Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it’s easy, delicious, and versatile. The crescent rolls bake up crispy on the outside while holding all that savory taco filling inside. I also enjoy that it’s customizable—I can top it with my favorite taco fixings and make it as mild or as spicy as I want. It’s a real crowd-pleaser that always gets compliments at the table.
Ingredients
(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)
1 pound ground beef
1 jalapeno, stem and seeds removed
1 cup diced onions
1.25 ounce taco seasoning mix
½ cup beef broth
1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
16 ounce refried beans
(2) 8 ounce Pillsbury Original Crescent Rolls
Shredded lettuce
Tomatoes
Sliced olives
Sour cream
Cilantro
Green onions
Salsa
Directions
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I preheat the oven to 375°F.
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In a skillet, I cook the ground beef, jalapeno, and onions until the meat is browned and the vegetables are tender.
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I drain the grease and return the beef mixture to the pan.
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I stir in the taco seasoning and beef broth, letting it simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
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I unroll the crescent rolls and separate them into triangles.
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On a baking sheet, I arrange the triangles in a circle with the wide ends overlapping in the center and the tips pointing outward, leaving about a 5-inch opening in the middle.
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I spread the refried beans over the wide ends of the crescents.
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I spoon the taco meat filling over the beans, then sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
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I fold the tips of the crescents over the filling and tuck them underneath to form a ring.
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I bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
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I let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and topping with lettuce, tomatoes, olives, sour cream, cilantro, green onions, and salsa.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 6–8 people. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake, for a total of 40 minutes.
Variations
Sometimes I switch up the filling by using ground turkey or shredded chicken instead of beef. I also like mixing in black beans or corn for extra texture. For a spicier version, I use pepper jack cheese or add extra jalapenos. If I want to make it vegetarian, I replace the beef with sautéed vegetables or more beans.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place slices in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, which keeps the crescent dough crispy. The microwave works too, but the crust won’t be as crisp. I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the crescent rolls can become soggy.
FAQs
Can I make the taco crescent ring ahead of time?
Yes, I assemble it up to a few hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake it just before serving.
Can I use homemade taco seasoning instead of a packet?
Absolutely, I often use a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano.
What type of cheese works best?
I like sharp cheddar, but Monterey Jack or pepper jack also work really well.
Can I add more vegetables to the filling?
Yes, I sometimes add bell peppers, corn, or black beans to the meat mixture.
How do I keep the crescent ring from falling apart?
I make sure to overlap the dough triangles well and tuck the tips under securely before baking.
Can I use crescent dough sheets instead of triangles?
Yes, I can cut dough sheets into triangles or layer them as needed to form the ring.
What’s the best way to serve this?
I slice it into wedges and serve with bowls of toppings like lettuce, salsa, and sour cream.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, I replace the beef with beans, lentils, or a veggie mixture.
How do I prevent the bottom from getting soggy?
I leave a little space between the filling and the edge of the dough when assembling.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Yes, I make two rings and bake them on separate trays—it’s always a hit at gatherings.
Conclusion
The Taco Crescent Ring is one of the most fun and flavorful ways I like to enjoy taco night. I love how it looks like a centerpiece but is easy to make with simple ingredients. Every slice is packed with cheesy, savory filling, and the customizable toppings make it perfect for everyone at the table.
