Taco Crescent Beef Pie has become my go-to weeknight savior! I remember the first time I made this, the aroma of seasoned beef and baking crescent rolls filled my kitchen, and my family practically ran to the table. It’s such a comforting and satisfying meal, with that irresistible combination of flaky, buttery crust and savory, cheesy taco filling. This isn’t just any taco pie; it’s a delicious ground beef crescent roll pie that’s as easy to assemble as it is to devour. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s quick to whip up, you’ve found it. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Taco Crescent Beef Pie
Get ready to fall in love with this fantastic dinner! It’s the perfect blend of convenience and flavor, making it a winner for busy nights.
- Super Quick Prep: You can have this on the table in under an hour, making it ideal for any night of the week.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike adore this comforting dish, especially with its cheesy goodness.
- Effortless Assembly: The crescent roll crust makes this an incredibly simple bake – truly an easy taco crescent beef bake.
- Flavor Explosion: Savory seasoned beef combined with salsa and melted cheese creates an unforgettable taste.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize it with your favorite fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, or sour cream.
- Irresistibly Cheesy: Who can resist a gooey, melted cheese topping? This cheesy taco crescent pie is pure indulgence.
- Minimal Cleanup: Often, you only need one pan for the filling, making cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients for Taco Crescent Beef Pie
Here’s everything you need to create this delightful taco crescent beef pie. This simple list ensures you have all the components for a flavorful taco crescent beef pie filling.
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent dinner rolls – This forms the flaky, golden crust that makes this pie so special.
- 1 lb lean ground beef (at least 80% lean) – The star protein for our savory filling.
- 3/4 cup thick and chunky salsa – Adds moisture, tang, and a little kick to the beef mixture.
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix – The essential blend of spices that gives our filling its signature taco flavor.
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully over the beef filling for that irresistible cheesy goodness.
- Shredded lettuce for garnish – Adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the warm pie.
- Diced tomato for garnish – Brings a burst of juicy freshness and color.
How to Make Taco Crescent Beef Pie
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying Taco Crescent Beef Pie that your whole family will love. This recipe makes the process of creating a beef taco crescent casserole incredibly straightforward.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, unroll the can of crescent dinner rolls. Separate them into 8 individual triangles. Carefully press the dough pieces into an ungreased 9-inch square pan or a 10-inch pie plate. Overlap them slightly to form a complete crust, making sure to press the dough up the sides of the pan.
- Step 2: In a 10-inch skillet, add the lean ground beef. Cook over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until it’s thoroughly cooked through and no pink remains. Drain off any excess fat from the skillet; you want a clean, savory base for your filling.
- Step 3: Stir the thick and chunky salsa and the taco seasoning mix directly into the cooked ground beef in the skillet. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating that irresistible taco aroma.
- Step 4: Spoon the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the prepared crescent roll crust in the pan. Make sure to distribute it so every slice gets a good amount of filling. Then, sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the beef mixture.
- Step 5: Place the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for the crescent roll crust to turn a deep golden brown and the cheese to be completely melted and bubbly. The kitchen will smell amazing!
- Step 6: Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the Taco Crescent Beef Pie from the oven. Let it cool for just a few minutes before topping with fresh shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes as desired. Serving it hot ensures the cheese is gooey and the crust is perfectly crisp. Now you know how to make taco crescent beef pie!
Pro Tips for the Best Taco Crescent Beef Pie
Want to elevate your Taco Crescent Beef Pie? Try these simple tricks for guaranteed deliciousness every time you make this easy bake.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure your crescent dough pieces have a little room to expand in the pan so the crust bakes up evenly and gets crispy.
- Drain Beef Well: Properly draining the grease from the ground beef is crucial for a clean flavor and to prevent a greasy filling.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: While not strictly necessary for this recipe, having your eggs (if used in other variations) and cheese at room temperature can help them incorporate better.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture if you like a little extra heat.
What’s the secret to perfect Taco Crescent Beef Pie?
The key is the balance of a flaky, golden crust with a savory, well-seasoned filling. This taco crescent pie recipe easy to follow, but ensuring your beef is well-drained and the salsa and taco seasoning are simmered together really amps up the flavor.
Can I make Taco Crescent Beef Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef filling and press out the crescent dough crust up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Taco Crescent Beef Pie?
A common pitfall is a soggy crust; always drain your beef thoroughly and don’t over-sauce the filling. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated so the crescent dough bakes up golden and crisp, not doughy, for a perfect cheesy beef crescent roll pie.
Best Ways to Serve Taco Crescent Beef Pie
This versatile Taco Crescent Beef Pie is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides to make it a true feast. It’s a fantastic taco crescent pie dinner idea that satisfies everyone.
