Taco Ring Recipe

A taco ring recipe is a creative twist on a traditional taco dish that combines the best of both worlds: satisfying flavors and an attractive presentation.

The recipe involves arranging crescent roll dough into a ring shape, filling it with well-seasoned ground beef, and then baking it until golden and bubbly.

Once it’s out of the oven, it’s time to add your favorite taco toppings and dig in.

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s entirely customizable, allowing you to adjust the spices and toppings to suit your taste buds perfectly.

How to Make Taco Rings

Ingredients List

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 package taco seasoning
• 2 cans of Pillsbury crescent rolls (or similar refrigerated crescent roll dough)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar or Monterey jack)
• Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, taco sauce, sour cream

Step-by-step Process

Step 1 

In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the lean ground beef until browned.

Drain any excess grease.

Add the package of taco seasoning and follow the instructions on the package to combine it with the cooked beef.

Step 2

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly coat a baking sheet with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper.

Step 3

Open the cans of crescent rolls and separate the dough into individual triangles.

On the prepared baking sheet, arrange the crescent roll triangles in a circle, with the wide ends of the triangles overlapping in the center and the points facing outward.

Aim for a 5-inch circle in the center.

Step 4

In a medium bowl, mix the cooked taco meat with half of the shredded cheese.

Place spoonfuls of the taco meat mixture on the wide ends of the crescent roll triangles near the 5-inch circle in the center.

Fold the pointed ends of each crescent roll triangle over the taco meat mixture toward the center of the circle.

Tuck the pointed ends under the wide ends of the crescent rolls to form a ring shape.

The taco meat should now be enclosed within the crescent roll ring.

Step 5

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the crescent roll ring.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Remove the baked taco ring from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

Transfer it to a serving platter and garnish with optional toppings such as shredded lettuce or taco sauce.

Cut the taco ring into individual portions and enjoy!

Side Dishes for Taco Rings

Taco rings are a delicious and creative twist on traditional tacos.

To make your meal even more satisfying, consider serving some flavorful side dishes alongside your taco ring.

Here are some ideas to complete your perfect Taco night.

Black Beans

Black beans are a nutritious and tasty side dish that pairs well with taco rings.

Simply cook your black beans with garlic, onion, and spices, then serve them in a medium bowl.

The hearty texture and rich flavor of black beans perfectly complement the meaty taco ring filling and add a healthy dose of protein and fiber to your meal.

Refried Beans

Refried beans are another classic accompaniment to tacos and other Mexican dishes.

Warm up a can of refried beans or make your own from scratch, and serve them in a medium bowl along with your taco ring.

The creamy texture of refried beans acts as a delicious contrast to the crispy and flavorful taco ring.

Ripe Olives and Black Olives

Adding ripe or black olives to your taco ring platter can provide a zesty, salty burst of flavor.

Scatter the olives over the taco ring, or place them in a separate bowl for your guests to add as a topping.

Olives work well with the other flavors of taco rings and can enhance their overall taste.

With these side dishes and your favorite taco toppings, your taco ring experience will be truly unforgettable.

Let your creativity run wild, and customize your taco night with your favorite toppings and sides.

Enjoy!

Ingredients Substitutes

When making a taco ring, you can easily customize the ingredients to suit your tastes or accommodate dietary preferences.

The following options are confident and knowledgeable substitutes for the main ingredients:

Ground Chicken or Ground Turkey

Instead of using ground beef, you can opt for ground chicken or ground turkey as a healthier alternative.

Both options are leaner than beef while maintaining the flavors of a taco ring.

To achieve the desired consistency and taste, simply replace the ground beef with an equal amount of ground chicken or turkey.

Shredded Cheese Varieties

If you don’t have cheddar cheese or a Mexican cheese blend on hand, try using other types of shredded cheese, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack.

Both options melt well and provide a mild, creamy flavor that complements the taco filling.

Replace the cheddar cheese with an equal amount of your preferred shredded cheese.

How to Store Taco Rings

When storing leftover taco rings, it’s important to keep them fresh and tasty for your next meal.

Here are some helpful tips on how to best store these delicious treats.

First, allow your taco ring to cool completely after baking.

This will prevent condensation from forming inside the storage container, which could lead to soggy crescent dough.

Place the taco ring on a wire rack or baking sheet to help it cool faster.

Once the taco ring is cooled, cut it into individual serving portions if you haven’t already.

This will make it easier to store and reheat the leftovers.

Using Airtight Containers

To store your taco ring, place the individual slices into an airtight container.

You may want to separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent the crescent rolls from sticking together.

Be sure to also store any leftover taco meat and toppings in separate airtight containers, as this will keep all the components fresh and prevent cross-contamination.

Storing on a Baking Sheet or Cookie Sheet

If you prefer not to cut your taco ring into individual portions, you can store it whole on a baking sheet or cookie sheet.

To do this, first lay a piece of parchment paper on the baking sheet, then place your taco ring directly on the parchment paper.

This will help prevent the crescent rolls from sticking to the sheet.

Cover the entire sheet with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring all edges are sealed tightly to keep air out.

Refrigeration

Regardless of which storage method you choose, always store your taco ring and leftover taco meat in the refrigerator.

This will help keep them fresh and safe to eat for up to 3 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious and fresh taco rings even after they have been stored.

Remember to properly store your leftovers in airtight containers or on a baking sheet, and always refrigerate to ensure freshness and safety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Meat Filling

When cooking the taco-seasoned ground beef for your taco ring, it’s important to use medium heat in a 10-inch nonstick skillet.

Overcooking the meat can result in a tough, dry filling, making it less enjoyable for picky eaters.

To avoid this common mistake, cook the meat until it’s no longer pink, and then drain any excess grease before adding your taco seasoning.

Overfilling the Crescent Dough

One common mistake when creating a taco ring is overfilling the crescent dough with the meat filling.

Doing so can lead to an unstable structure and difficulty sealing the dough together.

Aim to distribute the entire filling evenly along the crescent dough, using a heaping spoonful for each section.

Ignoring the Importance of Temperature

When preparing a taco ring for a weeknight dinner, it’s crucial to ensure the crescent roll dough is chilled and the meat filling has cooled down slightly before assembling.

Cold dough is easier to work with, and a cooler filling will prevent the dough from becoming too warm and difficult to shape.

Simply allow the filling to cool for a few minutes before assembling your taco ring.

Inattention to Baking Time and Temperature

Achieving a perfect golden-brown crust is key to a successful taco ring, so it’s important to follow the recommended baking time and temperature.

Typically, a taco ring should be baked at 350°F (180°C) for around 20-25 minutes.

Be sure to keep an eye on your taco ring as it bakes to avoid overcooking or undercooking, as oven temperatures may vary.

By being mindful of these common mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious, irresistible taco ring that is sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters.

Enjoy!