Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake

Instructions

1. 1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the crescent rolls bake perfectly golden and crisp while the taco filling heats through. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. You can also use non-stick cooking spray for a quick and easy alternative.
   2. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil or non-stick spray over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or ground turkey) to the skillet and break it up with a spatula. Cook for about 7-10 minutes, or until the meat is browned and fully cooked, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. If there’s excess grease, drain it off before proceeding. Ground turkey is a leaner option, but if you prefer a richer flavor, ground beef will provide a more traditional taco taste.
   3. Season the meat: Once the meat is fully cooked, sprinkle the taco seasoning mix over the meat, and stir to combine. Add about ½ cup of water to the skillet (or follow the instructions on the seasoning packet for water amount), and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the seasoning has fully absorbed into the meat and the mixture has thickened slightly. The taco seasoning will infuse the meat with a savory, flavorful punch that’s the hallmark of taco filling. You can adjust the seasoning to taste by adding a pinch of salt, pepper, or even some hot sauce if you prefer extra spice.
   4. Prepare the crescent rolls: While the meat mixture is simmering, open the two cans of Pillsbury Original Crescent Rolls. Unroll the dough and separate it into the individual triangles. Starting at the center of the prepared baking dish, arrange the crescent roll triangles so they form a crust that lines the bottom of the dish. The edges of the triangles should hang over the sides of the dish, as you’ll fold them over the filling later. Make sure to press the seams together to prevent any gaps, which will help contain the filling and prevent it from spilling out during baking.
   5. Assemble the taco bake: Once the ground beef mixture is ready, spoon it evenly over the crescent roll crust in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out into an even layer. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend) evenly over the meat, allowing the cheese to melt and meld with the taco filling as it bakes. If you’re using salsa, you can drizzle it over the top at this point for added flavor, though this step is optional if you prefer a drier filling.
   6. Fold the crescent rolls: Carefully fold the overhanging edges of the crescent roll dough over the taco filling. The dough should partially cover the top of the filling, leaving some of the cheese exposed for a golden, crispy finish. Don’t worry if the dough isn’t fully covering the top; some gaps will allow the filling to peek through and create a beautiful presentation once baked.
   7. Bake the taco bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent roll dough is golden brown and fully cooked. The edges of the dough should be crisp, and the cheese on top should be melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on the taco bake during the last few minutes of baking to ensure the crescent rolls don’t over-brown. If needed, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil for the last few minutes to prevent the top from becoming too dark.