Next, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Now, transfer the beef mixture to a mixing bowl and let it cool slightly. Then, add the black beans, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well until everything is evenly distributed. This cheesy filling is the star of the show, so don’t skimp on mixing it well!
Now, grab a tortilla and spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the cheesy beef mixture onto the center. Fold in the sides and roll it up tightly to create a stick. Place the roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling. Finally, brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them that lovely golden color while baking.
Bake the cheesy taco sticks for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. The anticipation builds as you watch the cheese melt and the tops turn a beautiful color. Once they’re out, let them cool slightly before diving in—trust me, you won’t want to burn your mouth on that delicious cheese!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I’ve made these Cheesy Taco Sticks a few times now, and I’ve learned a couple of things along the way. First, feel free to spice things up! If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture. I tested this three ways, and the spicy version was a clear winner for my friends!
Second, make sure not to overfill the tortillas. While it might be tempting to stuff them to the brim with the cheesy goodness, too much filling can cause the sticks to burst open while baking. I found that 2-3 tablespoons was just the right amount for a perfect balance of flavor and structure.
Finally, if you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), consider reheating them in an air fryer. It keeps them crispy without drying them out. Plus, who doesn’t love the whirl of an air fryer at work in the kitchen?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common mistakes I see when making Cheesy Taco Sticks is using cold tortillas. Make sure to warm them slightly to make them pliable before adding the filling. Cold tortillas can crack and make it hard to roll them up without tearing. I learned this the hard way, and I don’t want you to go through the same thing!
Another common pitfall is not preheating the oven. If you put the sticks in while the oven is still warming up, they won’t bake evenly, and you risk ending up with a soggy bottom. Always make sure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F before baking for the best results.
Also, don’t forget to line your baking sheet with parchment paper! Not only does this help with easy cleanup, but it also prevents the sticks from sticking to the pan, which can lead to a messy situation. I’ve had some awesome sticks turn into sad crumbles when I neglected this step. (See the next page below to continue…)