This Taco Ring is a fun and delicious twist on classic tacos, perfect for family dinners or gatherings! With seasoned beef, melted cheese, and a golden crescent roll crust, it’s a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s easy to make.
INGREDIENTS
- Lean ground beef: 1 lb, for the taco filling base.
- Taco seasoning mix: 1 (1.25 oz) package, adds classic taco flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup (4 oz), provides a cheesy layer in the filling.
- Water: 2 tablespoons, helps mix in the seasoning.
- Refrigerated crescent dinner rolls: 2 (8 oz) packages, forms the dough for the ring.
- Bell pepper: 1 medium, chopped or used as a serving garnish.
- Salsa: 1 cup, for serving and added flavor.
- Shredded lettuce: 3 cups, fresh topping for the ring.
- Tomato: 1 medium, chopped for garnish.
- Onion: 1/4 cup, optional, adds a sharp flavor.
- Pitted ripe black olives: 1/2 cup, optional, adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Sour cream: optional, for serving and extra creaminess.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef for 7-9 minutes or until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Step 2: Mix Filling Ingredients
- Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the taco seasoning mix, shredded cheese, and water until well combined.
- Step 3: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 4: Prepare Crescent Dough
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Arrange the triangles in a circle on a pizza stone or flat round pan with the wide ends overlapping in the center and the points facing outward, leaving a 5-inch diameter opening in the center.
- Step 5: Add the Filling
- Scoop the meat mixture evenly onto the widest end of each crescent triangle.
- Step 6: Form the Ring
- Fold the points of each triangle up over the filling and tuck them under the wide ends of dough at the center of the ring. The filling will not be completely covered.
- Step 7: Bake
- Bake the taco ring for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown.
- Step 8: Prepare Toppings
- While the taco ring bakes, shred lettuce and chop tomato, onion, olives, and bell pepper if desired.
- Step 9: Serve
- Optional: Scoop out a bell pepper, fill it with salsa, and place it in the center of the ring. Top the taco ring with shredded lettuce, tomato, and other desired toppings. Serve with extra shredded cheese and sour cream if desired.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the taco ring fresh out of the oven for the best flavor and texture. Top with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and salsa, or set out toppings for guests to add as they like.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Helpful Notes
- For added flavor, try mixing in a can of diced green chilies with the beef filling.
- If you prefer spicier tacos, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture.
- You can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef in this recipe.
Tips from Well-known Chefs
- Chef Rachael Ray suggests using freshly grated cheese for the best melting texture in your taco ring.
- Chef Guy Fieri recommends adding a touch of lime juice to the beef mixture for a pop of citrus flavor.
- Chef Bobby Flay advises using a pizza stone for even baking and a crispier crescent roll crust.