If you are searching for a fun, flavorful, and easy-to-make snack, look no further than these Mouthwatering Cheesy Taco Sticks – The Best Weeknight Treat Recipe. They bring together all the irresistible flavors of a taco in a convenient handheld form, wrapped in golden, buttery dough with gooey melted cheese inside. Whether you need a quick dinner, game day snack, or crowd-pleasing appetizer, these taco sticks deliver a perfect combination of savory beef, zesty seasoning, and rich cheese that’s absolutely addictive. Get ready to impress your family and friends with every bite of this delightfully cheesy creation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a vital role in making these taco sticks truly special. From the seasoned beef that packs the flavor punch to the soft yet crispy pizza dough enveloping a cheesy center, every component adds something delicious to the final dish.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty base that soaks up all the taco seasoning for bold flavor.
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning: Brings the perfect blend of spices to kick up the meat’s taste.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps simmer the taco meat to just the right juiciness without being soggy.
- 1 tube refrigerator pizza dough: Provides a soft, flaky exterior that crisps beautifully when baked.
- 8 sticks Colby-Jack cheese: Melting this cheesy goodness inside adds creamy texture and a mild yet tasty flavor.
- 2 tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps achieve a golden, glossy finish when brushed on top.
- 1 tsp garlic salt: Elevates the flavor profile with a little savory garlic punch and seasoning.
How to Make Mouthwatering Cheesy Taco Sticks – The Best Weeknight Treat Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Taco Meat
Begin by browning your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to break it up until fully cooked, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess grease to avoid a soggy final product. Add the taco seasoning along with water, stirring well to coat the beef evenly. Allow it to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld and the liquid reduces, giving you a perfectly seasoned, juicy filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
While the meat cools slightly, roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Aim for an even thickness of roughly a quarter-inch to ensure even cooking. Then cut the dough longitudinally in half, followed by three crosswise cuts to create eight equal rectangles, which will form the perfect size for individual taco sticks.
Step 3: Assemble the Sticks
On each rectangle, spoon a good portion of your cooked taco meat, ensuring every bite will be full of that delicious filling. Lay one Colby-Jack cheese stick on top of the meat for a surprise cheesy center that melts beautifully in the oven.
Step 4: Roll and Seal
Roll each dough rectangle tightly around the meat and cheese stick, sealing the seams at the top and ends to keep everything enclosed. Place the rolls seam-side down on a baking sheet to prevent them from unrolling during baking, ensuring a neat, tidy presentation once cooked.
Step 5: Add Butter and Garlic
Mix melted butter with garlic salt in a small bowl, then brush this aromatic blend generously over the taco sticks. This step infuses extra flavor and gives the dough a golden sheen that will make these sticks irresistible even before the first bite.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the taco sticks for about 10 to 12 minutes or until the dough turns a delightful golden brown and feels cooked through. The aroma during baking will be enough to make your mouth water in anticipation.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, carefully remove the sticks from the oven using a metal spatula. Let them cool slightly so the cheese sets but is still wonderfully melty. Cutting them in half speeds cooling and makes them perfect for dipping in salsa, sour cream, or your favorite guacamole.
How to Serve Mouthwatering Cheesy Taco Sticks – The Best Weeknight Treat Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or diced green onions over your taco sticks. These simple garnishes add a pop of color and brightness that balances the richness perfectly. You can also provide small bowls of salsa, sour cream, or guacamole alongside to really enhance each bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these taco sticks with a crisp side salad, black beans, or Mexican street corn for a complete meal. The combination keeps things fresh and light while complementing the bold, savory flavors of the cheesy taco sticks.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your taco sticks into a festive platter by arranging them upright in a decorative serving bowl with dipping sauces nestled around. Or, skewer them on sticks for a fun party appetizer. They can also be sliced into smaller bite-sized pieces for easy sharing at gatherings. No matter how you present them, they’re guaranteed to disappear quickly!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store your taco sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They maintain their flavor well, but the dough is best enjoyed freshly baked or reheated properly to regain crispness.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each taco stick tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your taco sticks in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes to restore the dough’s crispy texture and warm the cheese inside without drying them out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the dough soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Colby-Jack melts wonderfully and offers a mild flavor, you can experiment with cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a little heat. Just choose a cheese that melts well to keep your taco sticks gooey inside.
Is it okay to use homemade pizza dough?
Yes! Homemade dough can work beautifully and let you control ingredients, but make sure it’s rolled out to about 1/4 inch thick so the sticks cook evenly and don’t become doughy or tough.
Can these be made vegetarian?
For sure! Swap out the ground beef for seasoned cooked lentils, black beans, or your favorite meat substitute to keep that hearty filling but make it meat-free. The flavor will still be delicious and satisfying.
How spicy are these taco sticks?
The spice level depends on your taco seasoning. Typically, it’s mildly spiced, but feel free to increase the heat with extra chili powder or add jalapeños inside if you love a kick.
What’s the best dipping sauce for these taco sticks?
Classic choices like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream complement the cheesy, savory sticks perfectly. You can also try chipotle mayo or a creamy ranch dip for a luxurious twist.
Final Thoughts
These Mouthwatering Cheesy Taco Sticks – The Best Weeknight Treat Recipe have quickly become one of my absolute go-to snacks for any occasion. They are simple to prepare, loaded with flavor, and delightfully fun to eat. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, entertaining friends, or just craving a cheesy taco fix, I promise this recipe will not disappoint. Give it a try and soon it might just become your own favorite weeknight treat too!
Print
Mouthwatering Cheesy Taco Sticks – The Best Weeknight Treat Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 taco sticks
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
These Mouthwatering Cheesy Taco Sticks are the perfect weeknight treat combining seasoned ground beef, melty Colby-Jack cheese, and flaky pizza dough. Easy to make and packed with savory flavors, they’re ideal for a quick dinner or snack that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
Dough & Cheese
- 1 tube refrigerator pizza dough
- 8 sticks Colby-Jack cheese
Topping
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic salt
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease, then add taco seasoning and water. Stir and simmer until the liquid reduces and the seasoning coats the beef, about 2-3 minutes.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. Cut the dough longitudinally in half, then cut crosswise into 8 equal rectangles.
- Add Filling: Evenly spoon cooled taco meat on each dough rectangle. Place one Colby-Jack cheese stick on top of the meat for a cheesy center.
- Roll and Seal: Roll the dough around the meat and cheese, sealing the seams on the top and ends to fully encase the filling. Place each roll seam-side down on a baking sheet to keep them sealed while baking.
- Brush with Butter Mixture: Combine melted butter and garlic salt in a small bowl. Brush this mixture evenly over the dough-wrapped taco sticks to add flavor and give a golden sheen.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake taco sticks for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and dough is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and loosen sticks gently with a spatula. Let cool slightly, optionally cut in half to speed cooling and aid dipping. Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Notes
- Ensure taco meat is cooled slightly before adding to dough to prevent dough from becoming soggy.
- Sealing the dough seams properly helps prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
- Use a light dusting of flour when rolling out dough to avoid sticking.
- These taco sticks can be made ahead and reheated in a warm oven to maintain crispiness.
- For a spicy kick, add some chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
