Cheesy Taco Sticks are everything I crave when I want the comfort of tacos and the fun of stuffed breadsticks—all rolled into one golden, melty, handheld snack. With a seasoned beef filling, gooey cheese center, and a crispy breadstick shell, these are perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or when I just want something indulgent without a ton of work.

I love how easy these are to make using refrigerated pizza dough, and how versatile they can be with whatever taco toppings or fillings I have on hand. In just 20 minutes, I get a warm, satisfying snack (or dinner!) that disappears fast from the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: I can have these cheesy taco sticks on the table in just about 20 minutes.
Kid-Approved: Melty cheese and taco flavors wrapped in golden dough? It’s an instant hit.
No Forks Required: Perfect grab-and-go food for lunch boxes, parties, or snacks.
Highly Customizable: I’ve added jalapeños, olives, or even beans when I want to mix things up.
Minimal Cleanup: One skillet and a baking sheet is all I usually need.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or turkey)
1 packet taco seasoning
⅓ cup water
1 can refrigerated pizza dough
2 cups shredded mozzarella or Mexican blend cheese
2 tablespoons melted butter
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
Salsa or sour cream, for dipping

Directions

Cook the Meat
I brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it’s fully cooked. I drain any excess fat and stir in the taco seasoning with ⅓ cup water. I let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened, then remove from heat to cool slightly.
Prepare the Dough
I roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 10–12 equal rectangles.
Assemble the Taco Sticks
I spoon a small amount of the taco meat onto one half of each rectangle, leaving space around the edges. Then I add a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese on top.
Seal and Roll
I fold the dough over the filling, pressing the edges to seal. I sometimes use a fork to crimp the edges for a tighter seal and a nice look.
Bake
I place the taco sticks seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. I brush them with melted butter and sprinkle garlic powder and oregano on top. Then I bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve
I let them cool for a minute before serving. I usually pair them with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 10–12 taco sticks
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 20–22 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: I add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat filling.
Vegetarian Version: I replace the meat with refried beans or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
Double Cheese: I mix cream cheese into the taco meat for extra creaminess.
Loaded Taco Sticks: I toss in black beans, corn, or chopped olives before sealing.

Storage/Reheating

To Store: I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To Reheat: I warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes, or until heated through. The air fryer also works great to bring back the crispiness.
Freezing: I freeze unbaked taco sticks and bake them straight from frozen, adding an extra 4–5 minutes to the bake time.

FAQs

Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?

Yes, I’ve used crescent roll dough for a flakier crust. Just make sure to press the seams together before filling.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. I assemble them earlier in the day, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.

What cheese works best?

I use mozzarella for its melt factor, but cheddar or a taco blend is just as delicious.

Can I use leftover taco meat?

Yes, these are perfect for using up leftover taco meat. Just make sure it’s not too saucy so the dough doesn’t get soggy.

Do these work in the air fryer?

Yes! I air fry them at 375°F for about 8–9 minutes, checking for golden brown crispness.

Conclusion

Cheesy Taco Sticks are the ultimate mashup of comfort food and convenience. With their gooey cheese center, flavorful beef, and golden crust, they’re a favorite in my kitchen for good reason. Whether I’m whipping up a quick dinner or a party snack, these never fail to impress. Give them a try and watch how fast they disappear!