This Easy Cheesy Beef Taco Ring is a crowd-pleaser. A buttery crescent roll crust holds seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, bright tomatoes, and onions. It bakes to a golden brown and smells warm, savory, and irresistible. Slice it like a pie and serve with sour cream, salsa, and crisp lettuce for a fun, shareable meal.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories per serving: 400 kcal
- Protein: 26 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fat: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
Why Make This Easy Cheesy Beef Taco Ring
This taco ring turns taco night into a hands-on, shareable dish. It combines familiar taco flavors with a crispy, golden crescent crust. The filling stays warm and gooey, and the ring slices like a pie for easy serving. It’s fast, family-friendly, and great for potlucks or casual dinners when you want something flavorful with little fuss.
How to Make Easy Cheesy Beef Taco Ring
Follow simple steps to build the ring, fill it, and bake until golden. The result is a crisp exterior and a juicy, cheesy center that smells rich and savory.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Lettuce (for garnish)
- Salsa (for serving)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Unroll the crescent roll dough and arrange the triangles in a large ring on the sheet, overlapping the edges so they form a continuous circle. Leave the center open for the filling.
Step 2: Sautéing the Beef and Seasoning
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning and follow the package instructions (usually add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup water and simmer until the sauce thickens). Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 3: Assembling and Baking
Spoon the seasoned beef into the center of the crescent ring so it fills the middle. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the beef. Scatter the diced tomatoes and chopped onions on top. Fold each crescent point over the filling, tucking the tips under the center to secure the ring. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the crescent dough turns golden brown and the cheese melts. Watch the crust; you want a deep golden color and a crisp texture.
Step 4: Cooling and Garnishing
Remove the taco ring from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes so the filling firms slightly. Garnish with shredded lettuce if you like. Slice like a pie and serve with sour cream and salsa on the side. The warm, melty cheese and seasoned beef will release a savory aroma and the crust will be flaky and buttery.
How to Serve Easy Cheesy Beef Taco Ring
Serve slices with a dollop of sour cream, a spoonful of salsa, and shredded lettuce on the side. Add sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños, or cilantro for extra brightness. This ring works well as a party appetizer (cut into smaller wedges) or a main dish with a simple side salad or Mexican rice.
How to Store Easy Cheesy Beef Taco Ring
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat single slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, or microwave for 45–60 seconds for a quick fix (the oven keeps the crust crisper).
Expert Tips for Perfect Easy Cheesy Beef Taco Ring
- Drain the beef well. Removing excess fat prevents a soggy crust.
- Let the filling cool slightly before folding the dough. Hot filling can make the dough difficult to handle.
- For a shinier crust, brush the crescent dough with an egg wash (1 beaten egg + 1 tbsp water) before baking.
- Use a mix of cheeses for more flavor: sharp cheddar plus Monterey Jack or pepper jack adds creaminess and bite.
- Avoid overfilling. Too much filling makes it hard to fold and may leak during baking.
- Pre-toast onions in the beef for a milder, sweeter flavor if you don’t like raw crunch.
- If you prefer extra crisp, bake on a preheated pizza stone or aluminum sheet to boost direct heat.
Delicious Variations
- Turkey Taco Ring: Substitute ground turkey and reduce cook time slightly.
- Vegetarian Taco Ring: Use a can of drained black beans or seasoned crumbled tofu instead of meat. Add corn and bell peppers.
- Spicy Ring: Mix chopped jalapeños into the filling and use pepper jack cheese.
- Breakfast Taco Ring: Use cooked sausage or bacon, scrambled eggs, and cheddar for a morning twist.
- Bean & Cheese Ring: Add refried beans beneath the beef for a creamy layer and extra texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble the ring on the baking sheet, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. For longer storage, freeze assembled but unbaked and bake from frozen with extra time.
Q: Can I use a different dough?
A: Yes. Puff pastry or homemade biscuit dough both work. Puff pastry gives a flakier, lighter crust. If using puff pastry, brush with egg wash and watch closely as it may brown faster.
Q: How do I prevent a soggy bottom?
A: Drain the cooked beef well and avoid watery toppings. Pat tomatoes dry or drain excess liquid. Bake on a preheated sheet for better crisping. Allow the ring to rest 5 minutes before slicing.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use a gluten-free crescent-style dough or make a gluten-free pastry shell. Check that the taco seasoning and other packaged ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: The spice level depends on the taco seasoning and toppings. Use mild seasoning if you want less heat. Add hot sauce or jalapeños for more kick.
Q: How do I reheat slices without drying them out?
A: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes covered loosely with foil to retain moisture, then unwrap for 2–3 minutes to crisp the crust. The microwave works for convenience but softens the crust.
Conclusion
This Easy Cheesy Beef Taco Ring is a simple, flavorful crowd-pleaser that looks impressive but takes little effort. The golden, flaky crust and melty, savory filling make every slice satisfying. If you want another take or inspiration for shaping and fillings, check this helpful guide: Crescent Roll Taco Ring – Princess Pinky Girl. Give it a try—you’ll love how it brings taco flavors to the table in a shareable, fun form.
Print
Easy Cheesy Beef Taco Ring
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A buttery crescent roll crust filled with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, bright tomatoes, and onions, perfect for a fun, shareable meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Lettuce (for garnish)
- Salsa (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and arrange the triangles in a large ring on the sheet, overlapping the edges so they form a continuous circle.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and follow package instructions. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Spoon seasoned beef into the center of the crescent ring. Sprinkle shredded cheese over beef, then add diced tomatoes and onions.
- Fold each crescent point over the filling, tucking the tips under the center to secure the ring.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and cheese melts.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, garnish with shredded lettuce, then slice and serve with sour cream and salsa.
Notes
For a shinier crust, brush the crescent dough with an egg wash before baking. Make sure to drain the beef well to avoid a soggy crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
