Introduction:

If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner with a Mexican-inspired twist, this Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake is the perfect recipe. Combining the buttery, flaky goodness of Pillsbury crescent rolls with seasoned ground beef, salsa, and melted cheddar cheese, this dish is a family favorite that comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s great for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or even game-day meals. Plus, with customizable toppings like shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes, it’s a fun and flavorful way to enjoy taco night with a delicious twist!

Ingredients:

• 1 (8-ounce) can Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
• 1 pound lean ground beef (at least 80% lean)
• ¾ cup Old El Paso Thick ‘n Chunky salsa
• 2 tablespoons Old El Paso taco seasoning mix (from 1-ounce package)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional toppings: Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, sour cream, avocado, jalapeños, or green onions

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 10-inch pie plate or baking dish to ensure the crescent roll crust doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Prepare the crescent roll crust

Unroll the Pillsbury crescent rolls and press them into the greased pie plate. Work the dough gently, pressing it across the bottom and up the sides of the dish to form an even crust. Be sure to seal the perforations between the crescent roll triangles to create a solid base for your taco filling.

Step 3: Cook the ground beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Once the beef is fully browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the filling from becoming greasy.

Step 4: Season the beef

With the skillet still on medium heat, stir in the Old El Paso Thick ‘n Chunky salsa and taco seasoning mix. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is evenly coated in the salsa and seasoning. This will create a flavorful, saucy taco filling.

Step 5: Assemble the taco bake

Spoon the seasoned beef mixture evenly into the crescent roll crust in the pie plate. Spread it out to ensure the filling covers the entire base. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the beef mixture, ensuring the cheese is spread evenly for a gooey, melted finish.

Step 6: Bake

Place the assembled taco bake in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crescent roll crust is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. The crust should be flaky and crisp, while the cheese becomes bubbly and irresistible.

Step 7: Garnish and serve

Once the taco bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If desired, top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or any of your favorite taco toppings. You can also serve it with sides like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for added flavor.

Cut into wedges or squares and serve warm. This dish is perfect for sharing, and you can easily adjust the toppings based on your personal preferences or what’s available in your pantry.

Cooking Note:

• Customizable fillings: Feel free to swap the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You can also add black beans, corn, or sautéed peppers to the beef mixture for extra texture and flavor.
• Cheese options: While cheddar cheese is classic, you can use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Mexican blend cheese for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

• Sides: Serve your Crescent Roll Taco Bake with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
• Sauces: Add some salsa, guacamole, or hot sauce on the side for dipping. A dollop of sour cream or drizzling of queso over the top would also take this taco bake to the next level.
• Toppings: Beyond lettuce and tomatoes, consider topping with sliced avocado, jalapeños, black olives, or green onions for a burst of color and flavor.

Tips:

1. Make-ahead option: You can prepare the beef filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble the taco bake and pop it into the oven.
2. Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the crescent roll crust as it bakes. You want a golden-brown finish, but be careful not to overbake, as this can make the crust too crunchy.
3. Vegetarian version: Swap the ground beef for a mixture of black beans, pinto beans, or sautéed veggies for a delicious meat-free option. Add the same salsa and seasoning to flavor the filling.
4. Party-sized: If you’re serving a large crowd, double the recipe and use a larger baking dish. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the crescent roll crust bakes evenly.

Prep Time:

• 10 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 20 minutes

Total Time:

• 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 24g
• Sodium: 970mg
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fat: 27g
• Fiber: 1g

Conclusion:

This Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake is a flavorful, quick, and easy dinner option that combines the best of tacos and savory pies. With its flaky crescent roll crust, cheesy taco filling, and the option to customize with fresh toppings, it’s a dish the whole family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners, this recipe brings comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness. Give it a try and enjoy the tasty combination of flavors in every bite!

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