These Cheesy Taco Sticks offer a delightful fusion of flavors perfect for taco enthusiasts. Seasoned ground beef and melted cheddar are wrapped in soft pizza dough, then brushed with fragrant garlic butter. Each bite delivers a savory, satisfying combination of textures and tastes, making them a fun and innovative twist on classic taco night.
I really love making these Cheesy Taco Sticks because they bring together the heartiness of beef recipes and the genuine flavors of Mexican dishes in a way that feels both fun and filling. I start out by browning 1 lb ground beef with a packet of taco seasoning and a little water, which makes sure the meat stays juicy and flavorful.
Then I roll out a package of refrigerated pizza dough, so the dish gets a nice doughy shell that’s brushed with garlic butter made from 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 minced garlic cloves. I add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top so each bite gives you a gooey, melty experience.
This recipe is an interesting mix of nutritional benefits with protein from the beef and calcium from the cheese, all while still being a satisfyingly indulgent treat. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a satisfying appetizer snack.
Why I Like this Recipe
I really love this recipe because it makes me feel like a chef even though its super simple. I mean, rolling out the pizza dough and cutting it into taco sticks makes me appreciate the process, even if i mess up sometimes.
I also like how the seasoned ground beef mixed with all that cheddar cheese creates a flavor combo that reminds me of my favorite taco nights. The garlic butter brushing on top adds even more flavor and gives everything a delicious twist.
Another thing is that this recipe is really versatile. I can have it as a snack or even a meal when I’m craving something fun and comforting. I can also serve it with salsa and sour cream for extra kick, which is awesome.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Provides protein, essential iron, and healthy fat for hearty flavor.
- Taco seasoning: Adds zesty spice and boosts the savory taste of the meat.
- Pizza dough: Supplies carbs for structure and balance with a soft, pillowy texture.
- Cheddar cheese: Melds into a creamy, savory layer that enriches every bite.
- Unsalted butter: Offers golden crispiness and a smooth, rich flavor when brushed on.
- Garlic: Delivers a tangy, aromatic burst that deepens the dish taste.
- Salsa and sour cream: Bring freshness and creaminess to balance the spice.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2-3 tbsp water
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Optional: salsa and sour cream for serving
How to Make this
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a pan over medium-high heat, cook 1 lb ground beef until its browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
3. Drain any excess grease then sprinkle in the taco seasoning packet with 2-3 tbsp water, stir and let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
4. While the beef cooks, unroll the refrigerated pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and press it into a rough rectangle.
5. Spread your seasoned ground beef evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese across the top.
6. Roll the dough up like a jelly roll, trying to keep the beef and cheese inside.
7. Cut the roll into 1-inch thick sticks and arrange them on a baking sheet.
8. Mix together 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter with 2 minced garlic cloves.
9. Brush the garlic butter over the cut sides of the sticks.
10. Bake in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until golden and serve warm with salsa and sour cream if you like.
Equipment Needed
1. Oven – preheat it to 375°F
2. Large skillet – for browning the ground beef
3. Spatula – to stir and break up the meat
4. Mixing bowl – to mix the melted butter with the minced garlic
5. Rolling pin – or use your hands to unroll the refrigerated dough on a lightly floured surface
6. Baking sheet – to arrange the cut dough sticks
7. Knife – for cutting the roll into 1-inch thick pieces (use a cutting board if needed)
8. Pastry brush – to brush the garlic butter over the dough sticks
9. Measuring spoons – to accurately measure water, butter, and any spices
FAQ
Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- You can use ground turkey or even chicken instead of the beef if you want a leaner option.
- Instead of the taco seasoning packet, try mixing your own with chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and a pinch of salt.
- If you dont have refrigerated pizza dough, puff pastry can work in a pinch for a flaky texture.
- Swap the cheddar cheese with Monterey jack or a blend of cheddar and pepper jack for a different flavor twist.
Pro Tips
Pro Tip 1: Make sure you really brown the beef well and let it simmer with the taco seasoning long enough to let all the flavors meld. It really makes a difference in taste even if it takes an extra minute.
Pro Tip 2: Be extra careful when rolling out the dough. If the dough is too sticky or soft, lightly flour your surface and hands. This helps to prevent tears and keeps your roll-ups nice and neat.
Pro Tip 3: When brushing on the garlic butter, do it right after cutting your roll-ups so that the butter really soaks in the exposed dough. If you’re extra hungry for flavor, you can brush another small layer midway through baking.
Pro Tip 4: If you can wait a few minutes after baking, let the roll-ups cool just a bit on the pan. They firm up a little and it’s easier to grab without burning your fingers.
Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe
These Cheesy Taco Sticks offer a delightful fusion of flavors perfect for taco enthusiasts. Seasoned ground beef and melted cheddar are wrapped in soft pizza dough, then brushed with fragrant garlic butter. Each bite delivers a savory, satisfying combination of textures and tastes, making them a fun and innovative twist on classic taco night.
8
servings
400
kcal
Equipment: 1. Oven – preheat it to 375°F
2. Large skillet – for browning the ground beef
3. Spatula – to stir and break up the meat
4. Mixing bowl – to mix the melted butter with the minced garlic
5. Rolling pin – or use your hands to unroll the refrigerated dough on a lightly floured surface
6. Baking sheet – to arrange the cut dough sticks
7. Knife – for cutting the roll into 1-inch thick pieces (use a cutting board if needed)
8. Pastry brush – to brush the garlic butter over the dough sticks
9. Measuring spoons – to accurately measure water, butter, and any spices
Ingredients
-
1 lb ground beef
-
1 packet taco seasoning
-
2-3 tbsp water
-
1 package refrigerated pizza dough
-
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
-
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
-
2 garlic cloves, minced
-
Optional: salsa and sour cream for serving
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a pan over medium-high heat, cook 1 lb ground beef until its browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Drain any excess grease then sprinkle in the taco seasoning packet with 2-3 tbsp water, stir and let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
- While the beef cooks, unroll the refrigerated pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and press it into a rough rectangle.
- Spread your seasoned ground beef evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese across the top.
- Roll the dough up like a jelly roll, trying to keep the beef and cheese inside.
- Cut the roll into 1-inch thick sticks and arrange them on a baking sheet.
- Mix together 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter with 2 minced garlic cloves.
- Brush the garlic butter over the cut sides of the sticks.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until golden and serve warm with salsa and sour cream if you like.
Notes
- Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 200g
- Total number of serves: 8
- Calories: 400kcal
- Fat: 25.4g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Polyunsaturated: 3g
- Monounsaturated: 10g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 550mg
- Potassium: 550mg
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Vitamin A: 300IU
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Calcium: 100mg
- Iron: 3mg
