Name: Cheesy Taco Sticks
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef.; 1 packet taco seasoning.; 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough.; 5 colby jack cheese sticks, halved.; ¼ cup melted butter.; 1 teaspoon garlic powder.; 1 teaspoon dried parsley.

A hand lifts a cheesy, stuffed rolled tortilla, revealing melted cheese and a plate of similar rolls, accompanied by a small bowl of sauce. | recipesbyclare.com

Let me share my family's favorite twist on taco night these incredible Cheesy Taco Sticks. I created these one evening when I wanted something different from regular tacos and wow did they become an instant hit. The combination of seasoned meat melty cheese and soft bread is absolutely irresistible.

What Makes These So Special

These aren't your ordinary breadsticks they're loaded with all our favorite taco flavors. What I love most is how easy they are to make even on busy weeknights. My kids actually cheer when they see me pulling out the ingredients for these.

Everything You Need

Ground Beef: I use lean but not too lean we want some flavor.
Taco Seasoning: My homemade blend is amazing but store-bought works great too.
Pizza Dough: Such a time-saver.
Cheese Sticks: They melt perfectly every time.
Butter: For that golden delicious crust.
Seasonings: Just a few extras to make everything pop.

Getting Started

Let's begin with our taco meat. I brown the beef until it's perfectly cooked then add my seasoning mix. Here's a little trick let it cool slightly before assembling your sticks it makes them much easier to handle and prevents the dough from getting too warm.

Time To Build

This is where the fun begins. I roll out my pizza dough and cut it into nice rectangles. Each one gets a scoop of that flavorful meat and half a cheese stick. The key is sealing them really well think of it like wrapping tiny presents.

A plate of four cheesy bread sticks, topped with melted cheese and herbs, served with a small bowl of marinara sauce. | recipesbyclare.com

Into The Oven

While your oven heats to 375°F brush each stick with that garlic butter mixture. This is what gives them that gorgeous golden color and adds an extra layer of flavor. The aroma when these are baking is absolutely incredible.

Dips and Sides

We love setting up a little dipping station with all our favorite taco toppings. Salsa guacamole sour cream everything's fair game. My kids get creative making their own combinations.

Mix It Up

Don't be afraid to experiment. Sometimes I'll use pepper jack cheese for extra kick or add some corn and black beans to the filling. These are so versatile you really can't go wrong.

Saving For Later

These keep beautifully in an airtight container. I actually think they're almost better the next day heated up in the air fryer they get extra crispy.

Warming Them Up

Quick tip when reheating wrap them loosely in foil if using the oven. This keeps them from drying out while getting nice and hot throughout.

A hand is lifting a cheesy, meat-filled roll from a plate, with several similar rolls and dipping sauces in the background. | recipesbyclare.com

Kids In The Kitchen

My little ones love helping make these. They're perfect for tiny hands to assemble and it's a great way to get kids excited about cooking. Just supervise the sealing part.

Party Perfect

These have become my go-to party food. I make them slightly smaller for appetizer portions and they disappear every time. Plus they're easy to make ahead and heat just before serving.

Budget Friendly

One of the best things about this recipe is how affordable it is. You can often catch ground beef on sale and one batch makes plenty for a family dinner plus leftovers.

Spice It Up

For those who like it hot try adding some diced jalapeños to the meat mixture. Or serve with hot sauce on the side so everyone can customize their heat level.

Sauce Magic

I love creating special dipping sauces. My current favorite is a mix of ranch and taco sauce but a cilantro lime crema is amazing too.

A plate of golden-brown, cheese-stuffed breadsticks garnished with herbs, accompanied by a small bowl of marinara sauce. | recipesbyclare.com

Freeze For Later

These freeze beautifully. I make a double batch and freeze half before baking. They're perfect for busy nights just pop them in the oven straight from frozen.

Extra Filling Ideas

Leftover taco meat? Use it for nachos or quesadillas later in the week. I love recipes that can do double duty.

Meatless Option

We sometimes make these vegetarian using seasoned black beans instead of beef. They're just as delicious and perfect for meatless Monday.

Tortilla Crunch

Want some extra texture? Try adding crushed tortilla chips inside before sealing. It adds this amazing crunch that everyone loves.

Family Favorite

These Cheesy Taco Sticks have become such a staple in our house. They're more than just a meal they're part of our family traditions now. Give them a try and I bet they'll become a favorite in your house too.

A white platter holds several cheesy, golden-brown burritos garnished with herbs, accompanied by a small bowl of salsa. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these ahead of time?: You can prepare the taco meat ahead and store it in the fridge. Assemble and bake the sticks just before serving for the best texture and melty cheese.
→ What can I serve with these taco sticks?: These are great with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite taco dips. You can also serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
→ Can I use different cheese?: Yes, you can substitute the colby jack with other melting cheeses like cheddar, monterey jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
→ How do I store leftovers?: Store any leftover taco sticks in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to maintain crispiness.
→ Can I make these with ground turkey?: Yes, ground turkey works well as a lighter alternative to beef. Just make sure to season it well with the taco seasoning.

Cheesy Taco Sticks