Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake

Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake is the perfect fusion of a classic taco filling with a buttery, flaky crust. This dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners. The crescent rolls create a golden, crispy base that holds a savory beef mixture flavored with taco seasoning and salsa. The melted cheddar cheese on top adds the perfect amount of creaminess. Once baked, you can garnish the dish with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes, adding a fresh crunch to each bite. Serve this taco bake with your favorite sides like sour cream, avocado slices, and extra salsa for a complete meal.

Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake is a delightful fusion of savory taco flavors wrapped in a buttery, golden crescent roll crust. This quick and easy recipe combines ground beef seasoned with taco spices, salsa, and melted cheddar cheese, all baked into a crispy base. It’s a fun twist on traditional tacos, making it perfect for busy weeknights or even a casual dinner with friends. The flaky crust complements the flavorful taco filling, and with fresh toppings like shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (8 oz) can Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls: The foundation of the dish, forming a flaky, golden crust that holds the taco filling.
• 1 lb lean ground beef (at least 80%): The main protein in the recipe, offering a savory and hearty base.
• 3/4 cup Old El Paso® Thick 'n Chunky salsa: Adds a bold, tangy flavor to the beef mixture, enhancing the taco theme.
• 2 tablespoons Old El Paso® taco seasoning mix: Infuses the beef with traditional taco spices, creating a deliciously seasoned filling.
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese: Melts on top of the taco bake, adding creamy richness and a cheesy finish.
• Shredded lettuce (as desired): Provides a fresh, crunchy topping for the taco bake once it's out of the oven.
• Diced tomato (as desired): Adds a burst of juicy flavor and color to the final dish.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 8 triangles. Place the dough in an ungreased 9-inch square pan or 10-inch pie plate, pressing it over the bottom and up the sides to form a crust.

Step 2:

In a 10-inch skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3:

Add the Old El Paso® taco seasoning mix and salsa to the cooked beef, stirring until well combined. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 4:

Spoon the beef mixture into the crescent roll crust, spreading it evenly across the bottom of the pan.

Step 5:

Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the meat mixture.

Step 6:

Bake the taco bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7:

Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Top with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes as desired before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake is best served warm, topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite taco toppings like sour cream or avocado slices.
• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until heated through.
• For a fun twist, serve the taco bake with extra salsa or hot sauce on the side to give it an extra kick of flavor.

Helpful Notes

• To add more flavor, mix in a can of chopped green chiles with the beef mixture before baking. The chiles will add a slight heat and a pop of flavor to the dish.
• If you prefer a spicier taco bake, use a hot taco seasoning mix and choose a spicier salsa.
• This dish is versatile and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Add jalapeños, olives, or even extra cheese for more variation.

Tips from well-known chefs

• Chef Rick Bayless: “For an authentic taco flavor, use fresh, high-quality salsa. The balance of acidity and spice will elevate your dish.”
• Chef Rachael Ray: “Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses. A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack can give the taco bake an extra creamy texture.”
• Chef Gordon Ramsay: “When baking with crescent dough, make sure to bake until the crust is deeply golden. This ensures a crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft taco filling.”