously!
- → Can I prep taco sticks in advance?
Yes! Throw them together, chill them for a few hours, and bake when you're ready.
- → Could I replace beef with ground turkey?
Totally! Ground turkey works well and makes a lighter option without losing flavor.