- Classic Tex-Mex Sides: Serve it alongside a scoop of fluffy Spanish rice or creamy refried beans. A side of corn salsa or black bean and corn salad also complements the flavors beautifully.
- Fresh & Green: A simple chopped salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette is a refreshing counterpoint to the rich pie. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a side of guacamole for extra creaminess.
- Soup & Pie Combo: For a heartier meal, try pairing a slice of this cheesy pie with a warm bowl of tortilla soup or a hearty chili. The combination is incredibly comforting and delicious.
Nutrition Facts for Taco Crescent Beef Pie
Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious taco crescent beef pie. This information helps you understand the components of this satisfying meal.
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of pie)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 21 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Taco Crescent Beef Pie
This Taco Crescent Beef Pie is fantastic for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy leftovers. To store, let any leftover pie cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, you can wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place them in an airtight container. This method works well for both refrigeration and freezing, ensuring your simple taco crescent beef bake stays fresh.
In the refrigerator, your Taco Crescent Beef Pie will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. If you plan to freeze it, wrap it well to prevent freezer burn. While the crescent roll crust can become a little softer upon thawing, it’s still delicious. For the best results, freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, you have a couple of options. For refrigerated pie, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, it will take longer, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual slices for a quick reheat, though the crust may not be as crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions About Taco Crescent Beef Pie
What is Taco Crescent Beef Pie?
A Taco Crescent Beef Pie is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that combines seasoned ground beef and melted cheese nestled inside a flaky, golden crescent roll crust. It’s a comforting and flavorful meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Think of it as a savory pie with all the delicious flavors of tacos!
Can I use different types of cheese in this taco crescent pie ground beef recipe?
Absolutely! While Cheddar is fantastic, feel free to experiment. Monterey Jack, a Mexican blend, Colby, or even pepper jack cheese work wonderfully. The key is to use a cheese that melts well and complements the taco flavors. You can even mix two types for a more complex cheesy profile in your taco crescent pie ground beef recipe.
What are some other topping ideas for Taco Crescent Beef Pie?
Beyond lettuce and tomato, you can add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, some fresh cilantro, sliced black olives, pickled jalapeños for a kick, or even a drizzle of avocado crema. These additions can really elevate the flavor and texture of your taco crescent beef pie filling.
How do I ensure the crescent roll crust is fully cooked?
Make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature (375°F). Pressing the dough slightly up the sides of the pan helps it cook evenly. If the top is browning too quickly but the crust isn’t done, you can loosely tent the pie with foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking to prevent burning while allowing the crust to finish cooking.
Variations of Taco Crescent Beef Pie You Can Try
Looking to switch things up? This versatile Taco Crescent Beef Pie is easy to adapt. Here are a few delicious variations to explore, making it even more of a quick crescent roll taco pie.
- Spicy Fiesta Pie: Add a can of drained diced green chilies or a chopped jalapeño to the beef mixture for a spicy kick. You could also swap the Cheddar cheese for a pepper jack blend.
- Vegetarian Delight: Skip the beef and use seasoned black beans or lentils as your filling. Add corn and bell peppers for extra flavor and texture in this easy ground beef crescent pie alternative.
- Chicken Taco Pie: Instead of ground beef, use shredded cooked chicken seasoned with taco seasoning. This is a great way to use up leftover chicken and create a different flavor profile.
- Air Fryer Option: For a quicker bake, consider using an air fryer! You might need to bake in batches or use a smaller pie plate, but it can result in an extra crispy crust.
Taco Crescent Beef Pie: Amazing 1-Hour Dinner
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 Servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy Taco Crescent Beef Pie recipe features a flaky crescent roll crust filled with seasoned ground beef and melted cheddar cheese, topped with fresh lettuce and tomatoes. It’s a perfect family dinner that’s quick to prepare and always a hit.
Ingredients
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
- 1 lb lean ground beef (at least 80% lean)
- 3/4 cup thick and chunky salsa
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- Shredded lettuce for garnish
- Diced tomato for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Unroll crescent dough and separate into 8 triangles. Press dough over the bottom and up the sides of an ungreased 9-inch square pan or 10-inch pie plate to form a crust.
- In a 10-inch skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until thoroughly cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Stir salsa and taco seasoning mix into the cooked beef. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Spoon beef mixture into the crescent roll crust. Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
- Remove from oven and top with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes as desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- This recipe can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
- Add fresh toppings only to the portion you plan to eat immediately.
- To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and warm for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- This pie does not freeze particularly well as the crescent roll crust tends to become soggy when thawed.
- Serve with additional toppings on the side like sliced avocado, sour cream, sliced black olives, and green onions.
- Pair with a simple side salad, tortilla soup, Spanish rice, or refried beans for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Family Dinner Ideas
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of pie)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: N/A
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