Cheesy Taco Pasta

This incredibly easy Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake is the perfect weeknight dinner! Layers of flaky crescent rolls, seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and your favorite toppings come together in one irresistible, family-friendly casserole.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 520
Skill Level: Easy

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There’s a special place in our hearts for recipes that are equal parts delicious and effortless. This Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake is exactly that—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that transforms simple, convenient ingredients into a meal that feels like a warm hug. Imagine the flaky, buttery layers of a crescent roll, now acting as the perfect crust and topping for a hearty, savory filling of seasoned taco meat and gooey cheese. It’s the ingenious fusion of a taco and a casserole, delivering all the flavors you love without the fuss of individual assembly.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy Wednesday, need a potluck showstopper, or are simply craving some ultimate comfort food, this recipe is your answer. It’s forgiving, customizable with your favorite toppings, and ready from fridge to table in well under an hour. Let’s bake something amazing.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7 is ideal)

• 1 (8 oz) can Pillsbury™ Original Crescent Rolls (8 count)

• 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided

• Non-stick cooking spray

For Serving (Optional):

• Shredded iceberg lettuce

• Diced tomatoes

• Diced red onion

• Sliced black olives

• Sour cream

• Sliced jalapeños

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

• Guacamole or sliced avocado

• Your favorite salsa or taco sauce

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish

• Large skillet

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Can opener

• Cutting board and knife (for toppings)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent any stubborn sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Place the large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with your wooden spoon, until it is no longer pink and nicely browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, carefully drain off any excess grease.

Step 3: Create the Filling

Reduce the heat to medium. To the browned beef, add the entire packet of taco seasoning, the 1/2 cup of water, and the 8 oz can of tomato sauce. Stir until everything is perfectly combined. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Base

Open the can of crescent rolls. Unroll the dough and separate it into the 8 pre-cut triangles. Press the dough into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, sealing the perforations together to create one solid, even layer. It’s okay if it doesn’t go perfectly up the sides; just try to make a uniform base.

Step 5: Layer the Goodness

Spread the warm taco meat mixture evenly over the crescent roll crust. Next, sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the meat, creating a glorious, cheesy barrier.

Step 6: Add the Top Crust

This is where the magic happens. Take the second can of crescent rolls and unroll the dough. Carefully place this second sheet of dough over the cheese and meat layer. You can gently stretch it to cover most of the surface—it doesn’t have to be perfect!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the assembled casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The bake is done when the top crescent roll layer is a deep, golden brown and the cheesy filling is bubbly around the edges.

Step 8: The Final Cheese Touch

Remove the casserole from the oven and immediately sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top. The residual heat will melt this cheese beautifully without over-baking it.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Allow the bake to cool and set for about 5 minutes before slicing. This rest period is crucial—it allows the layers to firm up, making it much easier to cut into clean squares. Serve hot, and let everyone customize their portion with their favorite cold, fresh toppings!

Notes & Tips for Success

• Drain the Fat: Thoroughly draining the grease from the cooked beef is key to preventing a greasy final dish.

• Don’t Skip the Simmer: Letting the meat and seasoning mixture simmer for a few minutes allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken, which prevents a soggy crust.

• Customize the Protein: Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You can even use a plant-based ground meat alternative.

• Spice Level: Control the heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced green chiles to the meat mixture for an extra kick.

• Vegetable Boost: Sneak in some finely diced bell peppers or onions when you brown the meat for added nutrition and flavor.

• Cheese Choices: A pre-shredded Mexican blend is convenient, but a combination of freshly shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese is phenomenal.

Nutrition Information (Approximate, per serving without toppings)

• Calories: 520 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 27g

• Protein: 28g

• Fat: 32g

• Saturated Fat: 14g

• Trans Fat: 0.5g

• Cholesterol: 95mg

• Sodium: 1280mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 7g

Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use. The values provided are for the casserole itself and do not include optional toppings.

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There you have it! The Pillsbury Crescent Roll Taco Bake is more than just a recipe; it’s a solution for busy nights and a promise of a satisfying, cheesy, family-approved meal. It’s the kind of dish that earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. Enjoy!