Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake Recipe

Easy Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake Recipe That Wows Every Time

Pillsbury crescent roll taco bake combines the best of comfort food and Mexican-inspired flavors in one delightful dish.

Crispy pastry dough wraps around seasoned ground beef like a warm, delicious hug.

Melted cheese and zesty toppings create a mouthwatering experience that will make everyone at the table cheer.

Layers of savory ingredients stack up to create a meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet impressive recipe.

Spice lovers and comfort food enthusiasts will absolutely adore this crowd-pleasing creation.

You can whip up this taco bake faster than ordering takeout, making it the perfect solution for busy evenings.

What Makes Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake Great

  • Craft Comfort Meal: A delightful twist on traditional tacos that transforms everyday ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Quick Family Feast: Perfect for busy households seeking a satisfying dinner solution that combines the beloved flavors of tacos with the convenience of crescent roll dough.
  • Customize with Ease: Allows flexible ingredient swaps and personalization, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and dietary needs without complicated cooking techniques.
  • Budget-Friendly Delight: Utilizes affordable ingredients like ground beef, pre-made crescent rolls, and common pantry seasonings to create a filling meal that won't break the bank.

What You Need For Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides the main protein and flavor for the taco bake.
Baking Foundation:
  • Pillsbury Crescent Roll Dough: A convenient pastry that creates a soft and flaky base for the dish.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Taco Seasoning: A spice blend that adds classic Mexican-inspired flavors to the ground beef.
  • Shredded Cheese: Adds creamy richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Lettuce, Tomatoes: Fresh vegetables that provide a crisp and cool contrast to the warm meat.
  • Green Onions: Adds a mild, fresh onion flavor and visual appeal.
  • Sour Cream: A tangy and creamy topping that complements the savory meat.

Easy Way To Cook Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350 degrees Fahrenheit, getting ready for a delicious adventure.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Toss ground beef into a sizzling skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook the meat until it’s completely browned, making sure to drain away any extra fat for a lean and tasty base.

Step 3: Spice Up the Meat

Sprinkle in taco seasoning and stir thoroughly, coating every bit of meat with zesty flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Crescent Base

Gently unroll the crescent roll dough and spread it across the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan or casserole dish. Don’t worry if you don’t use all the dough – just create an even layer.

Step 5: Layer the Meat

Spread the seasoned beef evenly over the crescent roll base, creating a hearty foundation for your dish.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

Generously sprinkle cheese over the meat layer, ensuring every bite will be deliciously cheesy.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden-brown crust and fully cooked dough.

Step 8: Cool and Garnish

Let the dish rest for 10 minutes to set. Then top with:
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Chopped tomatoes

Step 9: Final Touch

Add a finishing flourish of:
  • Chopped green onions
  • A dollop of sour cream

Serve and enjoy your taco-inspired crescent roll masterpiece!

Tips For Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake Success

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner protein option.
  • Customize spice levels by adjusting taco seasoning or using mild versus hot varieties.
  • Prepare the dish ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating before baking for convenient meal planning.
  • Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or black beans for more nutrition and texture.
  • Use low-fat cheese or dairy-free alternatives to make the recipe more diet-friendly for health-conscious individuals.

Different Ways To Enjoy Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake

  • Chicken Fiesta Crescent Bake: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken mixed with salsa for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Black Bean Variation: Swap ground meat with seasoned black beans and add roasted bell peppers for a protein-packed meatless option.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Popper Edition: Incorporate cream cheese and diced jalapeños into the meat layer, then top with extra sharp cheddar for a kick.
  • Breakfast Taco Morning Roll: Transform the recipe by using scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and pepper jack cheese for a morning-friendly version.

What To Serve With Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake

  • Savor Zesty Mexican Beer Pairing: Corona or Modelo Especial complements the taco bake's rich, spicy flavors with crisp, light refreshment.
  • Cooling Sidekick Beverage: Horchata provides a smooth, sweet counterbalance to the savory meat and cheese, calming the palate with its creamy rice and cinnamon notes.
  • Fresh Salsa Companion: Pico de gallo adds bright, tangy freshness that cuts through the dish's richness, delivering extra zingy flavor and textural contrast.
  • Southwest Wine Selection: Choose a medium-bodied Malbec with its peppery undertones to match the taco bake's robust seasoned meat and enhance the overall southwestern profile.

How To Store Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days for best quality and food safety.
  • Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated thoroughly, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Microwave Option: Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when food is steaming hot throughout.
  • Freezing Method: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating using oven method for best texture and taste.

Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake Questions Answered

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Simply follow the same cooking instructions and seasoning steps.

  • What if I don't have taco seasoning?

You can make a quick homemade taco seasoning using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix these spices to create your own blend.

  • Is this dish good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare this taco bake ahead of time and refrigerate before baking. It reheats well and makes an excellent make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free crescent roll dough and ensure your taco seasoning is gluten-free. Most brands offer gluten-free alternatives that will work perfectly in this recipe.

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Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake Recipe

Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake Recipe


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4.8 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Pillsbury crescent roll taco bake brings Mexican-inspired flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy crescent roll crust make this quick casserole a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Bread and Base:

  • 2 cans Pillsbury crescent rolls

Cheese and Toppings:

  • 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) chopped tomatoes
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Sour cream
  • Chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Ignite the oven to a steady 350°F, preparing for a savory culinary adventure.
  2. Transform ground beef in a sizzling skillet over medium-high heat, browning thoroughly and eliminating excess grease.
  3. Infuse the meat with robust taco seasoning, ensuring each morsel is richly coated and flavorful.
  4. Carefully unfurl crescent roll dough, crafting a golden base across a 9″ pie pan or casserole dish, strategically positioning the dough for maximum coverage.
  5. Generously distribute the seasoned meat across the doughy foundation, creating a hearty landscape of flavor.
  6. Cascade a blanket of shredded cheese over the meat, promising a melty, tantalizing layer.
  7. Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing 20-25 minutes of transformative heat to turn the dough golden and crisp.
  8. Pause for 10 minutes post-baking, letting the creation settle and intensify its flavors.
  9. Crown the dish with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, verdant green onions, and a dollop of creamy sour cream for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and make the dish healthier.
  • Swap traditional crescent rolls with gluten-free versions for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Test the meat’s doneness by ensuring no pink remains and internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety.
  • Consider using ground turkey as a lower-calorie alternative to beef without compromising flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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