Cheesy Taco Crescent Ring Recipe

Introduction

The Cheesy Taco Crescent Ring is a fun and flavorful twist on classic tacos, wrapped in a golden, flaky crescent roll. It’s perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy family dinner, offering a delicious and easy-to-share meal.

A round layered dish shaped like a wreath sits on a white marbled surface, featuring a base layer of golden-brown, flaky pastry forming ring segments with visible thin layers and a shiny crust. Between the pastry segments is a hearty layer of cooked, crumbled ground meat with a rich brown color and a slightly crumbly texture. On top of the meat is a melted layer of bright yellow-orange cheddar cheese, oozing slightly down the sides of the meat and pastry. Scattered over the cheese are small pieces of fresh red tomato and chopped green cilantro, adding vibrant color contrast. The dish is arranged in a perfect circular shape, and the close-up view highlights the textures and freshness. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese
  • 1 small can diced green chiles (optional)
  • ½ small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 Roma tomato, diced
  • ½ cup shredded lettuce
  • Guacamole or diced avocado
  • Sour cream
  • Lime wedges (optional)
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro (optional)
  • Hot sauce or jalapeños (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, about 7–9 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  3. Step 3: Add the taco seasoning and 2/3 cup water to the beef. Stir and simmer for 4–5 minutes until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the beef is well seasoned.
  4. Step 4: Turn off the heat and mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the Monterey Jack. Add diced green chiles if using. Let the mixture cool for 5 minutes.
  5. Step 5: On the prepared baking sheet, arrange the crescent rolls in a ring shape. Overlap the wide ends in the center, creating a sun-like pattern with the pointed tips facing outward. Press down to secure the inner circle.
  6. Step 6: Spoon the taco beef mixture around the center where the dough overlaps. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the filling.
  7. Step 7: Fold the pointed dough ends over the filling and tuck them under the inside edge of the ring. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—the dough is forgiving.
  8. Step 8: Bake for 20–25 minutes until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and let the ring sit for 5 minutes. Fill the center with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, and avocado or guacamole.
  10. Step 10: Serve with sour cream, salsa, or your favorite dip placed in the center for easy grabbing and dunking.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra heat, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture or as a topping.
  • Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • Use your favorite cheese blend for a customized flavor—try pepper jack for a spicy kick.
  • If fresh tomatoes are out of season, use a dollop of salsa instead for added flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until warmed through to maintain the crescent roll’s crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the dough flaky.

How to Serve

A round pastry ring with a golden-brown, flaky crust, divided into sections by slits that reveal a layer of cooked ground meat inside. On top, melted yellow cheddar cheese drips slightly over the edges, adding a creamy texture. Small diced red tomatoes and fresh green cilantro are scattered over the cheese, adding bright red and green colors for freshness. The pastry sits on a white plate with a white marbled surface background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble the ring a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Bake just before serving for the best texture.

Can I freeze the cheesy taco crescent ring?

Yes, you can freeze the baked ring wrapped tightly in foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven before serving.

Print

Cheesy Taco Crescent Ring Recipe

This Cheesy Taco Crescent Ring is a fun and flavorful Tex-Mex inspired appetizer or main dish that combines seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, and crescent dough baked into a golden, crispy ring. Perfect for parties and family dinners, it’s topped with fresh veggies and served with creamy sour cream and guacamole for a deliciously satisfying meal.

  • Author: Tara
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Ingredients

Scale

Base

  • 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls

Beef Filling

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese
  • 1 small can diced green chiles (optional)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Toppings

  • ½ small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 Roma tomato, diced
  • ½ cup shredded lettuce
  • Guacamole or diced avocado
  • Sour cream (for serving)
  • Lime wedges (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro (optional garnish)
  • Hot sauce or jalapeños (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
  2. Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef. Cook it thoroughly for about 7 to 9 minutes until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the filling from being greasy.
  3. Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and 2/3 cup of water. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 4 to 5 minutes, letting the liquid reduce and the beef absorb the flavors.
  4. Mix in Cheese and Chiles: Remove the skillet from heat. Mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar and the Monterey Jack cheese along with the diced green chiles if using. Let the filling cool for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
  5. Prepare Crescent Ring: On the prepared baking sheet, arrange the crescent roll dough in a ring shape by overlapping the wide ends in the center, creating a sun-like pattern with the pointed tips facing outward. Press down the inner circle to secure the dough.
  6. Add Filling: Spoon the beef and cheese mixture evenly around the overlapping dough in the center of the ring. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the filling for extra cheesiness.
  7. Fold Dough Over Filling: Carefully fold the pointed ends of the crescent rolls over the filling and tuck them under the inside edge of the ring to enclose the filling. The dough doesn’t need to be perfect as it will puff and seal while baking.
  8. Bake: Place the ring in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
  9. Cool and Add Fresh Toppings: Remove from oven and let the ring rest for about 5 minutes. Fill the center of the ring with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, and guacamole or sliced avocado to add fresh, crisp textures.
  10. Serve: Serve warm with sour cream, salsa, and optionally lime wedges, cilantro, and hot sauce on the side for dipping and additional flavor.

Notes

  • For a spicier version, add jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.
  • The diced green chiles are optional but add a nice mild heat and flavor.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Make sure to drain excess grease from cooked beef to avoid a soggy crust.
  • If you prefer, add black beans or corn to the filling for extra texture and nutrition.
  • Letting the filling cool before adding to the dough helps prevent sogginess.

Keywords: taco crescent ring, cheesy crescent ring, Tex-Mex appetizer, ground beef crescent, party appetizer, cheesy taco ring

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