Description
Pillsbury crescent roll taco bake combines classic Mexican-inspired flavors with comforting pastry layers. Hearty ground beef, melted cheese, and zesty seasonings create a delicious one-dish meal you’ll savor to the last bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tube (8 oz/235 g) Pillsbury crescent rolls
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey
- 1 ½ cups (150 g) shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade, ~1 tablespoon)
- ½ cup (120 ml) water
- ½ cup (50 g) diced tomatoes or salsa (optional)
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Sliced black olives
- Jalapenos
Instructions
- Preheat Preparation: Position oven rack to middle position and warm to 375F (190C). Grease a round baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Meat Seasoning: Brown ground beef in skillet over medium heat, draining excess fat. Incorporate taco seasoning and water, simmering until mixture thickens and develops rich flavor profile.
- Dough Foundation: Unroll crescent roll dough, positioning triangular pieces in prepared baking dish. Overlap wide ends toward center, extending pointed tips outward. Press gently to eliminate gaps and create seamless crust.
- Filling Assembly: Distribute seasoned taco meat evenly across dough base. Sprinkle diced tomatoes or salsa, then cover with a generous layer of shredded cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
- Crust Manipulation: Fold overhanging crescent roll points toward center, partially concealing filling while leaving enticing glimpses of ingredients visible.
- Baking Process: Transfer dish to preheated oven. Bake 20-25 minutes until crust turns golden brown and filling reaches optimal temperature. Add extra cheese during final 2-3 minutes for enhanced melting.
- Serving Presentation: Remove from oven and allow brief resting period. Slice into wedges that showcase layered meat and cheese. Complement with traditional taco garnishes like sour cream, chopped cilantro, or additional salsa.
Notes
- Choose Lean Meat: Select ground beef with lower fat content to prevent excessive grease and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing final dish.
- Perfect Dough Placement: Press crescent roll dough edges firmly together to create a solid base, preventing filling from leaking during baking and maintaining a crisp, intact crust.
- Customize Seasoning Intensity: Adjust taco seasoning quantity based on personal spice preference, tasting the meat mixture before layering to guarantee optimal flavor balance.
- Explore Dietary Alternatives: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based protein for lighter versions, and use low-fat cheese options to accommodate different nutritional needs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg