Easy Taco Bake Recipe
Nothing gets dinner on the table faster than a taco bake. This easy version starts with a crescent roll crust, layers on seasoned beef and salsa, and finishes with melted Cheddar. It takes just five ingredients and about 30 minutes. It’s a fun twist on taco night that even picky eaters tend to love.
Ingredients
To make this recipe, you need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¾ cup salsa
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat. Heat the oven to 375°F.
- Brown the beef. Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no pink remains and it reaches 160°F. Drain any excess grease.
- Season. Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa and simmer 3-4 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Build the crust. Unroll the crescent dough and arrange the triangles in a 10-inch pie plate. Press the seams together to form a crust. Want to get fancy? Crimp the edge with the tines of a fork.
- Fill. Spoon the beef mixture into the crust and top with Cheddar.
- Bake. Bake 15-17 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Rest. Let it sit 5 minutes before slicing.
Serve this pie with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes on top.
Top each slice with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes, then add all your favorite taco toppings: avocado slices, sour cream, chunky salsa, or jalapeños.
Pro Tip
Ovens vary. If your crust comes out underbaked, bake it alone for about 5 minutes before adding the beef mixture next time, then bake as directed.
What to Serve With Taco Bake
Top each slice with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes, then add all your favorite taco toppings: avocado slices, sour cream, chunky salsa, or jalapeños. Round out the meal with my Taco Salad Bowl or a bowl of Quick and Easy Taco Soup.
Taco Bake Variations
- Ground turkey or chicken: A lighter swap for beef.
- Vegetarian: Use a meatless crumble.
- Extra crunch: Add a layer of crushed tortilla chips or Cool Ranch Doritos over the cheese before baking.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat slices in a 350°F oven or in the microwave until warm.
Nutrition Information Overview
If calories and carbs matter to you, then here is a breakdown of the ingredients and nutrition information for this recipe:
Easy Taco Bake Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375° Fahrenheit.
- In a large skillet on medium heat, cook ground beef until it is no longer pink. Add salsa and taco seasoning and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Unroll crescent rolls and press over the bottom and sides of a 10-inch pie plate.
- Spoon ground beef mixture over crescent roll pie crust. Sprinkle pie with Cheddar cheese.
- Bake pie for 15 to 17 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese has melted. Remove from oven and allow the pie to cool for 5 minutes.
- Top pie with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes.
Nutrition
Video
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQs
Drain the beef well and pre-bake the crust for about 5 minutes before filling.
Cook the beef mixture up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. Assemble and bake when you’re ready.
Last Bite
Made this taco bake tonight? Leave a star rating and tell me your favorite topping in the comments – lettuce, jalapeños, or extra cheese? And if you’re planning ahead, pin it for later so Taco Tuesday is always sorted. Craving more? Other taco night recipes you may enjoy: Crockpot Taco Tater Tot Casserole and Crockpot Taco Queso Dip.
Yummy!