Crescent Burrito Bake
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If you love the flavors of a classic beef and bean burrito, you’re going to have so much fun with this Crescent Burrito Bake. Instead of wrapping everything up in a tortilla, this recipe transforms those familiar flavors into a comforting casserole with a buttery crescent roll crust. It’s an easy twist on taco night and is perfect for feeding a hungry family.
Once the crust has been in the oven for a few minutes, the hearty beef and bean filling is spread over the top and then covered with a generous layer of melty cheese. As it bakes, the crescent dough turns golden and flaky while the cheese bubbles into gooey perfection. When it comes out of the oven, you simply slice it into squares and let everyone customize their piece with their favorite toppings.
That’s where the fun really begins—pile on crisp shredded lettuce, juicy diced tomatoes, briny sliced olives, or a dollop of cool sour cream. You can even add salsa, guacamole, or jalapeños if you like a little extra kick. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the comfort of a casserole with all the fresh, customizable toppings you’d expect from a burrito bar.
Ingredients for Crescent Burrito Bake
- GROUND BEEF
- ONION
- REFRIED BEANS
- TACO SEASONING
- CRESCENT DOUGH
- CHEESE
- OPTIONAL TOPPINGS: GREEN ONION, LETTUCE, TOMATOES, SOUR CREAM, AND OLIVES
Instructions for Crescent Burrito Bake
Preheat the oven – Set your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
Cook the filling – In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion together until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in the beans and taco seasoning, mixing until everything is well combined and evenly coated. Remove from heat.
Prepare the crust – Unroll the crescent roll dough and press it evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared baking dish. Be sure to pinch the seams and perforations together to form a solid crust.
Pre-bake the crust – Place the dish in the oven and bake for 5 minutes. This helps the crust set and prevents it from becoming soggy once the filling is added.
Assemble the bake – Remove the dish from the oven and spread the beef mixture evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the shredded cheeses on top.
Bake – Return the dish to the oven and bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If the edges brown too quickly, you can loosely cover them with foil.
Serve – Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing. Add your favorite toppings—like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, or sliced olives—for that classic burrito flavor.
This recipe makes about 6 servings and is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun twist on taco night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works just as well and makes the dish a little lighter. Just be sure to season well since they’re milder than beef.
What kind of beans should I use?
This recipe calls for traditional refried beans, but you can also use black beans or pinto beans for a chunkier texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the beef mixture and press the crescent dough into the pan a few hours in advance. Store them separately, then assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture.
How do I keep the crescent crust from getting soggy?
Pre-baking the crust for 5 minutes before adding the filling helps it stay crisp and sturdy.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the crust crisp.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Just use two 13×9-inch pans and bake them side by side. It’s a great option for potlucks or game day.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Crescent Burrito Bake
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ¼ cup onion diced
- 16 oz can refried beans
- 1 envelope taco seasoning
- 8 oz refrigerated crescent dough
- 2 cups cheese shredded (I use a cheddar Monterrey jack mixture)
- Optional toppings: diced green onion shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, and sliced ripe olives
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until beef is no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. Add beans and taco seasoning. Mix together until well combined.
- Unroll crescent roll dough. Press onto bottom and up the sides of a greased 13×9-in. baking dish; seal seams and perforations.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 5 minutes. Remove from oven and spread beef mixture over crust; sprinkle with cheeses. Bake, uncovered, until golden brown, about 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle with desired toppings to serve. Serves 6.
