Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake

When you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying dinner that’s easy to whip up, Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake is a fantastic choice. This dish combines the classic flavors of tacos with the convenience of crescent roll dough, creating a delightful meal that the whole family will love. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or even as a fun twist for taco night!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a dish that is both hearty and packed with flavor. The flaky crescent roll crust acts as a perfect vessel for the savory beef filling, topped with gooey melted cheese, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this tasty casserole!

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Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients to prepare this delicious Taco Bake. Each element plays a key role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

For the Taco Bake:

• 1 (8-ounce) can Pillsbury refrigerated crescent dinner rolls: The star of this dish, these rolls create a flaky, buttery crust that holds all the delicious fillings together.
• 1 pound lean ground beef (at least 80%): This provides a hearty protein base for your taco bake. Using lean beef helps reduce excess grease while still delivering great flavor.
• ¾ cup Old El Paso Thick ‘n Chunky salsa: This adds a burst of flavor and moisture to the meat, combining spices and tomatoes for that classic taco taste.
• 2 tablespoons Old El Paso taco seasoning mix (from a 1-ounce package): This seasoning mix elevates the flavor profile, giving your filling a well-rounded taco seasoning without the need to mix individual spices.
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese: For that creamy, melty goodness that binds everything together and adds richness.
• Shredded lettuce: A fresh topping that adds a nice crunch and a pop of color.
• Diced tomato: Juicy and flavorful, tomatoes bring brightness and freshness to the finished dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Taco Bake

Creating this Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake is as easy as pie (or should we say, as easy as crescent rolls?). Follow these simple steps to assemble your delicious dinner:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). This ensures that your Taco Bake will cook evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Roll Crust

1. Unroll the can of Pillsbury crescent dinner rolls. Carefully separate the dough into 8 triangles.
2. Place the dough in an ungreased 9-inch square pan or 10-inch pie plate. Press the dough over the bottom and up the sides of the pan to form a crust. Make sure there are no gaps so that the filling doesn’t leak out during baking.

Step 3: Cook the Beef Filling

1. In a 10-inch skillet, cook 1 pound of lean ground beef over medium heat for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it is thoroughly cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the filling from becoming greasy.
2. Stir in ¾ cup of Old El Paso Thick ‘n Chunky salsa and 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning mix. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld and the beef to soak up the spices and salsa, creating a flavorful filling.

Step 4: Assemble the Taco Bake

1. Spoon the beef mixture into the prepared crust-lined pan, spreading it evenly.
2. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese over the top of the beef mixture. The cheese will melt and create a deliciously gooey layer once baked.

Step 5: Bake

1. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is a deep golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The aroma of baking crescent rolls and seasoned beef will fill your kitchen!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once baked, remove the Taco Bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
2. Top with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes as desired. These fresh toppings not only enhance the flavor but also add a nice crunch and visual appeal.
3. Serve your Taco Bake warm and enjoy!

Additional Tips for a Perfect Taco Bake

To make your Taco Bake even more special or tailored to your taste, consider the following tips:

• Add Extra Ingredients: For a little extra kick, you can mix in a 4.5-ounce can of Old El Paso® chopped green chiles to the beef mixture while simmering. This will add a subtle heat and depth of flavor to your dish.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve your Taco Bake with additional sides like sour cream, avocado slices, or even more salsa for a delightful finishing touch. These toppings complement the flavors and make for a more customized meal.
• Make It Ahead of Time: You can prepare the filling and crust ahead of time and assemble the Taco Bake right before you’re ready to bake. This is great for meal prep or if you want to save time during a busy weeknight.
• Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick and easy meal the next day.

Conclusion: A Family-Friendly Favorite

Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake is a quick, delicious, and versatile dish that brings the flavors of your favorite tacos into a warm, comforting bake. With its flaky crescent roll crust and savory beef filling, this meal is sure to become a family favorite.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends, this recipe is all about making cooking enjoyable and stress-free. The combination of ingredients is easily customizable, allowing you to experiment with different toppings or fillings based on your preferences. So, roll up your sleeves and enjoy this delightful Taco Bake that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!