Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake Recipe

Quick & Cheesy Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake Recipe

Pillsbury crescent roll taco bake blends comfort and convenience in one mouthwatering dish.

Crispy golden edges embrace seasoned meat and melted cheese for an irresistible meal.

Families adore this simple yet satisfying recipe that comes together faster than traditional tacos.

Layered with zesty ingredients, each bite delivers a perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Spice lovers can amp up the heat with extra jalapeños or hot sauce.

Weekend dinners feel instantly special with this crowd-pleasing creation.

Dive in and make this delicious taco bake your new go-to weeknight favorite.

What Ingredients Go In Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A protein-rich base that provides the main flavor and substance for the taco bake.
Pastry Base:
  • Pillsbury Crescent Rolls: A convenient and flaky dough that creates a delicious foundation for the taco bake.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Taco Seasoning, Water: A spice blend that adds classic Mexican-inspired flavor to the ground beef.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A melty cheese that adds richness and a tangy flavor to the dish.
Optional Toppings:
  • Sour Cream, Diced Tomatoes, Green Onions, Fresh Cilantro: Colorful and fresh garnishes that add extra texture and brightness to the final dish.

How To Cook Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake Fast

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab a 9-inch pie pan and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Toss ground beef into a sizzling skillet over medium heat. Break up the meat as it cooks, letting it turn a delicious golden brown. Drain away any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 3: Spice Up the Meat

Sprinkle in taco seasoning and splash some water into the skillet. Stir everything together, letting the beef soak up all those zesty flavors for 2-3 minutes. Take the skillet off the heat.

Step 4: Craft the Crescent Base

Unroll those beautiful crescent rolls and create a star-shaped foundation in the pie pan. Let the pointed ends stretch outward like sun rays. Press the dough down, making sure it covers the bottom completely with slightly overlapping edges.

Step 5: Layer the Goodness

Spread the seasoned beef evenly across the crescent roll base. Shower the meat with a blanket of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 6: Wrap and Fold

Gently fold the pointed crescent roll edges toward the center, creating a partially covered topping that hugs the beef and cheese.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch for a gorgeous golden-brown crust that looks absolutely irresistible.

Step 8: Dress and Serve

Let the taco bake cool for a few moments. Top with:
  • Dollops of sour cream
  • Diced fresh tomatoes
  • Chopped green onions
  • Sprinkle of fresh cilantro

Quick Tips For Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake

  • Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent soggy crust and ensure crispy texture.
  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for healthier alternatives.
  • Enhance flavor by adding diced jalapeños or using spicy taco seasoning for extra kick.
  • Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce overall kitchen time.
  • Check crescent roll edges during baking to prevent burning and achieve perfect golden color.

New Spins On Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake

  • Chicken Fiesta Crescent Bake: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken mixed with southwestern spices for a lighter protein option.
  • Vegetarian Southwest Roll-Up: Swap beef for black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers, using vegetable taco seasoning for a plant-based alternative.
  • Breakfast Taco Morning Bake: Incorporate scrambled eggs, chorizo, and pepper jack cheese instead of ground beef for a morning-friendly version.
  • Spicy Green Chile Crescent Taco: Add diced green chiles to the meat mixture and top with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of heat.

What Tastes Good With Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake

  • Pair Perfectly with Tangy Margaritas: Blend the zesty taco flavors with a classic margarita, using fresh lime juice and tequila to cut through the richness of the beef and cheese.
  • Complement with Fresh Pico de Gallo: Create a bright, fresh salsa with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime to add a crisp, light contrast to the hearty baked dish.
  • Cool Down with Mexican Street Corn Salad: Whip up a creamy, tangy elote-style side with grilled corn, cotija cheese, chili powder, and a squeeze of lime to balance the taco bake's robust flavors.
  • Refresh with Mexican Coca-Cola: Serve the classic Mexican Coca-Cola with real sugar for a sweet, nostalgic beverage that perfectly complements the savory taco bake.

How To Store Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake Properly

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, maintaining best quality and food safety.
  • Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place in freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Place leftovers in oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, checking internal temperature reaches 165F.
  • Place portion on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs For Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid after cooking.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the cheesy, taco-flavored filling and the fun crescent roll crust. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to eat and customize.

  • How can I make this dish spicier?

Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or use a hot taco seasoning blend. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top for extra heat.

  • Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can brown the beef and prepare the filling in advance. Assemble the dish just before baking to keep the crescent rolls crisp and fresh.

What’s Great About Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake

  • Speedy Meal Solution: Transform ground beef and crescent rolls into a delicious taco-inspired dish that comes together quickly with minimal preparation steps.
  • Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Combines classic taco flavors with a fun presentation that appeals to children and adults alike, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
  • Versatile Customization Potential: Easily adaptable with optional toppings like sour cream, tomatoes, and cilantro, allowing everyone to personalize their serving according to taste preferences.
  • One-Pan Comfort Cooking: Requires only a skillet and baking dish, minimizing cleanup and providing a hassle-free cooking experience that saves time and reduces kitchen mess.
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Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake Recipe

Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake Recipe


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4.7 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Pillsbury crescent roll taco bake delivers a mouthwatering fusion of Mexican-inspired flavors wrapped in flaky pastry. Crispy edges and savory fillings create an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
  • 1 can (8 ounces) Pillsbury crescent rolls
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Seasoning:

  • 1 packet taco seasoning mix
  • 1/2 cup water

Garnish and Optional Toppings:

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and coating a 9-inch pie pan with light grease.
  2. Transform ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, fragmenting the meat while cooking until it reaches a rich brown color. Eliminate excess grease through careful draining.
  3. Infuse the meat with zesty taco seasoning, incorporating water and stirring thoroughly. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes, ensuring complete flavor absorption. Remove from heat once seasoning uniformly coats the beef.
  4. Carefully unfurl crescent roll dough, positioning triangular pieces in a radial pattern within the prepared pan. Press the edges to form a cohesive base, allowing slight overlapping to create a sturdy foundation.
  5. Distribute the seasoned beef evenly across the dough landscape, creating a uniform layer. Generously cascade shredded cheddar cheese over the meat, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
  6. Elegantly fold the pointed dough edges toward the center, partially concealing the savory filling beneath a golden blanket.
  7. Slide the assembled dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 20-25 minutes until the dough achieves a rich golden-brown complexion and reaches complete doneness.
  8. After removing from the oven, permit a brief cooling interlude. Garnish with optional embellishments like tangy sour cream, vibrant diced tomatoes, crisp green onions, and fresh cilantro to elevate the culinary experience.

Notes

  • Customize the spice level by choosing mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning to match personal heat preferences.
  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, leaner protein option.
  • Ensure even cooking by breaking ground meat into small, uniform pieces during browning to prevent clumping.
  • Use kitchen scissors for quick and precise cutting of crescent roll dough when arranging in the pie pan.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 410 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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