Description
Taco Crescent Ring
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning mix
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent rolls
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup sliced black olives
1/2 cup shredded lettuce
1/2 cup sour cream (for garnish)
Directions
Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Taco Filling:
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess grease. Stir in taco seasoning mix and 1/4 cup water. Cook until thickened, about 2 minutes.
Arrange the Crescent Rolls:
On a large baking sheet or pizza pan, arrange crescent roll triangles in a circle, with the wide ends overlapping in the center and the points facing outward (it should look like a sun).
Add Filling:
Spoon the seasoned beef mixture onto the wide ends of the crescent rolls. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
Fold and Seal:
Fold the pointed ends of the crescent rolls over the filling, tucking them under the wide ends to create a ring.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown.
Garnish and Serve:
Let the ring cool slightly. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and black olives. Place sour cream in the center for dipping.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 280 kcal per serving
#TacoCrescentRing #EasyAppetizers #TacoTuesday #PartyFood #CrescentRollRecipes
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect ring every time. After preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), brown one pound of ground beef in a skillet. Once fully cooked, drain the excess grease thoroughly. Add one packet of taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water, simmering for 2-3 minutes until a thick, cohesive filling forms. Set this aside to cool slightly.
On a large, ungreased baking sheet or pizza pan, unroll the two cans of crescent dough. Separate the triangles and arrange them in a circle with the wide ends overlapping in the center by about an inch, forming a 5-inch diameter circle. The pointed ends should face outward, creating a sun-like shape. Spoon the warm taco filling evenly over the wide ends of the dough circle. Immediately sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef.
Carefully lift each dough point and fold it over the filling, tucking the tip under the wide inner base to secure it. The filling will be partially exposed. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crescent dough is a deep, golden brown. Let the ring rest on the pan for 5-10 minutes before garnishing to prevent it from falling apart.
Serving Suggestions
This Taco Crescent Ring is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a stunning centerpiece for game day or a party, placing small bowls of extra sour cream, salsa, and guacamole around it. For a family dinner, pair it with sides like Spanish rice, refried beans, or a simple corn salad. The ring also makes excellent next-day leftovers; reheat slices in the air fryer for a crispy finish.
How-to Summary
In summary: Cook seasoned taco beef. Arrange crescent triangles in a circle on a pan. Layer beef and cheese on the wide ends. Fold points over and tuck to form a ring. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 mins until golden. Garnish with lettuce, tomato, olives, and sour cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different protein? Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat substitute work perfectly. Just ensure it’s well-seasoned.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? You can prepare the filling and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Assemble the ring just before baking for the best texture.
My ring fell apart. What happened? This is often due to overfilling or not properly tucking the dough points under the base. Ensure a good seal and don’t overstuff the center.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for best results, as the microwave can make the dough soggy.
Can I add other fillings? Absolutely! Drained canned corn, black beans, diced green chiles, or jalapeños can be mixed into the beef filling for extra flavor and texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls: First, not draining the cooked beef well, which can make the dough greasy and soggy. Second, using hot filling directly from the skillet, which can melt the crescent dough prematurely and make it hard to handle—let it cool for 5 minutes. Third, placing the garnishes like lettuce and tomato before baking; they should always be added fresh after baking. Finally, skipping the “tucking under” step when forming the ring, which is crucial for maintaining its shape during baking.
Conclusion
The Taco Crescent Ring is the ultimate fusion of easy preparation and impressive presentation. It takes familiar, beloved flavors and transforms them into a shareable, fun meal perfect for any casual gathering or weeknight dinner. By following this enhanced guide and tips, you can avoid common errors and create a delicious, golden-brown masterpiece that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Enjoy your culinary creation!