Description
Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake delivers comfort and Mexican-inspired flavors in one mouthwatering casserole. Layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and buttery crescent rolls create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 2 tubes (8 ounces each) Pillsbury crescent rolls
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup salsa
Garnish and Optional Toppings:
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C), ensuring an optimal cooking environment for this delectable dish.
- Thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish or round pie pan with a light layer of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks.
- Drain any excess fat from the meat, then return the skillet to the stove.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the ground beef, stirring vigorously to ensure each morsel is evenly coated with robust, zesty flavors.
- Pour water into the skillet and simmer the seasoned meat for 3-4 minutes, allowing the spices to meld and intensify.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and arrange the triangular pieces in the prepared baking dish, pressing the seams together to create a seamless base layer.
- Spread the seasoned ground beef evenly across the dough foundation.
- Generously scatter shredded cheese over the meat layer, ensuring complete coverage.
- Top the cheese with additional taco-inspired ingredients like diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or chopped green onions for extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crescent roll crust turns golden brown and the cheese melts completely.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the layers to set.
- Slice into portions and serve immediately, optionally garnishing with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or salsa.
Notes
- Opt for lean ground beef or turkey to reduce fat content and create a healthier version of this dish.
- Experiment with plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian-friendly taco bake that delivers the same delicious flavors.
- Use low-fat cheese or dairy-free cheese options to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising taste.
- Prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and refrigerate to save cooking time and enhance flavor development.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg