Cheesy Taco Crescent Pie

This Taco Crescent Pie brings together the zesty flavors of Mexican-inspired taco filling with a flaky, buttery crescent roll crust. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying that the whole family will devour.

I first made this taco pie during a particularly hectic week when I needed something quick that would please everyone at the table. Since then it has become our go to solution whenever I hear the inevitable what's for dinner question and need something that guarantees clean plates.

Ingredients

• Pillsbury refrigerated crescent rolls: create a flaky golden crust that perfectly complements the savory filling while saving you precious time
• Ground beef: provides a hearty protein base opt for 80 lean for the best balance of flavor and texture
• Old El Paso salsa: adds instant flavor dimension choose your preferred heat level to suit your family's taste
• Taco seasoning: infuses the meat with authentic Mexican inspired flavor without measuring multiple spices
• Cheddar cheese: forms that irresistible melty layer that binds everything together use freshly shredded for best melting quality
• Fresh lettuce: adds a crisp contrast to the warm filling look for vibrant green leaves
• Diced tomatoes: bring brightness and acidity that balances the richness of the dish choose ripe firm tomatoes for best flavor

How To Make Taco Crescent Pie

Prepare the crust:

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Unroll the crescent dough completely and arrange the triangles in your baking dish pressing them together to seal any seams. Work the dough up the sides to create a rim that will hold your filling. The dough should be evenly distributed with no thin spots.

Cook the meat mixture:

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. This should take 8 to 10 minutes until no pink remains. Drain off any excess fat to prevent a soggy crust. The meat should be finely crumbled for the best texture in each bite.

Season and simmer:

Add the salsa and taco seasoning to the cooked beef stirring well to distribute the flavors evenly. Allow this mixture to simmer for a full 5 minutes which helps the seasonings bloom and excess moisture evaporate. The mixture should thicken slightly during this time.

Assemble the pie:

Spoon the seasoned meat mixture into your prepared crescent crust spreading it in an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top making sure to cover the filling completely for that perfect cheesy finish.

Bake to golden perfection:

Place the assembled pie in your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You will know it is done when the crust turns a deep golden brown around the edges and the cheese is completely melted and beginning to bubble.

Add fresh toppings:

Once out of the oven let the pie rest for about 3 minutes before adding your fresh toppings. Scatter shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes over the top just before serving for maximum freshness and crunch.

The taco seasoning is truly the heart of this dish. I once tried to substitute individual spices but nothing compares to the balanced blend in the packet. My daughter now requests this pie for her birthday dinner every year which makes this simple dish feel like something truly special in our home.

Make It Your Own

This taco pie welcomes endless variations to suit your preferences. Swap ground turkey or chicken for the beef to lighten it up or add a can of drained black beans to stretch the filling further. For additional flavor try mixing a few tablespoons of cream cheese into the meat mixture before adding it to the crust. Vegetarians can replace the meat with a mixture of sautéed bell peppers zucchini and corn for a colorful veggie version.

Storage and Leftovers

The taco pie will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. I recommend adding the fresh toppings only to the portion you plan to eat immediately. To reheat preheat your oven to 350°F and warm for about 10 minutes until heated through. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but the crust will lose some of its crispness. This pie does not freeze particularly well as the crescent roll crust tends to become soggy when thawed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the taco pie with additional toppings on the side so everyone can customize their slice. Sliced avocado sour cream sliced black olives and green onions all make wonderful additions. For a complete meal pair it with a simple side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette or a cup of tortilla soup. If you are feeling festive serve with a side of Spanish rice and refried beans for a restaurant style experience at home.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey makes an excellent substitute for beef in this dish. Cook it the same way, draining any excess fat before adding the seasoning and salsa. The flavor profile will be slightly lighter, but equally delicious.

→ How can I make this spicier?

To increase the heat level, use hot salsa instead of mild, add 1-2 diced jalapeños to the meat mixture, or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the beef while cooking. You could also serve with hot sauce on the side.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can prepare the beef filling up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, assemble with the crescent dough and cheese, then bake. For best results, add the lettuce and tomato toppings just before serving.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

This pairs wonderfully with Mexican rice, refried beans, corn salad, or a simple green salad. For a complete fiesta, serve with guacamole, sour cream, and extra salsa on the side.

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, a Mexican blend, pepper jack for extra spice, or Monterey Jack would all work beautifully. For an authentic touch, try queso fresco or cotija sprinkled on after baking.

→ Is there a way to make this vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the ground beef with a plant-based alternative, or use a mixture of sautéed black beans and corn. You could also add diced bell peppers and onions for extra texture and flavor while maintaining the same seasoning profile.