Overflowing Taco Sticks Recipe

The Ultimate Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe for Crispy Family Fun

Crispy and golden cheesy taco sticks promise an explosion of flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Melted cheese and seasoned meat wrap together in a crunchy exterior that screams comfort food.

Every bite brings a delightful blend of spices and gooey goodness.

Mexican-inspired snacks like these turn ordinary evenings into memorable feasts.

Quick to assemble and even faster to devour, these sticks become an instant crowd-pleaser.

Home cooks can whip up this irresistible treat in mere minutes.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and impress everyone at your next gathering.

Ingredients for Gooey Cheesy Taco Sticks

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the classic taco meat filling for the sticks.
Cheese Components:
  • Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: These cheeses add a rich, melty texture and create a gooey, delicious filling for the taco sticks.
Dough and Seasoning:
  • Crescent Roll Dough: A convenient and flaky pastry that serves as the wrapper for the taco filling.
  • Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that gives the ground beef its signature taco flavor and warmth.
Additional Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Helps brown the exterior of the taco sticks and adds a subtle richness.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: These seasonings provide extra depth and aromatic flavor to the dish.
Optional Serving Accompaniments:
  • Sour Cream, Salsa, Green Onions: Fresh toppings that can add extra zest and freshness to the taco sticks.

How to Make Cheesy Taco Sticks at Home

Step 1: Crank Up The Oven

Blast your oven to 375°F (190°C) and get it sizzling hot and ready for action.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Toss ground beef into a skillet over medium heat. Break it apart with a spoon while cooking until it’s nicely browned. Drain away extra grease to keep things lean.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef. Add a splash of water and mix everything thoroughly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Dough Unrolling

Spread out crescent roll dough on a clean surface. Separate into 8 triangle pieces, preparing them for delicious filling.

Step 5: Load With Goodness

Top each triangle with seasoned beef and generous amounts of cheese:
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese

Make sure each triangle gets a hearty portion of filling.

Step 6: Create Tasty Rolls

Start rolling from the wide end towards the point. Pinch edges tightly to seal in all that yummy filling.

Step 7: Prep For Baking

Place rolls on parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush tops with olive oil. Sprinkle:
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide tray into oven and bake 12-15 minutes until golden brown and irresistible.

Step 9: Serve And Enjoy

Let cool briefly. Serve with optional toppings like:
  • Sour cream
  • Salsa
  • Chopped green onions

Dig in and savor every delicious bite!

Tips for Perfectly Baked Taco Sticks

  • Select Fresh Ingredients: Choose high-quality ground beef and recently purchased crescent roll dough for the best flavor and texture.
  • Drain Meat Thoroughly: Remove excess fat from cooked ground beef to prevent soggy taco sticks and ensure a crispy, light texture.
  • Control Cheese Portions: Use a moderate amount of cheese to prevent overflow and maintain a balanced filling inside the taco sticks.
  • Seal Edges Carefully: Pinch dough edges firmly to prevent filling from leaking during baking, creating perfect, compact taco sticks.
  • Experiment with Spices: Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the taco seasoning for an extra kick of flavor.

Variations for Cheesy Taco Stick Fans

  • Gluten-Free Taco Rolls: Replace crescent roll dough with gluten-free pastry dough or almond flour wraps for celiac-friendly option.
  • Vegetarian Protein Sticks: Swap ground beef with black beans, lentils, or plant-based crumbles for meat-free alternative.
  • Spicy Mexican Version: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and mix hot sauce into meat filling for extra heat.
  • Low-Carb Taco Wrap: Use large lettuce leaves instead of dough, roll beef and cheese inside for keto-friendly adaptation.

What to Serve with Taco Sticks

  • Pair with Fresh Salsa Dance: Craft a zesty homemade salsa with ripe tomatoes, cilantro, red onions, and lime juice to complement the rich, cheesy taco sticks.
  • Crisp Margarita Companion: Mix a classic margarita with tequila, fresh lime juice, and triple sec to balance the savory beef and melted cheese flavors.
  • Cool Sour Cream Drizzle: Create a tangy dipping sauce by mixing sour cream with chopped chives, a splash of hot sauce, and a pinch of cumin for extra zest.
  • Mexican Beer Refresher: Select a crisp Mexican lager like Corona or Modelo Especial to cut through the richness and provide a light, refreshing contrast.

Storing Your Cheesy Taco Sticks

  • Store leftover taco sticks in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place them in a single layer to prevent sticking. They'll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap each taco stick individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen taco sticks can last up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
  • Warm individual taco sticks for 30-45 seconds on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Check temperature and heat in additional 15-second intervals if needed.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F.

FAQs for Cheesy Taco Sticks

  • What ingredients do I need for Cheesy Taco Sticks?

Ground beef, crescent roll dough, taco seasoning, cheddar and mozzarella cheese, olive oil, garlic powder, and onion powder are the main ingredients.

  • Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

  • How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Pinch the edges of the crescent roll dough tightly when rolling to seal the filling completely. This helps prevent cheese and meat from spilling out during baking.

  • Are these taco sticks good for meal prep?

These can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. They’re perfect for quick lunches or game day snacks that can be quickly heated up.

Why Cheesy Taco Sticks Are Always a Hit

  • Customize and Conquer: Mix and match fillings to suit everyone's taste, from vegetarian options to spicy variations, making these taco sticks a versatile crowd-pleaser.
  • Grab and Go Goodness: Perfect for busy families, game days, or quick lunches, these portable taco sticks offer a convenient meal solution that doesn't compromise on flavor.
  • Beginner Baker's Delight: Minimal cooking skills required, with simple steps that even novice cooks can master, ensuring a stress-free and successful cooking experience that boosts kitchen confidence.
  • Kid-Friendly Feast: Combining the beloved flavors of tacos with fun finger-food format, these cheesy sticks will have children excited about mealtime and eager to help in the kitchen.
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Overflowing Taco Sticks Recipe

Overflowing Taco Sticks Recipe


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4.9 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Craving a Mexican-inspired snack? Cheesy taco sticks bring crispy tortillas wrapped around spicy seasoned beef and melted cheese, creating an irresistible handheld treat perfect for game day or casual gatherings. Grab these golden delights and enjoy a flavor-packed experience that satisfies your comfort food cravings.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Dough and Base:

  • 1 can (8 ounces) crescent roll dough

Seasonings and Oils:

  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Optional Toppings:

  • Sour cream
  • Salsa
  • Chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the taco sticks.
  2. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces and draining excess fat.
  3. Stir taco seasoning into the beef, adding a small amount of water and cooking for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
  4. Separate crescent roll dough into individual triangles on a clean work surface.
  5. Layer seasoned beef and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese onto each dough triangle.
  6. Carefully roll each triangle from the wide end to the point, sealing the edges to prevent filling from leaking.
  7. Arrange rolled taco sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brushing the tops with olive oil and sprinkling with garlic and onion powder.
  8. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the exterior turns golden brown and crispy.
  9. Allow taco sticks to cool briefly before serving with optional garnishes like sour cream, salsa, or chopped green onions.

Notes

  • Customize spice levels by adjusting the amount of taco seasoning or adding hot sauce for heat-seekers.
  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein alternative.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack, monterey jack, or Mexican blend for unique flavor profiles.
  • Prepare filling ahead of time and store in refrigerator to streamline assembly process during busy weeknights.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

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