Cheesy Taco Sticks
Baked dough sticks filled with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, brushed with garlic butter and served with dipping sauces.
Prep Time: 12 minutes
Bake Time: 12–15 minutes
Yield: 8 sticks
🧾 Ingredients
• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning (about 28 g / 1 oz)
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough or classic refrigerated dough (about 13.8 oz / 390 g)
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)
For topping:
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
For serving (optional):
• Salsa
• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Cheese dip
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Cook the Beef
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
Drain excess fat from the pan.
Add taco seasoning and water.
Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring, until the liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and allow the meat to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Dough
Unroll the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
Cut into 8 equal rectangles.
4. Fill the Dough
Place each rectangle flat on the work surface.
Add:
• A strip of shredded cheese down the center
• A spoonful of the beef mixture on top of the cheese
Do not overfill.
5. Seal the Sticks
Fold the long sides of the dough over the filling.
Pinch the seam tightly closed.
Pinch the ends shut and tuck them slightly underneath.
Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Add Butter Topping
In a small bowl, mix:
• Melted butter
• Garlic salt
• Dried parsley
Brush this mixture over the tops of each stick.
7. Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until:
• Dough is fully cooked
• Tops are golden
• Cheese inside is melted
8. Serve
Allow to cool for 3–5 minutes before serving.
Serve warm with dipping sauces if desired.
⭐ Helpful Tips
✔ Let beef cool before filling dough
✔ Do not overfill or the seams may open
✔ Always place seam-side down on the pan
✔ Use parchment paper for easy cleanup
✔ Bake with space between sticks for even cooking
🧊 Storage & Reheating
• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat in oven or air fryer at 175°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes
• Freezer storage: up to 1 month
• Reheat from frozen at 190°C (375°F) for 12–15 minutes