This Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake is an easy, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With layers of flaky crescent rolls, seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and all your favorite taco toppings, it’s the ultimate comfort food that everyone will love. This recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re looking for something fun and flavorful to serve.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cook Notes & Tips
- Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Introduction
The Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake combines all the best flavors of tacos in an easy-to-make casserole form. It’s the perfect combination of seasoned ground beef, cheese, and fluffy crescent rolls, with a crispy, golden-brown top that’s sure to satisfy your taco cravings. This dish is also highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa. It’s the kind of recipe that makes busy weeknights easier, but is also fun enough to serve for family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury crescent rolls
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, sour cream, chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning mix and water. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Crescent Roll Base: Unroll the crescent rolls and press them into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pressing the seams together to form a solid layer.
- Layer the Taco Bake: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the crescent roll base. Spoon the salsa over the beef, and then sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent roll base is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Allow the taco bake to cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, sliced olives, or your favorite taco toppings before serving.
Cook Notes & Tips
- Customize the Heat: If you like your taco bake spicier, use a spicier salsa or add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Prevent Soggy Base: Be sure to cook the beef mixture until most of the moisture has evaporated, so the crescent roll base stays flaky.
- Use Ground Turkey: For a lighter option, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with black beans or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Add a layer of cream cheese or queso before adding the beef mixture for an extra cheesy twist.
- Fiesta Taco Bake: Add 1/2 cup of corn and black beans to the beef mixture for a fiesta-style taco bake.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make This Taco Bake Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the taco bake up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
2. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
3. Can I Use Crescent Roll Sheets Instead?
Absolutely! Crescent roll sheets work perfectly and make it easier to create a seamless crust for the base.
Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake is a fun and easy recipe that combines all the best flavors of tacos in a convenient, layered bake. With a flaky crescent roll base, seasoned beef, melted cheese, and all your favorite taco toppings, it’s a guaranteed hit with family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to bring to a gathering, this taco bake is a great choice. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious, comforting flavors!
Happy Cooking!
