Ingredients
Scale
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Taco Ring:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough (or pizza dough)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- ½ cup diced onions (optional)
- ½ cup diced bell peppers (optional)
- 1 cup salsa (for serving)
- ½ cup sour cream (for serving)
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded (for topping)
- 1 tomato, diced (for topping)
- 1 avocado, sliced (for topping)
- Jalapeño slices (optional, for added heat)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Ingredient Highlights
- Ground Beef or Turkey: The protein base of the Taco Ring. Ground beef gives a rich, savory flavor, but you can easily swap it with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Taco Seasoning: Whether you use a store-bought packet or homemade seasoning, taco seasoning brings all the essential flavors—like cumin, garlic, chili powder, and paprika—together, creating a flavorful filling for the Taco Ring.
- Crescent Roll Dough: The dough serves as the base that holds the filling together and crisps up to a golden brown when baked. You can also use pizza dough if you prefer a thicker crust.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend adds creaminess and a melty texture, balancing out the seasoning in the meat filling.
- Fresh Toppings: Fresh ingredients like lettuce, tomato, avocado, and cilantro enhance the flavors of the Taco Ring, adding texture, freshness, and color.
- Sour Cream and Salsa: These traditional taco toppings make great dips for the Taco Ring, adding an extra layer of flavor.
Instructions
Prepare the Filling:
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef (or turkey). Break the meat apart with a spatula and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Season the Meat: Stir in the taco seasoning according to the package instructions, adding the recommended amount of water (usually around ½ cup). Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until the flavors are fully combined and the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble the Taco Ring:
- Prepare the Crescent Rolls: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the crescent roll dough on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Arrange the dough in a circle, overlapping the wide ends of each triangle to form a ring. Leave the smaller points of the triangles facing outward.
- Add the Meat: Spoon the seasoned meat mixture into the center of the ring, leaving the dough triangles exposed around the edges. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the meat mixture.
- Fold the Dough: Take the outer points of the dough triangles and fold them over the meat filling, tucking the tips underneath the dough ring. It’s okay if some of the filling shows through—the dough will bake up golden and crispy while holding everything in place.
Bake the Taco Ring:
- Bake the Ring: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked. If the dough is starting to brown too quickly, you can cover the edges with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Cool Slightly: Once the Taco Ring is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling settle and makes it easier to cut.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Top and Serve: Slice the Taco Ring into wedges, like a pizza. Serve with a side of salsa, sour cream, and your favorite fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro. You can also add jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8
- Calories: 300-400
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 20g