Learn how to make a Taco Crescent Ring, a fun mix of tacos and buttery crescent rolls, perfect for any occasion.
What is a Taco Crescent Ring?
The Taco Crescent Ring is a tasty dish that combines the flavors of classic tacos with the flaky goodness of crescent rolls. It’s easy to make and looks impressive, making it great for family dinners, parties, or game nights. If you want to switch up your usual taco night or impress your guests, the Taco Crescent Ring is the perfect choice.
This recipe has everything you love about tacos – seasoned beef, melted cheese, and all your favorite toppings – wrapped in a buttery, golden crescent roll crust. It’s simple to put together, bakes beautifully, and is a great way to bring friends and family together for a fun meal.
Ingredients You Need
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make a Taco Crescent Ring:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent rolls
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, sour cream, salsa
Ingredient Tips
- Taco Seasoning: You can use store-bought seasoning or make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Cheese: Cheddar works well, but you can also use a Mexican cheese blend for more flavor. Pepper Jack is great if you like a bit of spice.
- Crescent Rolls: Pillsbury Crescent Rolls are a good choice, but any brand will work.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures the Taco Crescent Ring bakes evenly and comes out golden and flaky.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Break up any clumps as it cooks. When done, drain any extra fat to avoid making the dish greasy.
3. Add Taco Seasoning
Mix in the taco seasoning according to the package directions (usually with about 1/4 cup of water). Let it simmer for a few minutes so the flavors soak into the beef.
4. Prepare the Crescent Rolls
On a baking sheet, arrange the crescent roll triangles in a circle. Overlap the wide ends to make a ring, leaving a hole in the center. It should look like a sunburst, with the pointed ends sticking out.
5. Add the Filling
Spoon the seasoned beef onto the wide ends of the crescent dough. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef.
6. Fold the Dough
Bring the pointed ends of the triangles over the beef and tuck them under the wide ends to secure the ring. This forms the “taco ring” shape.
7. Bake
Put the Taco Crescent Ring in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown. The crescent rolls should be flaky and crispy, and the beef and cheese inside should be hot.
8. Serve
Let the Taco Crescent Ring cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. Serve it with toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa.
Tips for Making the Best Taco Crescent Ring
- Keep Dough Cold: Work with the crescent roll dough while it’s cold. If it gets too warm, it can become sticky and hard to manage.
- Even Filling: Spread the beef mixture evenly so each slice has a good amount of filling.
- Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can make the ring break apart while baking. Stick to the suggested amounts for the best results.
Serving Suggestions and Toppings
The best thing about the Taco Crescent Ring is how you can customize it. Here are some popular toppings and sides to make it even better:
- Shredded Lettuce: Adds a fresh crunch.
- Diced Tomatoes: Adds color and juiciness.
- Sliced Black Olives: Add a savory flavor.
- Sour Cream: Balances out the spice.
- Salsa or Pico de Gallo: Adds flavor and a little heat.
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado goes perfectly with the taco flavors.
- Chopped Green Onions: Adds a mild onion flavor.
- Jalapeño Slices: For a spicy kick.
Variations and Substitutions
The Taco Crescent Ring is very versatile. Here are some ways to change it up:
- Different Proteins: Use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
- Cheese Options: Try different cheeses, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a new flavor.
- Add Veggies: You can add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or corn to the beef for extra texture and taste.
- Extra Spice: Mix in chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Storage: Put leftover slices in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The Taco Crescent Ring heats up well, making it a great lunch for the next day.
- Reheating: Warm the slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. This helps keep the crescent rolls flaky instead of soggy, which can happen if you microwave them.
Make Taco Night Special with a Taco Crescent Ring
The Taco Crescent Ring is a fun twist on regular tacos, combining all the tasty flavors with a buttery, flaky crust. It’s easy to make, customizable, and sure to impress your family and friends. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a party, this dish will be a hit. Give it a try and make your next meal something special! The Taco Crescent Ring is a great way to bring people together for good food and fun times.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a Mexican Ring?
A Mexican ring is a fun dish similar to the Taco Crescent Ring. It usually includes Mexican-inspired ingredients like seasoned ground beef, cheese, and vegetables, all wrapped in crescent roll dough and baked until golden and flaky. It’s a great way to enjoy classic Mexican flavors in a unique and shareable form.
How to Reheat a Taco Ring?
To reheat a Taco Crescent Ring, place the slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will help keep the crescent rolls crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the rolls soggy.
How Many Calories Are in a Taco Ring?
The number of calories in a Taco Crescent Ring can vary based on the ingredients and toppings used. On average, one slice of a Taco Crescent Ring made with ground beef, cheese, and crescent rolls contains around 300-350 calories. Adding extra toppings like sour cream or guacamole will increase the calorie count.
Can You Reheat Pillsbury Crescent Rolls?
Yes, you can reheat Pillsbury Crescent Rolls. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the rolls for about 5-7 minutes until they are heated through. This will help keep them flaky and soft, just like when they were first baked.
PrintTaco Crescent Ring
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
Learn how to make a delicious Taco Crescent Ring! Perfect for any gathering, easy to make, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet (1 oz) Old El Paso™ Original Taco Seasoning Mix
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (4 oz)
- 2 cans (8 oz each) Crescent Rolls or alternative like: Pizza Dough, Pie Crust
- Shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sliced olives, and taco sauce or salsa for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until no longer pink. Drain, then return beef to skillet and add taco seasoning mix and water. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened. Stir in cheese and let mixture cool slightly.
- On an ungreased baking sheet, arrange crescent roll triangles in a circle, with short sides forming a 5-inch circle in the center (it should resemble a sun shape).
- Spoon the beef mixture onto the half of each triangle closest to the center.
- Bring each triangle of dough up over the filling, tucking it under the bottom layer to form a ring. Some filling may peek through.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve topped with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, olives, and salsa or taco sauce as desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a layer of refried beans or a sprinkle of black beans before adding the beef mixture.
- Serve with a side of guacamole or sour cream for dipping!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch