The Ultimate Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake Recipe

Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake is a delicious and quick recipe perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering. Combining the soft, buttery goodness of Pillsbury® crescent rolls with a savory taco filling, this dish delivers on flavor and texture. Whether you’re a fan of tacos or just love crescent rolls, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.

Ingredients for Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake

To create the perfect Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 (8-ounce) can Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
• 1 pound lean (at least 80%) ground beef
• ¾ cup Old El Paso® Thick ‘n Chunky salsa
• 2 tablespoons Old El Paso® taco seasoning mix (from a 1-ounce package)
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• Shredded lettuce, as desired
• Diced tomato, as desired

Optional Ingredients for Added Flavor:

• 4.5-ounce can of Old El Paso® chopped green chiles (optional but adds a mild heat and additional flavor to the beef mixture)
• Additional salsa, sour cream, and avocado slices (for serving, to enhance the flavors and presentation)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Dough

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While your oven is heating, unroll the Pillsbury® crescent rolls and carefully separate them into eight triangles.

Next, take a 9-inch square pan or a 10-inch pie plate and place the crescent roll triangles in the ungreased dish. Press the dough over the bottom of the pan and up the sides, forming a crust. Ensure that there are no gaps, as this crust will hold the taco filling.

2. Cooking the Ground Beef

While the crust is being prepared, heat a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 pound of lean ground beef to the skillet and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is thoroughly browned and fully cooked. If necessary, drain any excess fat from the skillet.

3. Creating the Taco Filling

Once the beef is cooked and drained, stir in ¾ cup of Old El Paso® Thick ‘n Chunky salsa and 2 tablespoons of Old El Paso® taco seasoning mix. Lower the heat and allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld together. If you want a bit of extra heat, you can also stir in the 4.5-ounce can of chopped green chiles at this stage.

4. Assembling the Taco Bake

Now that your meat filling is ready, spoon the taco mixture evenly over the prepared crescent roll crust. Spread it out, ensuring the filling covers the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle the top of the taco filling with 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese.

5. Baking the Taco Bake

Place the assembled taco bake into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crescent roll crust is deep golden brown and the cheese has melted. Keep an eye on it to ensure the crust doesn’t overbake.

6. Topping and Serving

Once the taco bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Top the dish with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes as desired. These fresh toppings will add a delightful crunch and contrast to the warm, cheesy taco filling.

Serve the Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake with additional sides like extra salsa, sour cream, and sliced avocado. These condiments complement the dish and give diners the option to customize their servings.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Taco Bake

• Customize the Protein: While ground beef is the go-to meat for this recipe, you can easily swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like black beans for a lighter or more diet-friendly version.
• Spice It Up: For those who love extra heat, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the taco mixture. Alternatively, try using a spicier version of salsa or taco seasoning.
• Cheese Choices: While shredded Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend. This can give the taco bake a richer, more complex flavor.
• Make It Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the taco filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble the dish and pop it in the oven.
• Freeze for Later: Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake can also be frozen for up to three months. Just prepare the bake without the toppings, freeze, and when you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the oven at 375°F until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions for Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake

This taco bake is hearty enough to serve as a standalone meal, but it also pairs well with several side dishes:

• Mexican Rice: A classic side that complements the taco flavors.
• Refried Beans: Another traditional option, adding texture and protein.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled or roasted corn with a hint of lime and chili powder adds a touch of sweetness to the meal.
• Tortilla Chips and Salsa: These can be served as a starter or alongside the taco bake for a crunchy contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use crescent roll dough sheets instead of the traditional crescent roll triangles?

Yes, you can substitute crescent roll dough sheets for a seamless crust. Simply roll out the dough sheet and press it into the pan as you would with the crescent roll triangles. This method creates a more even crust without gaps between the triangles.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free crescent roll dough or alternative crust. Additionally, ensure that your taco seasoning and salsa are gluten-free, as some products may contain hidden gluten.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven for the best results.

What can I substitute for taco seasoning?

If you don’t have taco seasoning on hand, you can make your own by mixing chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a homemade blend that mimics the flavors of store-bought seasoning.

Conclusion

Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake is a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make dish that can be customized to fit your taste preferences. The combination of savory taco meat, melted cheese, and the buttery crescent roll crust makes for a delightful meal that the whole family will enjoy. With the addition of fresh toppings and your favorite sides, this dish is sure to be a staple in your recipe rotation.