Cheesy Taco Sticks

If you’ve been searching for a weeknight dinner that’s both a crowd-pleaser and ridiculously easy to make, let me introduce you to Cheesy Taco Sticks—my latest obsession. These golden, handheld pockets of seasoned taco meat and melty cheese wrapped in soft dough are everything taco night dreams are made of, minus the mess. And let’s be real—anything that can be dipped in salsa or guac is already winning.

These taco sticks have been making repeat appearances in our house. I whipped them up once for a casual game night, and now they’re a regular part of our dinner rotation. My kids love that they can grab them and go, and I love that they take under 30 minutes to make from start to finish. They’re like taco rolls, pizza pockets, and cheesy sticks had a delicious little baby—and you’re going to want in on this magic.

Whether you’re planning a fun family dinner, prepping for a game day snack spread, or just want something warm and comforting without a ton of cleanup, these Cheesy Taco Sticks check all the boxes.

And don’t worry—this isn’t one of those recipes that looks good online but turns into a Pinterest fail. It’s simple, reliable, and totally customizable. So let’s dive into how to make them.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning

• 1/4 cup water

• 1 can refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

• 1 tablespoon melted butter

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

• Salt to taste

Optional for serving: salsa, sour cream, guacamole—or all three!

STEP 1: Cook the Taco Meat

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While that’s warming up, grab a large skillet and cook your ground beef over medium heat. You’ll want to brown it until it’s fully cooked, which usually takes about 6–8 minutes.

Once it’s nicely browned, drain off any excess grease—no one wants a soggy taco stick. Then stir in the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water. Let that simmer for a few minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. At this point, your kitchen is already going to smell amazing. Set the pan aside and let the meat cool just a bit so it’s easier to work with when you assemble the sticks.

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STEP 2: Prepare the Dough

Grab your refrigerated dough (either pizza dough or crescent roll dough both work great—whatever you have on hand). Unroll it onto a lightly floured surface or a cutting board. Depending on how big or small you want your taco sticks, cut the dough into rectangles or squares. I usually aim for 8 equal pieces to keep things simple.

STEP 3: Add the Filling

Take a spoonful of your cooled taco meat and place it in the center of each dough square. Be generous, but not so much that you can’t seal the dough—these guys need to be tightly packed without bursting in the oven.

Now it’s time for the best part: the cheese. Sprinkle a good handful of shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese on top of the meat. Don’t skimp—cheese is what makes these taco sticks irresistible.

STEP 4: Fold and Seal

Carefully fold each piece of dough over the filling to form a little pocket, pressing the edges tightly to seal them. You can pinch them with your fingers or use a fork for a decorative edge and extra seal. Place each taco stick seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Now that we’ve got our Cheesy Taco Sticks assembled and lined up on the baking sheet like little bundles of taco joy, it’s time to finish them off with the kind of buttery, golden crust that makes these irresistible. This part is super simple but adds that extra something that takes these from “good” to “where have these been all my life?”

Let’s keep going and get these cheesy taco pockets into the oven.

STEP 5: Add the Buttery Topping

In a small bowl, mix your melted butter with garlic powder, dried parsley, and a little pinch of salt. Then take a pastry brush and generously brush the tops of your taco sticks with the butter mixture. This does more than just make them look pretty—it gives them that savory, golden finish that tastes just like something you’d grab from your favorite restaurant.

You’ll notice the dough starts to soak up the butter quickly, so don’t be shy about brushing a little extra on any spots that look dry. The garlic and herbs give it just the right kick of flavor.

STEP 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Slide your baking sheet into the preheated 400°F oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them after the 10-minute mark—every oven is a little different. What you’re looking for is that perfect golden brown top and lightly crisp edges.

The cheese inside will be gooey and melted, and the dough will be puffed and cooked through. If any cheese sneaks out during baking, don’t stress—it just gets crispy and delicious right on the parchment. Those little cheesy bits are honestly some of the best parts.

Once they’re done, let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. They’re hot straight out of the oven, and the filling needs a moment to settle before you dive in.

Tips to Make Your Taco Sticks Even Better

Now that you’ve got the basic recipe down, let’s talk upgrades and pro tips. Because while these are amazing as-is, there’s always room to customize.

• Switch up the meat: Not a fan of ground beef? You can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken. Leftover shredded rotisserie chicken tossed with taco seasoning also works great.

• Add a spicy twist: Want more heat? Add diced jalapeños or green chiles to the filling. You can also use pepper jack cheese for a spicier version.

• Mix in veggies: Finely diced onions, bell peppers, or even black beans make a great addition. Just sauté any veggies first so they don’t release too much moisture inside the dough.

• Make them ahead of time: Assemble the sticks earlier in the day and keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. They also freeze well—just bake from frozen and add a few extra minutes to the cook time.

• Reheat like a pro: These reheat beautifully in the air fryer or oven. Just pop them in at 350°F for a few minutes to bring them back to life without making them soggy.

Dipping Sauce Ideas That Take These Over the Top

Okay, let’s talk dips. These taco sticks are perfect on their own, but if you’re serving them for a party or just want to make dinner extra fun, put out a few dipping options and let everyone customize their bites.

Here are a few of our favorites:

• Classic salsa – Can’t go wrong here. Chunky or smooth, mild or spicy—your choice.

• Guacamole – Creamy, cool, and balances the warm, cheesy center.

• Sour cream – Add a little lime juice or chopped cilantro for a quick upgrade.

• Queso dip – If you’re going all in on the cheese, this one’s a winner.

• Chipotle ranch – A little smoky, a little tangy, and seriously good with the buttery crust.