The Cheesy Beef Crescent Ring is a crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal that’s loaded with savory flavors, melty cheese, and a hint of spice. It combines seasoned ground beef, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and flaky crescent rolls to form a deliciously satisfying ring that’s easy to share. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, game days, or a fun family dinner. Pair it with sour cream and salsa for dipping, and you’ve got a tasty, handheld treat that’s sure to be a hit!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• Ground Beef: 1 lb
• Onion: 1 small, diced
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Refrigerated Crescent Rolls or Pizza Dough: 1 package
• Cheddar Cheese: 1 1/2 cups, shredded
• Mozzarella Cheese: 1/2 cup, shredded
• Taco Seasoning: 1 tablespoon (or your favorite seasoning blend)
• Salsa: 1/4 cup (optional)
• Egg: 1, beaten (for brushing)
• Sour Cream and Extra Salsa: for dipping

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Add Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
3. Season the Beef: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and mix until the beef and onions are evenly coated. For extra flavor, add 1/4 cup of salsa to the mixture (optional). Stir well, then remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Roll Ring

4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Arrange the Crescent Rolls: On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange the crescent roll triangles in a circular ring with the wide ends overlapping in the center and the points facing outward, forming a sun-like shape. Leave a small circle in the middle for stability.

Step 3: Add the Filling and Cheese

6. Layer the Filling and Cheese: Spoon the seasoned beef mixture onto the wide ends of the crescent rolls, forming a ring of filling. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the beef mixture for a gooey, cheesy filling.
7. Fold Over the Crescent Rolls: Gently pull the pointed ends of the crescent rolls over the beef and cheese filling, tucking the points under the wide ends to create a ring shape. Some of the filling will still be visible between the dough pieces, which adds to the visual appeal.

Step 4: Brush with Egg and Bake

8. Brush with Beaten Egg: Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the tops of the crescent dough with the beaten egg. This will give the ring a golden, glossy finish when baked.
9. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent roll dough is golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve with Dips

10. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the crescent ring from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it with sour cream and extra salsa on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 280
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 500mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 15g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 14g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use pizza dough instead of crescent rolls?

Yes, pizza dough works well in this recipe! Simply cut it into triangles and arrange it in the same ring shape.

2. What other cheeses work in this recipe?

Any melty cheese like Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack adds a delicious twist. Choose your favorite or mix cheeses for extra flavor.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or seasoned black beans and veggies for a vegetarian version.

4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes until warmed through.

5. Can I freeze the crescent ring before baking?

Yes! Assemble the ring and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, wrap it in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, unwrap and bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Beef Crescent Ring

1. Drain the Beef Well: Draining excess fat from the beef mixture prevents the crescent rolls from becoming soggy.
2. Customize the Seasoning: Use taco seasoning for a classic taste, or create your own seasoning mix with paprika, cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of cayenne for spice.
3. Add Fresh Veggies: For added nutrition, mix in finely chopped bell peppers or jalapeños with the beef mixture.
4. Use Parchment Paper: Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper makes it easier to transfer the baked ring for serving.
5. Experiment with Fillings: This recipe is versatile! Try a Philly cheesesteak version with thinly sliced beef, onions, and provolone, or a pizza ring with marinara, mozzarella, and pepperoni.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crescent rolls may soften slightly over time, but the flavor will remain delicious.
• Freezing: Freeze the unbaked crescent ring for up to 1 month, or freeze individual baked portions for easy reheating. To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through. The oven helps maintain the crispy texture of the crescent rolls compared to microwaving.

Conclusion

The Cheesy Beef Crescent Ring is a simple yet impressive dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its flavorful beef filling, melty cheese, and flaky crescent roll crust, it’s a delicious appetizer or main dish that’s easy to make and share. Whether you’re serving it at a party, enjoying it as a family meal, or keeping it as a fun addition to your recipe collection, this crescent ring is a versatile favorite. Don’t forget to dip each slice into sour cream or salsa for that extra kick of flavor. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!