Taco Ring
Short, Catchy Intro:
So you are craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. Enter the Taco Ring: all the fun of tacos minus the juggling of tortillas, plus the satisfying pop of crescent roll dough. It looks fancy enough to impress your nonna and easy enough to make on a weeknight when your energy is in short supply. Let us get cheesy.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Why is this taco ring so amazing? First, it is basically a party in pastry form. You get crunchy edges, gooey cheese, and savory taco meat all in one sliceable ring. It is idiot proof enough that even if you get distracted scrolling through your phone, it will still come out golden and delicious.
Want to bring a side? Try a light pasta or something green. If you are into quick mouthwatering combos, check out this light spring pasta roundup for an easy pairing. FYI this ring also travels well to potlucks and game day. IMO, it is the perfect lazy chef flex.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning
- 2 (8 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened and cubed
- 1/2 cup mild or medium salsa
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or 1 lightly beaten egg optional for glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, sour cream optional but highly recommended
Yes this is basically the full taco experience disguised as a ring. Keep the cream cheese and salsa handy unless you enjoy dry mouth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Surface
Preheat your oven to 375°F 190°C. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. This step matters. Do not skip it.Brown and Drain Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium high heat cook 1 pound of lean ground beef breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease thoroughly. You want flavor not a grease slick.Flavor the Taco Filling
Return the drained ground beef to the skillet. Stir in 1 1 ounce packet taco seasoning mix and 3 4 cup water. Bring to a gentle simmer then reduce heat to low and cook for about 5 minutes or until most liquid has been absorbed and the mixture has thickened slightly.Create a Creamy, Cheesy Base
Remove the skillet from heat. Add 4 ounces softened cubed cream cheese and 1 2 cup mild or medium salsa to the warm meat mixture. Stir gently until the cream cheese is fully melted and smoothly incorporated creating a rich velvety sauce. Then stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or a Mexican blend until just melted and gooey.Assemble the Crescent Roll Ring Base
Unroll both cans of refrigerated crescent dinner rolls. On your prepared baking sheet arrange all 16 crescent roll triangles in a large circle. The wider ends should overlap slightly in the center and the pointed ends should extend outward. Press the wide ends together gently where they overlap in the center to seal them.Add the Flavorful Filling
Spoon the prepared ground beef filling evenly onto the wide end of each crescent roll triangle placing the filling closer to the center of the ring on the part of the dough that overlaps. Distribute the filling as evenly as possible around the entire ring ensuring not to overfill. Overfilling equals leaks and sad stove tops.Fold and Seal Your Taco Ring
Take the pointed end of each crescent roll triangle and fold it up and over the filling tucking the point underneath the wide end of the crescent roll dough toward the center of the ring. Gently press the edges of the dough together to seal the filling inside. Work your way around the entire ring until all points are folded over and the filling is enclosed.Optional Glaze for a Golden Finish
For an extra golden brown and slightly glossy finish you can brush the top of the crescent dough with 1 tablespoon of melted butter or a lightly beaten egg. This step is entirely optional but adds a lovely professional touch. I do it because life is short and crust is forever.Bake to Golden Perfection
Carefully transfer the baking sheet with your assembled Taco Ring to the preheated 375°F 190°C oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the crescent rolls are puffed up beautifully golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to prevent over browning.Serve Your Irresistible Taco Ring
Once baked remove the Taco Ring from the oven and let it rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Gently slide it onto a large serving platter or cutting board. Arrange fresh colorful toppings such as shredded lettuce diced tomatoes red onion avocado guacamole sour cream and extra salsa in the center of the ring. Using a sharp knife cut the Taco Ring into individual slices and serve warm immediately encouraging everyone to customize their slice with their favorite fresh toppings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Thinking you do not need to preheat the oven rookie mistake. Your dough will sulk and not puff properly.
- Overstuffing the crescents. If the filling is bulging you will end up with molten cheese lava everywhere. Not worth it.
- Skipping the drain step. Fat and soggy filling equals sad ring. Drain the meat. Just do it.
- Folding sloppily. Seal those seams or the filling will stage an escape. A quick press with a fork helps.
- Forgetting to rest before slicing. Hot cheese will commit crimes if you cut it too soon. Let it settle.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Use ground turkey or chicken if you want a leaner option. The seasoning does the heavy lifting here.
- Vegetarian? Swap the meat for seasoned black beans or crumbled tofu. Add corn and bell peppers for texture.
- No cream cheese on hand? Mix a bit of sour cream with shredded cheese for a creamy vibe. It is not the same but it is still good.
- Gluten free? Use a gluten free crescent roll dough if you can find one or try crescent-style puff pastry. Results vary but still tasty.
- Want more heat? Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a chopped jalapeno to the meat mix. I judge no one.
These swaps keep the spirit of the dish intact while letting you play chef. Mix and match like you own the place.
FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
Q What if I only have margarine instead of butter for the glaze
A Technically yes you can use margarine but use real butter if you want the best flavor. Margarine will work in a pinch.
Q Can I assemble this ahead of time and bake later
A Sure you can assemble and refrigerate for a few hours then bake when ready. If you plan to wait overnight wrap tightly to prevent the dough from drying out.
Q Can I freeze the taco ring
A Yes freeze whole or in slices. Reheat in the oven until hot and crispy again. Microwave will melt but will lose crispness.
Q How do I keep the ring from getting soggy in the middle
A Make sure you drain the meat well and avoid overloading the crescents. A short bake to set the filling helps too.
Q Can I use homemade crescent dough or puff pastry
A Absolutely go for it. Puff pastry gives a flakier texture while homemade dough makes it extra special.
Q Is this kid friendly
A Yup kids usually love the combination of cheese and crescent rolls. Let them pick toppings for extra fun.
Q What sides go well with this
A A simple green salad or some chips and salsa work great. Also roasted veggies if you want to feel virtuous.
Final Thoughts
You just made a crowd pleasing stash of cheesy taco goodness with very little drama. This recipe looks like you put in effort but feels more like kitchen magic. Let it cool slightly before slicing so your slices hold together. Now go impress someone or just eat the whole ring yourself I will not tell. Enjoy the crunch, the melty cheese, and the smug smile that comes with serving something this delicious.
Conclusion
Hungry for more takes on this idea or the original classic? Check out this version from Feast for a Fraction for a slightly different spin on the concept with helpful photos Taco Crescent Ring – Feast for a Fraction. If you want the official style and step visuals try this recipe on Pillsbury for a trusted classic guide Taco Crescent Ring Recipe – Pillsbury.com.
Now go bake something that makes people clap. You earned it.
Print
Taco Ring
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A delicious and easy taco ring made with crescent rolls, ground beef, cream cheese, and topped with your favorite taco toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning
- 2 (8 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1/2 cup mild or medium salsa
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or 1 lightly beaten egg (optional for glaze)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, sour cream (optional but highly recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned (about 5 to 7 minutes). Drain excess grease.
- Return beef to skillet, stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for about 5 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
- Add cream cheese and salsa to the meat mixture and stir until smooth. Then, mix in the shredded cheese until melted.
- Unroll crescent rolls and arrange in a circle on the baking sheet, overlapping the wide ends.
- Spoon the meat mixture onto the wide ends of the crescent rolls.
- Fold the pointed ends over the filling and tuck them underneath the dough.
- Brush with melted butter or egg for a glaze (optional).
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve with toppings.
Notes
Make sure to drain the meat well and avoid overstuffing the crescents for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: taco ring, crescent roll recipe, easy taco dinner, party food, weeknight meal
