Cheesy Taco Sticks are a fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos. These cheesy, crispy sticks are packed with seasoned taco meat, melted cheese, and flavorful spices, all wrapped up in a warm, golden crust. They offer the best of both worlds: the savory flavors of a taco with the satisfying texture of a cheesy, baked snack. Perfect for a family meal, game day, or even a party appetizer, cheesy taco sticks are sure to please everyone at the table.

The History of Ingredients

Taco Seasoning: Taco seasoning is a blend of spices such as cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. These spices reflect the rich, bold flavors of Mexican cuisine and are commonly used to season ground beef or chicken for tacos.
Cheese: Cheese, especially cheddar or a Mexican blend, is a common topping in tacos, adding a creamy, savory element to balance the spices. The cheese in cheesy taco sticks serves as a melty, gooey filling that complements the seasoned meat.
Tortilla: The tortilla is the base of many Mexican dishes. In taco sticks, tortillas are transformed into crispy, cheesy rolls. Flour tortillas are typically used for their softness and flexibility, allowing for easy rolling and crisping.
Ground Beef: Ground beef is the most popular protein for tacos, and it provides a hearty, flavorful base for the taco sticks. Ground chicken or turkey can also be used as a leaner alternative.

Breakdown of Ingredients

Tortillas: Flour tortillas are typically used for taco sticks because they hold their shape well and crisp up nicely in the oven.
Ground Beef (or other protein): The protein can be seasoned with taco seasoning, which includes spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic, and onion powder.
Cheese: Shredded cheese such as cheddar or a Mexican blend is key to the cheesy, gooey filling.
Taco Seasoning: A blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt that gives taco meat its characteristic flavor.
Additional Toppings: Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and jalapeños are popular condiments and toppings that can be served alongside the cheesy taco sticks.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
1/2 cup water
8 flour tortillas (medium or large)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, jalapeños

Instructions:

Prepare the Taco Meat:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Drain any excess fat from the beef, then add the taco seasoning and water. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. Remove from heat.
Prepare the Tortillas:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lay the tortillas flat on a clean surface. If they’re too large, you can cut them into halves or quarters to create smaller, bite-sized taco sticks.
Assemble the Taco Sticks:
- Spoon a generous amount of taco meat onto each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the meat.
- Roll the tortillas tightly into a log or cylinder, securing the filling inside.
Bake the Taco Sticks:
- Place the rolled tortillas seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Lightly brush the tops of the tortilla rolls with olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy.
Serve:
- Remove the taco sticks from the oven and let them cool slightly. Slice them into 1-2 inch pieces.
- Serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or jalapeños.

Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Taco Sticks

Don’t Overstuff: Be careful not to overstuff the tortillas with too much filling. If you overfill them, they may be harder to roll and may not crisp up properly.
Use Fresh Tortillas: Fresh flour tortillas roll more easily and produce a softer texture when baked. Stale tortillas can crack and may not hold their shape.
Brush with Olive Oil: Brushing the tortillas with olive oil helps them crisp up nicely in the oven. You can also use melted butter for a richer flavor.
Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar cheese is traditional, you can mix things up by using other types of cheese like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend.
Serve with Dips: Taco sticks are great on their own, but they’re even better when paired with dips like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or even a spicy ranch dip.

Variations and Customizations

Vegetarian Taco Sticks: For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with black beans or lentils. You can also add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini.
Spicy Taco Sticks: If you like some heat, add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce inside the tortilla before rolling it up. You can also mix in spicy chili powder or cayenne pepper into the taco meat.
Chicken Taco Sticks: Swap the ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken or ground chicken for a lighter option. You can season the chicken with taco seasoning for the same delicious flavor.
Cheese Lover’s Taco Sticks: Double the cheese! Add a mix of different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and queso blanco to make the taco sticks extra cheesy.
Loaded Taco Sticks: Before rolling the tortillas, add some extra toppings such as diced tomatoes, black olives, or green onions. You can also top the taco sticks with a little extra cheese before baking for an extra melty finish.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

Calories: Cheesy taco sticks can be calorie-dense, especially if using a lot of cheese or meat. To reduce the calorie count, use lean ground turkey or chicken and reduce the amount of cheese. Opt for whole-wheat tortillas for added fiber.
Protein: Ground beef provides a good source of protein. If you want a lighter version, chicken or plant-based proteins like black beans or tofu can be used.
Fat: The fat content will vary depending on the type of meat and cheese used. Opting for lean meats and using a moderate amount of cheese can help reduce the fat content. Brushing with olive oil instead of butter can also lower saturated fats.
Carbohydrates: The flour tortillas contribute carbohydrates. For a lower-carb option, consider using low-carb tortillas or switching to lettuce wraps.
Sodium: Pre-packaged taco seasoning can be high in sodium. You can reduce the sodium content by using homemade seasoning mixes or using less store-bought seasoning.

FAQ

Q1: Can I make cheesy taco sticks ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the taco sticks ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. You can also freeze them before baking for up to 3 months. Just bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q2: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

You can use corn tortillas, but they tend to be more brittle and may not crisp up as well as flour tortillas. If you choose corn tortillas, be sure to warm them slightly before assembling to prevent them from breaking.

Q3: How can I make the taco sticks spicier?

Add chopped jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or extra chili powder to the taco meat. You can also drizzle some hot sauce inside the taco stick before rolling it up.

Q4: Can I make these without cheese?

Yes! You can make cheesy taco sticks without cheese by simply omitting it and adding extra taco meat or vegetables instead. Alternatively, you can use dairy-free cheese or avocado for a creamy texture.

Q5: Can I bake the taco sticks in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make taco sticks in an air fryer! Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the taco sticks for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Cheesy Taco Sticks

are a fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos. These cheesy, crispy sticks are packed with seasoned taco meat, melted cheese, and flavorful spices, all wrapped up in a warm, golden crust. They offer the best of both worlds: the savory flavors of a taco with the satisfying texture of a cheesy, baked snack. Perfect for a family meal, game day, or even a party appetizer, cheesy taco sticks are sure to please everyone at the table.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Total Time 30

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
½ cup water
1 13.8 oz tube refrigerated pizza dough
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
8 mozzarella string cheese sticks
2 tbsp butter melted
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp chili powder
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro optional, for garnish
Salsa sour cream, or guacamole (for dipping)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Taco Meat
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up into small crumbles as it browns. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning and ½ cup of water. Let the mixture simmer for about 3-5 minutes until the seasoning is well absorbed and the beef is evenly coated in the flavorful sauce. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
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Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough on a lightly floured surface, shaping it into a large rectangle. If the dough is too thick, use a rolling pin to gently flatten it out.
Step 3: Cut and Fill the Dough
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, divide the dough into 8 equal strips. Along the center of each strip, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by a spoonful of the seasoned taco meat.
Step 4: Add the Mozzarella Sticks
Place a whole mozzarella string cheese stick on top of the beef mixture in each strip. This will ensure maximum cheesiness in every bite!
Step 5: Seal the Taco Sticks
Fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges tightly to seal each stick completely. You don’t want any cheese escaping while baking! Make sure the seam is placed on the bottom when arranging them on the baking sheet.
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Step 6: Brush with Butter and Bake
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder, dried oregano, and chili powder. Brush this flavorful butter mixture over the top of each taco stick for an extra golden, crispy finish.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the sticks are golden brown and slightly puffed up.
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Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh touch, and serve with your favorite dips like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness with every bite!

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