Taco Ring Recipe

This Taco Ring is a fun and easy twist on classic tacos, made with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and crescent roll dough baked into a golden, crispy ring. Perfect for parties, game day, or a family-friendly weeknight dinner, this visually impressive dish is customizable with your favorite taco toppings. Serve it with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for a crowd-pleasing meal or appetizer!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
• Kid-friendly – A fun, hands-on meal the whole family will enjoy.
• Customizable – Add your favorite taco toppings and fillings.
• Perfect for parties – A show-stopping appetizer that’s easy to share.
• Versatile – Use ground chicken, turkey, or vegetarian fillings instead of beef.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade seasoning)
• ½ cup water
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
• 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 1 cup shredded lettuce (for serving)
• 1 medium tomato (diced)
• ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
• Sour cream, salsa, guacamole (for serving)

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat the oven:
   • Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Cook the beef:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
   • Drain excess grease and stir in taco seasoning and water. Cook for 2–3 minutes until thickened, then remove from heat.
3. Assemble the ring:
   • Arrange the crescent roll triangles in a circle on the baking sheet with the wide ends overlapping in the center and the points facing outward (it should look like a sun shape).
   • Spoon the taco meat evenly around the base of the ring (where the dough overlaps).
   • Sprinkle shredded cheese over the taco meat.
   • Fold the pointed ends of the crescent dough over the filling and tuck them underneath the center of the ring.
4. Bake:
   • Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
5. Garnish and serve:
   • Let the ring cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
   • Garnish with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, olives, and your favorite taco toppings. Serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream on the side.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Taco Ring: Add jalapeño slices or use spicy taco seasoning for an extra kick.
• Vegetarian Taco Ring: Replace the meat with seasoned black beans, refried beans, or a plant-based meat substitute.
• Chicken Taco Ring: Use shredded rotisserie chicken mixed with taco seasoning instead of ground beef.
• Cheesy Jalapeño Taco Ring: Add cream cheese and diced jalapeños to the filling for a creamy, spicy twist.
• Breakfast Taco Ring: Use scrambled eggs, cooked bacon, and cheese for a breakfast version served with salsa on the side.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze individual slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or microwave individual slices for 30–45 seconds until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this taco ring ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the taco ring up to 4 hours ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

What’s the best dough for a taco ring?

Refrigerated crescent roll dough works best, but puff pastry can be used for a flakier texture.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian meat substitutes all work well in this recipe.

How do I keep the dough from getting soggy?

Make sure to drain excess grease from the meat and allow the filling to cool slightly before assembling the ring.

What’s the best way to serve this taco ring?

Serve warm, sliced into portions with toppings like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or shredded lettuce.

Can I use homemade taco seasoning?

Yes! Mix 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper for a homemade version.

How do I prevent the dough from sticking?

Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat on your baking sheet for easy removal.

Can I add extra cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking for an even cheesier result.

Can I make a gluten-free taco ring?

Yes, use a gluten-free crescent dough substitute and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Why is my dough undercooked in the middle?

If the dough is undercooked, bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, covering loosely with foil if the top starts to brown too quickly.

Conclusion

This Taco Ring is a fun, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for parties, game-day snacks, or family dinners. With seasoned beef, melty cheese, and golden crescent dough, it’s a show-stopping centerpiece that’s as delicious as it is visually impressive. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a meal everyone will love—no taco shells required!

Print