Sure! Here’s a detailed recipe for Baked Beef and Cheddar Crescent Rolls, complete with preparation steps, cooking tips, and variations.
Baked Beef and Cheddar Crescent Rolls
These savory rolls are perfect for a quick dinner, party appetizer, or game day snack. They combine seasoned ground beef with gooey cheddar cheese, all wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough
Ingredients
**For the Filling:**
– **1 lb ground beef**
– **1 small onion**, finely chopped
– **2 cloves garlic**, minced
– **1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce**
– **1 teaspoon mustard** (yellow or Dijon)
– **1 teaspoon paprika**
– **1/2 teaspoon salt**
– **1/4 teaspoon black pepper**
– **1 cup shredded cheddar cheese**
– **2 tablespoons fresh parsley**, chopped (optional)
**For the Crescent Rolls:**
– **2 cans (8 oz each) crescent roll dough**
**For Topping (optional):**
– **1 tablespoon melted butter**
– **1 teaspoon garlic powder**
– **1/2 teaspoon dried parsley**
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
1. **Cook the Beef**:
– In a large skillet, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened (about 3-4 minutes). Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
– Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
2. **Season the Beef**:
– Stir in Worcestershire sauce, mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until combined. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. **Add Cheese**:
– Once the beef mixture has cooled a bit, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and parsley (if using). This mixture should be cheesy and slightly sticky.
##### Step 2: Preheat the Oven
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
##### Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
1. **Prepare the Crescent Dough**:
– Open the cans of crescent roll dough and unroll them. You should have triangles of dough. If you have perforations, pinch them together to form solid triangles.
2. **Fill the Rolls**:
– Take about 1-2 tablespoons of the beef and cheese mixture and place it at the wider end of each crescent triangle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make rolling difficult.
3. **Roll the Crescents**:
– Starting at the wide end, roll the dough towards the point, encasing the filling. Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet with the point side down to prevent them from unrolling during baking.
##### Step 4: Prepare for Baking
1. **Make the Topping**:
– In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Brush this mixture over the tops of the crescent rolls for added flavor and a golden finish.
2. **Bake**:
– Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown.
##### Step 5: Serve
– Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm with dipping sauces like ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or marinara.
### Tips for Success
– **Choosing Ground Beef**: Lean ground beef (80/20) is ideal for this recipe. It has enough fat to keep the meat juicy without being overly greasy.
– **Customizing the Filling**: Feel free to add other ingredients to the beef mixture, such as diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even cooked bacon for extra flavor.
– **Cheese Options**: While cheddar cheese is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend for different flavor profiles.
– **Vegetarian Version**: Substitute the ground beef with a meat alternative like lentils, black beans, or a store-bought plant-based ground meat.
### Storing and Reheating
– **Leftovers**: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
– **Reheating**: To reheat, place rolls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for about 30 seconds, though this may make the dough less crispy.
### Variations
– **BBQ Beef Crescent Rolls**: Add BBQ sauce to the beef mixture for a smoky flavor.
– **Mexican-Style**: Incorporate taco seasoning into the beef mixture and use pepper jack cheese. Serve with salsa for dipping.
– **Buffalo Beef**: Mix in some buffalo sauce with the ground beef for a spicy twist. Serve with blue cheese dressing.
### Pairing Suggestions
– **Side Dishes**: These rolls pair well with a simple side salad, coleslaw, or baked potatoes.
– **Beverages**: Consider serving with cold beverages like iced tea, lemonade, or a light beer for an informal gathering.
### Final Thoughts
Baked Beef and Cheddar Crescent Rolls are not just easy to make but are also a hit at any gathering. Their flaky, buttery crust combined with the savory filling makes them a delightful treat. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these rolls are versatile and sure to satisfy. Enjoy making and sharing them with family and friends!