Welcome to our food blog, where we share simple yet flavorful recipes that are perfect for any occasion. Today, we’re excited to introduce a new dish that’s sure to become a family favorite: the Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake.
This recipe combines the convenience of Pillsbury crescent rolls with the bold, savory taste of tacos, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick dinner solution or a taco enthusiast seeking a fun twist on a classic dish, this recipe is for you.
Who Will Love This Recipe?
The Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake is ideal for anyone who loves the ease of crescent rolls and the rich flavors of tacos.
It’s perfect for families or individuals needing a fast, tasty weeknight dinner. This dish also shines at gatherings and potlucks, sure to impress with its simplicity and bold taste.
Why You’ll Love It
- Effortless Preparation: Pillsbury crescent rolls offer a quick, hassle-free crust that makes this dish come together in no time.
- Bold Taco Flavor: The combination of seasoned ground beef, salsa, and taco spices delivers the classic taco experience in every bite.
- Customizable: While the recipe calls for toppings like shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes, feel free to personalize it with your favorite taco additions—like sour cream, avocado, or jalapeños.
- Kid-Approved: The fun presentation of tacos in a bake form makes it a hit with kids and adults alike, offering a new way to enjoy familiar flavors.
Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 9-inch square pan or 10-inch pie plate
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) can of Pillsbury refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
- 1 pound lean ground beef (at least 80% lean)
- ¾ cup Old El Paso Thick ‘n Chunky salsa
- 2 tablespoons Old El Paso taco seasoning mix (from a 1-ounce packet)
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- Shredded lettuce (optional)
- Diced tomatoes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the crescent rolls and separate them into 8 triangles. Arrange the triangles in an ungreased 9-inch square pan or 10-inch pie plate, pressing them over the bottom and up the sides to create a crust. Make sure the seams are pinched together so the filling doesn’t leak out.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Season the Filling: Stir in the salsa and taco seasoning mix. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
- Assemble the Bake: Spoon the beef mixture into the prepared crescent roll crust. Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove from the oven and, if desired, garnish with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes. Slice into portions and serve warm. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for the best Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake
- Crispier Crust Hack: For an extra crisp bottom, pre-bake the crescent roll crust for 5 minutes before adding the filling.
- No-Soggy Bottom Tip: Let the taco meat cool slightly before adding it to the crust. Hot filling straight from the skillet can make the dough a bit soft.
- Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for extra heat.
Topping Suggestions
- Classic Toppings: Sour cream, guacamole, sliced black olives, fresh cilantro
- Crunch Factor: Crushed tortilla chips or crispy fried onions on top before baking
- Extra Cheese: A mix of Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a gooey, melty upgrade
Serving Ideas
- Side Pairings: Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple side salad.
- Family Style: Cut into squares and let everyone customize with their favorite toppings.
- Brunch Twist: Add scrambled eggs before baking for a breakfast taco bake!
How to Store and Reheat
Storing Leftovers:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- Oven Method (best for crispiness): Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave (faster but softer crust): Heat individual portions for 30-60 seconds.
Freezing Instructions:
- Wrap tightly in foil or a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake is an absolute delight—flaky, cheesy, and packed with Tex-Mex flavors in every bite. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy enough for a weekend treat but easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or as delicious leftovers, it’s bound to be a new favorite in your rotation. Now, grab a plate, pile on your favorite toppings, and dig in! Bon appétit!
Print
Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) can of Pillsbury refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
- 1 pound lean ground beef (at least 80% lean)
- ¾ cup Old El Paso Thick ‘n Chunky salsa
- 2 tablespoons Old El Paso taco seasoning mix (from a 1-ounce packet)
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- Shredded lettuce (optional)
- Diced tomatoes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the crescent rolls and separate them into 8 triangles. Arrange the triangles in an ungreased 9-inch square pan or 10-inch pie plate, pressing them over the bottom and up the sides to create a crust. Make sure the seams are pinched together so the filling doesn’t leak out.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Season the Filling: Stir in the salsa and taco seasoning mix. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
- Assemble the Bake: Spoon the beef mixture into the prepared crescent roll crust. Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove from the oven and, if desired, garnish with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes. Slice into portions and serve warm. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American