The Spicy Ground Beef Taco Ring is a fun and easy twist on classic tacos. Using crescent rolls as a base, this dish features a savory filling of seasoned ground beef and melty cheddar cheese, all wrapped up in a ring shape that’s as delicious as it is visually appealing. It’s the perfect dish for Taco Tuesday, a family dinner, or a quick crowd-pleaser at your next party.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 can refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, for serving
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Unroll crescent rolls on a baking sheet in a circle, with pointed ends facing outward.
- Spoon beef mixture onto the wide part of the crescent rolls. Top with shredded cheese.
- Fold pointed ends of crescent rolls over the beef and cheese, tucking under the wide part of the rolls.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve with lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Servings: 4
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with black beans, kidney beans, or a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture for an extra spicy kick.
- Cheese Variations: Swap cheddar for Mexican blend cheese, pepper jack, or a combination of your favorite cheeses.
- Add Veggies: For more crunch and flavor, toss in some sautéed bell peppers, onions, or corn to the beef mixture before filling the crescent rolls.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, use a microwave for quicker reheating, though the pastry may lose some of its crispness.
10 FAQs
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey or chicken works as a leaner substitute for ground beef.
- Can I make this ahead of time? You can prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and bake.
- Can I use homemade taco seasoning? Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite homemade taco seasoning blend.
- Can I use a different type of dough? Crescent rolls give the best texture and flavor for this recipe, but you could try puff pastry or biscuit dough as an alternative if needed.
- Is this dish spicy? The level of spiciness depends on the taco seasoning and any additional spices you add. If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for a mild taco seasoning.
- Can I freeze this taco ring? Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked taco ring. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and bake it directly from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- Can I make this without cheese? Yes, you can skip the cheese for a dairy-free version or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.
- What can I serve with the taco ring? This dish pairs well with a side of rice, guacamole, or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
- How can I make this a more balanced meal? Add extra veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to the beef mixture to boost the nutritional value.
- How do I prevent the bottom from getting soggy? Make sure the crescent rolls are placed in a well-preheated oven and don’t overstuff the rolls to allow for even cooking and crispness.
Conclusion
The Spicy Ground Beef Taco Ring is an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the flavors of tacos with a fun, visually striking presentation. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a delicious meal that’s perfect for family dinners or a casual gathering. Customize the recipe to your liking and enjoy a fresh take on taco night!