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Crescent Dough Taco Bake

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Ingredients
  

For the Taco Bake:

  • 1 8-ounce can Pillsbury crescent dough sheet
  • 1-pound lean ground beef
  • 1 1-ounce packet taco seasoning
  • 3/4 cup salsa
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated

For Optional Toppings:

  • Sliced olives
  • Sliced jalapeno
  • Chopped lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Diced avocado or guacamole
  • Sour cream
  • Diced red onion
  • Sliced green onion
  • Cilantro

Instructions
 

  • Pre-heat oven to 350°F.
  • Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Unroll crescent dough and press into the bottom of the prepared dish to form a crust; set aside.
  • Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until meat is no longer pink; drain and return to skillet.
  • Stir in taco seasoning mix and 2/3 cup water; bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 3 - 4 minutes, stirring often, until thickened.
  • Stir in salsa.
  • Spoon beef over the crescent dough; sprinkle with grated cheese.
  • Bake for 20 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
  • Remove from over, allow to rest, cut into squares, garnish with optional toppings and serve.

Notes

  • Prep ahead - Make this dinner in advance and just leave it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake it later that same day. You can even prepare the taco meat mixture over the weekend and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days before you need to assemble and bake the casserole.
  • For a thicker crust - Prepare the casserole in a smaller 11 x 7-inch dish.
  • Instead of the ground beef, you can substitute with ground turkey or ground chicken in this taco casserole bake.
  • This casserole is a perfect meal for serving a family, because each individual can customize his/her slice to suit her specific tastes. Set up a buffet and let your family members have fun with their own creations.
  • This taco casserole can be frozen - This is a great freezer meal because you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. If it's already baked, the crust may get a bit soggy, but leftovers are still delicious! Wrapped tightly, the casserole will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat individual slices in the microwave, or warm the casserole in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes.