Crusty Crescent Taco Squares
Crusty Crescent Taco Squares combine seasoned ground beef, beans, and cheese layered on a crescent roll crust, creating a savory and cheesy dish with fresh lettuce and tomatoes. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe offers a delightful crunch and bold flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 envelope taco seasoning mix
- 16 oz. can refried beans ⓘ
- 8 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon oil ⓘ
- 1/3 cup cornmeal
- 4 oz. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 4 oz. shredded Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded lettuce ⓘ
- 2 cans crescent dinner rolls
- Taco sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onion; drain excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning mix, refried beans, and tomato sauce; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Unroll the crescent dinner rolls and layer them in a greased baking dish to form a crust.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly over the crescent roll crust.
- Top with shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish with shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes. Serve with taco sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils. You can also use whole wheat crescent rolls for a healthier twist. Adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the beef mixture can enhance the flavor. If you prefer a spicier dish, consider using pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Crusty Crescent Taco Squares with a side of Mexican rice or corn on the cob for a complete meal. They pair nicely with a fresh guacamole or a zesty salsa for added flavor. Consider offering sides of sour cream and jalapeños for guests to customize their servings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until heated through, or use the microwave in short intervals until warm. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crusty Crescent Taco Squares contains roughly 975 calories, with 24g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 83g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (48% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 598mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the dish with the crescent rolls just before baking for the best texture. This saves time on busy weeknights.
What can I use instead of refried beans?
If you don't have refried beans, you can use mashed black beans or pinto beans as a substitute. This will maintain the creamy texture while adding a different flavor profile. Just be sure to mash them well before spreading.
Can I freeze the Crusty Crescent Taco Squares?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. This makes for an easy meal option later.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).