Beef Chili Taco Crescent Roll Ring

The first time I served this at a Super Bowl party, my brother stood over the baking sheet watching it rise like a hawk. He kept asking when it would be ready, that buttery dough scent filling the whole kitchen. When I finally pulled it out golden and bubbling, he grabbed the first slice before I could even grab the camera. Now he requests it for every gathering, birthday or not.

Last winter my neighbor came over with her three kids when I was testing different chili fillings. They sat at the counter watching me assemble the ring, wide eyed as the dough formed its sunburst pattern. The youngest kept sneaking cheese shreds when I turned my back. By the time it came out of the oven, Id already promised her mother the recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef: I learned that using beef with a bit of fat content keeps the filling juicy and flavorful
• 1 small onion, finely chopped: Finely dicing means you get all the savory flavor without noticeable onion chunks
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic makes such a difference here, dont skip it
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Rinse thoroughly to remove the canning liquid which can affect your seasoning
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained: Draining prevents the filling from becoming too wet and making the dough soggy
• 2 tbsp tomato paste: This adds depth and helps bind the filling together beautifully
• 1 tbsp chili powder: Adjust based on your familys heat tolerance, but this amount gives a gentle warmth
• 1 tsp ground cumin: Essential for that authentic taco flavor everyone loves
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: The smokiness elevates the whole dish and gives it that slow cooked taste
• ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper: Season generously since the dough is quite mild
• 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the aromatics and building flavor from the start
• 2 (8 oz) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough: Keep these cold until youre ready to assemble for best results
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor contrast to the beef
• Optional garnishes: Sour cream, green onions, fresh cilantro, and jalapeño slices add fresh brightness

Instructions

Preheat and prepare your baking surface:

Set your oven to 375°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup

Sauté the aromatics:

Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, cook the onion for 2 to 3 minutes until softened, then add garlic for one more minute until fragrant

Cook the beef:

Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon, cooking until browned and completely cooked through, draining any excess fat if needed

Build the chili filling:

Stir in the kidney beans, drained tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper, then simmer for 5 minutes while stirring occasionally until thickened

Form the crescent ring:

Arrange the crescent triangles on your prepared baking sheet in a ring, with wide ends overlapping in the center and points facing outward like a sunburst, leaving an open center hole

Add the filling:

Spoon the beef chili mixture around the base of the dough ring, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the filling

Seal the ring:

Fold the pointed ends of each dough triangle over the filling and tuck them under the center to seal everything inside

Bake to golden perfection:

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the dough is golden brown and completely cooked through

Rest and serve:

Let the ring cool for 5 minutes before garnishing with sour cream, green onions, cilantro and jalapeño slices, then slice and serve warm

Save

My daughter helped me make this for her school potluck last spring. She was so proud arranging each triangle carefully, explaining her technique to anyone who walked by the kitchen. When we brought it to the event, it disappeared in under ten minutes and she beamed the whole car ride home.

Making It Your Own

Sometimes I swap in ground turkey when were eating lighter, and honestly no one notices the difference with all those spices. You can also add a can of corn for sweetness or black beans instead of kidney beans depending on what your pantry holds. The beauty is how adaptable the filling becomes while still tasting amazing inside that buttery dough.

Assembly Success

Working with cold crescent dough makes such a difference, so I pop the cans in the fridge for 10 minutes if theyve been sitting out. When placing the triangles, imagine a clock face and overlap each piece by about an inch at the center. This creates that beautiful woven look and keeps everything secure during baking.

Serving Suggestions

This ring pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette to cut through the richness. I also like setting up a small toppings bar so everyone can customize their slice with extra sour cream, guacamole or hot sauce. The leftovers reheat surprisingly well in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F.

• Set out extra napkins because this is definitely a hands on kind of meal
• Consider serving with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete feast
• The ring can be assembled up to 4 hours ahead and kept refrigerated before baking

Save

Theres something magical about pulling this golden ring out of the oven and watching everyones faces light up. Its the kind of dish that turns an ordinary Tuesday dinner into a mini celebration.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make the beef filling ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the chili filling up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Let it cool completely before storing, then reheat gently before assembling the crescent ring. This makes the final assembly quicker and easier.

→ What can I substitute for crescent roll dough?

Puff pastry works well for a flakier texture, though it requires a longer baking time. Homemade biscuit dough or pizza dough can also create a delicious variation. Adjust baking time based on the dough you choose.

→ How do I prevent the bottom from getting soggy?

Drain the diced tomatoes well and simmer the filling until it thickens slightly. Cooling the filling before assembling helps, as does using parchment paper which allows air circulation underneath the ring.

→ Can I freeze this crescent ring?

Assemble and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly and bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. Alternatively, bake first, cool completely, then freeze individual slices for quick reheating.

→ What other proteins work in this filling?

Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage make excellent alternatives. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based crumbles or extra beans with corn and bell peppers. Adjust seasonings to complement your chosen protein.

→ How do I know when the crescent ring is done?

The dough should be deep golden brown and feel firm when tapped. The center should reach 160°F on an instant thermometer to ensure the filling is hot throughout. Let it rest 5 minutes before slicing.