Rotel Beef & Cheese Crescents
These flaky, buttery crescent rolls stuffed with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and zesty Rotel make for a perfect appetizer, snack, or even a quick dinner. The combination of spices and gooey cheese is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Servings: 8 crescents
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- ½ lb (225g) ground beef
- ½ small onion, finely diced
- 1 tsp taco seasoning (or homemade blend—see below)
- ½ cup (120g) Rotel (drained)
- 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 2 tbsp cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onions until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and Rotel, and simmer for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese and cream cheese (if using). Let the mixture cool slightly before assembling the crescents.
Step 2: Assemble the Crescents
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 8 triangles.
- Spoon 1-2 tbsp of the beef mixture onto the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll up each crescent, starting from the wide end and tucking in the sides slightly to prevent the filling from spilling out.
- Place the rolled crescents onto the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Bake & Serve
- Brush the tops of the crescents with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like sour cream, salsa, or queso!
Homemade Taco Seasoning (Optional)
If you prefer a homemade taco seasoning blend, here’s a simple recipe:
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
Mix these together and use in place of the store-bought taco seasoning!
Tips & Variations:
- 🌶️ Want it spicier? Use spicy Rotel or add diced jalapeños for an extra kick!
- 🧀 Cheese lover? Add extra shredded cheese to the beef mixture before rolling up the crescents.
- 🥩 Different protein? Swap ground beef for ground turkey, sausage, or even shredded chicken for a different flavor profile.
Q&A:
Q1: Can I make these crescents ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can prepare the beef filling and assemble the crescents in advance. Store the assembled crescents in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, just brush with melted butter, sprinkle with garlic powder, and bake as directed.
Q2: Can I freeze these crescents?
A2: Absolutely! Once you’ve assembled the crescents, you can freeze them on a baking sheet for about 30 minutes. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, you can cook them directly from the freezer at the same temperature, adding an extra 3-5 minutes to the cooking time.
Q3: What other dips can I serve with these?
A3: These crescents go wonderfully with guacamole, sour cream, queso dip, or even a tangy ranch dressing! For a sweeter touch, you could try serving them with mango salsa.
Q4: Can I use a different dough besides crescent rolls?
A4: Yes! You can use puff pastry for a flakier texture, or if you want a lower-carb option, try using a keto-friendly dough.
Q5: Can I make these in an air fryer?
A5: Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C), then cook the crescents for about 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Be sure to leave enough space between them for proper air circulation.
Conclusion:
These Rotel Beef & Cheese Crescents are the perfect blend of savory, cheesy, and a little bit of spice, making them an ideal snack, appetizer, or dinner. They’re quick, easy, and customizable to suit your tastes. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce, and they’ll be a hit at any gathering!