Craving tacos but short on time? This All Recipes Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake is the perfect solution! It's a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that's surprisingly simple to make. Forget complicated taco night prep; this recipe delivers big on flavor and fun, using readily available ingredients and minimal cleanup. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or even a fun family activity. Get ready for a flavor explosion that everyone will love!
Ingredients:
- 1 (8 ounce) can refrigerated Pillsbury crescent rolls
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa (your favorite kind!)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, lettuce, tomatoes
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
Prepare the Taco Meat:
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning. Drain off any excess grease.
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Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the beef is well seasoned.
Assemble the Bake:
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Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles. Press the seams together to create a smooth surface. This will help the crescent rolls bake evenly and create a nice, cohesive crust.
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Arrange the crescent roll triangles in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping them to create a crust.
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Spread the seasoned ground beef evenly over the crescent roll crust. Ensure the meat is distributed to all corners of the dish.
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Sprinkle the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the beef. The melted cheese adds a creamy, delicious element to the bake.
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Pour the salsa evenly over the cheese. The salsa adds a zingy kick and balances the richness of the meat and cheese.
Bake & Serve:
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Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning.
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Let the taco bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, lettuce, and tomatoes.
Tips for Success:
- For extra flavor, add a diced onion and bell pepper to the ground beef while it's browning.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Pepper Jack or a Mexican blend would also be delicious.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, use a hotter taco seasoning or add some diced jalapeños.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Chicken Taco Bake: Substitute ground chicken for the ground beef.
- Vegetarian Taco Bake: Use vegetarian ground crumbles or black beans instead of meat.
- Spicy Taco Bake: Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This All Recipes Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake is a simple, delicious, and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that's sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy!