Easy Taco Squares
Easy Taco Squares combine seasoned ground beef, cheesy crust, and fresh toppings for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for casual dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 (.31 oz.) envelope taco seasoning mix ⓘ
- 16 oz. can refried beans ⓘ
- 8 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) cans Pillsbury crescent rolls ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. oil
- 1/3 c. cornmeal
- 1 c. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 2 c. shredded lettuce ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped tomatoes
- taco sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning mix, refried beans, and tomato sauce; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Unroll crescent roll dough into 4 long rectangles.
- Place dough in an ungreased 15 x 10-inch jelly roll pan; press over the bottom and 1 inch up the sides to form a crust.
- Brush the dough with oil and sprinkle with cornmeal.
- Spoon the hot meat mixture evenly over the crust.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the top.
- Return to the oven until the cheese is melted.
- Cut into squares.
- Top with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and taco sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you're short on time, using pre-made taco meat can expedite the process. Feel free to mix in additional vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added flavor and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these taco squares with a side of Mexican rice or chips and salsa for a complete meal. They are perfect for parties and can be topped with guacamole or sour cream for extra flavor. For a fresh touch, pair with a simple salad or browse more Mexican recipes to round out your spread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover taco squares can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual squares for about 1-2 minutes, but the oven method will keep the crust crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Taco Squares contains roughly 1231 calories, with 32g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 98g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (65% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (37% of the Daily Value), and calcium (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 776mg per serving (34% 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 taco squares ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and assemble the taco squares a day in advance. Keep the assembled squares covered in the refrigerator and bake them right before serving for fresh, hot squares. Just note that the crust may not be as crisp if it's sitting for too long before baking.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Cheddar and Monterey Jack are traditional choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy twist or a Mexican blend for added flavor. Just ensure that whatever cheese you choose melts well to achieve that gooey texture.
What can I do with leftover taco squares?
Leftover taco squares are versatile! You can repurpose them by chopping them up and using them as a filling for burritos, or serve them on top of a salad for a taco salad twist. They also make a great snack when reheated, perfect for quick meals or game day gatherings.
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).