Preppy Mexican Crescent Pie
A savory Mexican-inspired crescent pie featuring seasoned ground beef, olives, tomatoes, and a creamy topping, perfect for casual family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp chili powder ⓘ
- dash salt ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sliced ripe olives ⓘ
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 8 oz Pillsbury refrigerated quick crescent dinner rolls ⓘ
- 2 medium tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped pickled jalapeno peppers or green chilies ⓘ
- 6 oz shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, brown ground beef with chili powder, salt, and garlic until crumbly and light brown.
- Drain excess fat and remove garlic from the beef.
- In a small bowl, combine sliced olives, chopped onion, sour cream, and mayonnaise.
- Unroll the refrigerated crescent dinner rolls and arrange them in a pie dish to form a crust.
- Spread the cooked ground beef evenly over the crescent crust.
- Top with thinly sliced tomatoes, chopped pickled jalapenos, and shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Spread the sour cream mixture over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for beef and Greek yogurt for sour cream. Feel free to add black beans or corn for extra flavor and nutrition. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of jalapenos or use a spicier cheese. Serve with a side of guacamole or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
This Preppy Mexican Crescent Pie is perfect for game nights or casual gatherings. Serve with a refreshing side salad or alongside your favorite Mexican recipes like San Juan Taco Salad. It also pairs well with tortilla chips and salsa for a complete feast. Consider adding a dollop of sour cream or fresh cilantro on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or warm in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Avoid overheating to maintain the texture of the crescent crust.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Preppy Mexican Crescent Pie contains roughly 648 calories, with 17g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (35% of the Daily Value), iron (25% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1860mg per serving (81% 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 use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option. Just ensure that you adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling and crust separately in advance. Assemble the pie and cover it tightly, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it a convenient option for busy days.
What can I do if I don't have crescent rolls?
If you don't have crescent rolls, you can use puff pastry, biscuit dough, or even a homemade pie crust as a substitute. Just ensure the cooking time is adjusted based on the type of dough used to achieve a golden, flaky crust.
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).