This show-stopping Taco Ring transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary party centerpiece that consistently impresses guests. Mexican-seasoned ground beef and melted cheese are wrapped in golden, flaky crescent rolls to create a beautiful ring-shaped appetizer that’s as delicious as it is visually striking. Whether you’re hosting game day, planning a potluck, or need a fun family dinner, this crowd-pleasing recipe delivers every time.
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Why this recipe works
The genius of the taco ring lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures. Seasoned ground beef provides a savory protein, while melted cheddar cheese adds richness and helps bind the filling. The crescent roll dough becomes golden and flaky on the outside while staying tender inside, creating the ideal vessel for the flavorful taco filling. The ring shape not only looks impressive but also ensures even cooking and easy serving.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- Ground beef – Provides a hearty protein base with rich, meaty flavor
- Salt – Enhances all flavors and balances the seasoning blend
- Ground black pepper – Adds subtle heat and aromatic depth
- Oregano – Contributes earthy, herbaceous notes typical of Mexican cuisine
- Paprika – Provides mild sweetness and beautiful color
- Cayenne pepper – Adds controllable heat and warming spice
- Cumin – Essential for authentic Mexican flavor with earthy warmth
- Garlic powder – Delivers savory depth without fresh garlic prep
- Water – Helps distribute seasonings and prevent burning
- Shredded cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully and adds creamy richness
For Assembly:
Refrigerated crescent roll dough – Creates the golden, flaky pastry shell
What to Serve with a Taco Ring
Here are some toppings you can serve with the taco ring:
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Taco Sauce or Salsa
- Guacamole
- Sour Cream
How to Make a Taco Ring
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef until cooked through.
- Add the salt, ground black pepper, oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, garlic powder, and water. Simmer for a few minutes.
- Remove the seasoned ground beef from the pan and combine it with the shredded cheese in a large bowl.
- Unroll the cans of crescent dough and separate all of the triangles.
- On a large baking tray or baking stone, arrange the triangles in a circle so the short ends of the triangles form the circle.
- Place the taco meat mixture on top of the circle of crescent rolls.
- Fold the end of each triangle over the ground beef and press it into the dough onto the bottom layer of the crescent roll.
- Bake at 375 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes, in a preheated oven until the crescent dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Allow the taco ring to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage: Store the taco crescent ring covered for up to 5 days
- Reheating Method: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes to maintain crescent roll texture. Avoid the microwave, as it makes the dough soggy
- Freezing: Cooked taco ring can be frozen for up to 2 months
Favorite Mexican Recipes
- Chili’s Queso Dip Recipe
- Homemade Cheese Enchiladas
- Mexican Pizza
- Mexican Sopapilla
- Mexican White Cheese Dip
- Rotel Dip with Beef
- Taco Spaghetti Bake
Popular Game Day Recipes
- Beer Dip Recipe
- Brown Sugar Bacon Smokies
- Clam Dip Recipe
- Green Goddess Dip
- Homemade Poppers
- Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Check out more of my easy Mexican food recipes and the best game day food here on CopyKat!
Taco Ring Easy Recipe with Crescent Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon water (if needed)
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 8-ounce refrigerated crescent rolls
Optional toppings
- shredded lettuce
- diced tomatoes
- taco sauce or salsa
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef until cooked through.
- Add the salt, ground black pepper, oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, garlic powder, and ½ cup of water (if needed) and simmer for 3-5 minutes.
- Remove the ground beef and combine with the shredded cheddar cheese in a large bowl.
- Unroll the cans of crescent dough and separate all of the triangles.
- On a large baking tray or baking stone, arrange the triangles in a circle so the short ends of the triangles form the circle (the ends will overlap, that’s perfectly fine!)
- Spoon the ground beef and cheddar cheese mix onto the crescent rolls, following the circle made by the pieces.
- Fold the end of each triangle over the ground beef and into the center of the ring, pressing the dough onto the bottom layer of the crescent roll to secure it.
- Repeat the entire way around the ring until all of the triangles have been folded over.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the crescent dough is golden brown and cooked through. Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Allow the ground beef to cool a little before adding it to the crescent dough.
- If you are struggling to make a circle with the crescent dough, place a small bowl in the center of the baking sheet to use as a guide while you make the circle around the bowl.
I made this for dinner, my kids loved it.