Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake

Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake is a quick and easy family dinner that combines the savory flavors of taco filling with the buttery goodness of crescent rolls. This baked casserole features a crispy crust, seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and fresh toppings, all coming together to create a delicious meal in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights when you want a meal that’s both satisfying and simple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake is a game-changer for busy weeknights. The flaky, golden crescent roll crust creates a perfect base for the taco-inspired filling, which is quick to prepare and full of flavor. The seasoned beef, topped with melty cheddar cheese and fresh garnishes like lettuce, tomato, and sour cream, adds a refreshing crunch to every bite. It’s a great combination of comfort food and Mexican-inspired flavors that’s sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury™ refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup chopped lettuce
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Variations

• Add Jalapeños: For a bit of heat, add some sliced jalapeños to the beef mixture or as a topping.
• Use Ground Turkey: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Refried Beans: Add a layer of refried beans under the beef mixture for extra flavor and creaminess.
• Use Different Cheese: You can use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Mexican blend, or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with a mixture of black beans, corn, and sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian taco bake.
• Top with Guacamole: Add guacamole on top of the sour cream for an extra creamy and flavorful finish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture

In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir occasionally until the beef is fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Add the taco seasoning and water, stirring to combine. Cook until the mixture thickens and the beef is well coated with the seasoning.

Step 2: Bake the Crescent Roll Crust

Unroll the Pillsbury crescent rolls and place them in an ungreased 13×9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish. Press the dough over the bottom to form a crust. Bake for 5 minutes to partially cook the dough.

Step 3: Assemble the Taco Bake

Spoon the seasoned beef mixture over the partially baked crescent roll crust. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef.

Step 4: Bake the Taco Bake

Return the dish to the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Step 5: Top and Serve

Remove from the oven and top with chopped lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Check the Dough: Be sure to press the crescent dough into the baking dish evenly to ensure the crust cooks evenly and forms a solid base.
• Add More Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings—add sliced olives, green onions, or cilantro for added flavor.
• Cook the Beef Thoroughly: Make sure to fully cook the ground beef before adding the taco seasoning, as this ensures the best texture and flavor.
• Use Leftover Meat: If you have leftover taco meat, this recipe is a great way to repurpose it and make a quick and delicious meal.
• Let It Set: Let the taco bake sit for a few minutes after removing it from the oven so it holds its shape when you cut it.

How to Serve

Serve this Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake as a main dish with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, or a simple side salad. It’s also perfect for serving with additional sour cream, salsa, or guacamole on the side. This dish is hearty and filling, making it ideal for a casual family dinner or a fun weeknight meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover taco bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Freezing

You can freeze this taco bake before baking it. Assemble the casserole, but do not bake. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, remove it from the freezer and bake as instructed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat leftover taco bake, place it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual servings until warm.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade taco seasoning?

Yes, you can use homemade taco seasoning instead of the packet for a more personalized flavor.

2. Can I use a different type of dough?

If you don’t have crescent rolls, you can use pizza dough or even puff pastry, though the texture may differ slightly.

3. Can I add more cheese?

Definitely! Feel free to add more cheese for a cheesier taco bake. A blend of cheeses will melt nicely and add depth of flavor.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the taco bake ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

5. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner substitute for ground beef.

6. Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, you can add some chili powder, cayenne pepper, or jalapeños to the beef mixture for an extra kick of heat.

7. Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the crescent rolls used in this recipe contain gluten. However, you can look for gluten-free crescent roll alternatives to make it gluten-free.

8. How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the ground beef with a combination of black beans, corn, and vegetables, and it will be a hearty vegetarian meal.

9. How long should I bake the taco bake?

Bake it for 10 to 12 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Check that the crust is crispy before serving.

10. Can I freeze this taco bake?

Yes, you can freeze the taco bake before baking it. Just cover it tightly and bake when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake is an easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing dinner that’s perfect for busy nights. With its flaky crescent roll crust, flavorful seasoned beef, and melty cheese, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Serve it with your favorite toppings and sides for a complete meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun family gathering, this taco bake will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.

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