Can I prepare these enchilada roll-ups ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. You can also assemble the entire dish a few hours before baking – just cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Add about 5 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

What's the best way to prevent the crescent rolls from getting soggy?

Make sure your meat mixture isn't too wet by draining it well after cooking. You can also create a barrier by sprinkling a little cheese directly on the crescent before adding the meat, which helps protect the dough from moisture.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Substitute the ground beef with a mixture of black beans and sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, corn, and onions. You could also use plant-based ground meat alternatives that would work wonderfully in this recipe.

Why are my roll-ups falling apart when I serve them?

Let the dish rest for about 5-10 minutes after baking. This gives the sauce time to thicken slightly and the roll-ups time to set up, making them easier to serve intact.

Beef Enchilada Crescent Roll-Ups Recipe

Name: Beef Enchilada Crescent Roll-Ups Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 1/2 pound lean ground beef (preferably ground sirloin); 1/2 cup salsa; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; 1 (12-ounce) can refrigerated Pillsbury Grands! crescent rolls (8 count); 1 (8-ounce) package Mexican blend shredded cheese (2 cups); 1 (15-ounce) can red enchilada sauce (e.g., Hatch); Sour cream; Diced tomato; Diced avocado; Extra salsa

This incredible Beef Enchilada Crescent Roll-Ups recipe combines the comforting flavors of Mexican enchiladas with the buttery, flaky texture of crescent rolls. Ready in just 45 minutes, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a meal that feels special enough for weekend dinners but easy enough for hectic weeknights. The combination of seasoned beef, melty cheese, and tangy enchilada sauce creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Weeknight Wonder: From start to finish in under an hour, these enchilada roll-ups are perfect when you need a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Kid-Friendly: The familiar flavors and fun, handheld format make this a hit with children and adults alike.
Versatile: Easy to customize with your favorite toppings and fillings to suit everyone’s preferences.
Budget-Friendly: Using simple, affordable ingredients that stretch to feed a family without breaking the bank.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: The star protein that brings richness and substance. Lean ground sirloin works best to avoid excess grease, but any ground beef will work.
Salsa: Adds instant flavor and moisture to the beef mixture. Choose mild, medium, or hot depending on your heat preference.
Crescent Rolls: The buttery, flaky base that replaces traditional tortillas. The Grands! variety gives you more surface area for filling.
Mexican Blend Cheese: Creates that irresistible melty, stretchy texture that makes this dish so satisfying. The pre-shredded blend saves time but you could use freshly shredded cheese for even better melting.
Enchilada Sauce: Bathes the rolls in tangy, slightly spicy flavor. Red sauce works perfectly but green would create an interesting variation.
Toppings: These take the dish from good to great! Sour cream adds creaminess, diced tomatoes bring freshness, avocado contributes buttery richness, and extra salsa kicks up the flavor.
Seasonings: Simple salt and pepper are all you need since the other ingredients already pack plenty of flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Alternatives

Switch out the ground beef for shredded chicken, ground turkey, or even vegetarian crumbles for a different twist.

Cheese Options

Try pepper jack for extra heat, cheddar for sharper flavor, or a combination of queso fresco and monterey jack for authentic Mexican taste.

Filling Additions

Add black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers to the meat mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.

Sauce Swaps

Use green enchilada sauce for a zestier tang, or try a creamy queso sauce for an indulgent variation.

How to Make Beef Enchilada Crescent Roll-Ups

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Filling

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked with no pink remaining. Drain off any excess fat to keep the filling from becoming greasy. Add the salsa and let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Fill and Roll the Crescents

Unroll each crescent triangle and place about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture on the wide end. Sprinkle a generous pinch of the shredded cheese over the meat. Starting from the wide end, roll up each crescent, tucking in any filling that tries to escape. Arrange them in your prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over all the crescent roll-ups, making sure each one gets coated. Sprinkle the remaining cheese all over the top. If you have any leftover meat mixture or filling that fell out during rolling, scatter it around the dish.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crescents turn a beautiful golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Step 6: Add Your Favorite Toppings

Finish with your choice of toppings – a dollop of sour cream, diced fresh tomatoes, creamy avocado chunks, or an extra spoonful of salsa.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overstuff: It’s tempting to add more filling, but this can make rolling difficult and cause the crescents to burst during baking.
Cooling the Filling: Let the meat mixture cool for a few minutes before handling to make rolling easier and prevent burning your fingers.
Sealing the Edges: Pinch the edges of the crescents slightly as you roll to help keep the filling inside.
Even Distribution: Make sure to pour the enchilada sauce evenly, so each roll-up gets coated for maximum flavor.
Use a Hot Skillet: When browning the beef, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the meat to get a nice sear that adds flavor.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve these enchilada roll-ups with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad with cilantro-lime dressing.

Garnish Ideas

Set up a topping bar with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced jalapeños, and fresh cilantro so everyone can customize their own.

Make it a Feast

For a full Mexican-inspired spread, add some quick guacamole, chips and salsa, and perhaps a refreshing pitcher of horchata or margaritas for the adults.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get better as they sit!

Freezing

These enchilada roll-ups freeze beautifully. Once cooled, wrap individual portions in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners!

Reheating

For best results, reheat refrigerated leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, add an extra 5-10 minutes. You can use the microwave in a pinch, but the crescents won’t be as crispy.

FAQs

Can I prepare these enchilada roll-ups ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. You can also assemble the entire dish a few hours before baking – just cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Add about 5 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
What’s the best way to prevent the crescent rolls from getting soggy?

Make sure your meat mixture isn’t too wet by draining it well after cooking. You can also create a barrier by sprinkling a little cheese directly on the crescent before adding the meat, which helps protect the dough from moisture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Substitute the ground beef with a mixture of black beans and sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, corn, and onions. You could also use plant-based ground meat alternatives that would work wonderfully in this recipe.
Why are my roll-ups falling apart when I serve them?

Let the dish rest for about 5-10 minutes after baking. This gives the sauce time to thicken slightly and the roll-ups time to set up, making them easier to serve intact.

Final Thoughts

These Beef Enchilada Crescent Roll-Ups bring together the best of two comfort food worlds – Mexican-inspired flavors wrapped in flaky, buttery pastry. They’re perfect for those nights when you want something a little special without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and flexibility – make it your own with different fillings and toppings! I hope these enchilada roll-ups bring some delicious excitement to your dinner table soon!