Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work just as well. Just be sure to season aggressively, so the filling stays flavorful.

Do I need to pre-bake the crescent roll crust?

No pre-baking required. The dough cooks perfectly while the filling heats through—just make sure it’s an even thickness across the bottom.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

You can! Assemble up to the baking step and refrigerate, covered, for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if starting from cold.

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

Let the beef cool a few minutes before layering it over the dough, and avoid adding too-wet toppings before baking. Save the lettuce and tomato for after it’s out of the oven.

Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake Recipe

Description

This easy Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake combines seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh toppings all baked atop buttery crescent rolls for a delicious taco-inspired casserole perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. Customize it with your favorite garnishes for a crowd-pleasing meal ready in just over 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Dough Base

2 cans Pillsbury crescent rolls

Filling

1 lb. ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Toppings & Garnish

Shredded lettuce (as desired)
1 cup tomatoes, chopped
Sour cream, for garnish
Chopped green onions, for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat while you prepare the other ingredients.
Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until completely browned. Drain off any excess fat.
Season the beef: Stir the taco seasoning into the browned beef, mixing until fully combined and the meat is evenly coated.
Prepare the crescent roll crust: Unroll the crescent roll dough from the tubes. Arrange and press the pieces into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan or casserole dish, covering as evenly as possible. Depending on your dish, you may not need all the dough.
Add filling and cheese: Evenly layer the cooked, seasoned ground beef onto the dough. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese, distributing it across the surface.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent roll dough is golden brown and cooked through and the cheese is bubbly.
Cool and add toppings: Allow the baked taco dish to cool for about 10 minutes. Then top with shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes.
Garnish and serve: If desired, garnish with dollops of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy while warm!

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef if preferred.
For extra flavor, add black olives, jalapeños, or black beans to the filling.
The bake reheats well for leftovers the next day.
If using a different dish size, adjust the amount of crescent dough as needed so the base isn’t too thick.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of bake
Calories: 390
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 820mg
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 56mg