This Taco Braid is a delicious, visually impressive twist on traditional tacos. Made with seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and your favorite taco toppings, all wrapped in a golden, flaky braid, this dish is perfect for family dinners, parties, or any time you want to switch up taco night. It’s easy to make, loaded with flavor, and looks as good as it tastes!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
• ½ cup water
• 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent dough sheet (or pizza dough)
• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 1 small tomato, diced (optional)
• ½ cup shredded lettuce (optional)
• ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
• Sour cream for serving
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3. Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and water, then simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Dough: Roll out the crescent dough or pizza dough on the prepared baking sheet into a large rectangle. Using a sharp knife, make 1-inch cuts along each long side of the dough, leaving the center uncut to hold the filling.
5. Assemble the Braid: Spread the seasoned beef mixture down the center of the dough. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the beef. To form the braid, fold the cut strips over the filling, alternating sides to create a braided look.
6. Bake: Place the braid in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
7. Top and Serve: Let the taco braid cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with diced tomato, shredded lettuce, black olives, and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve with sour cream on the side.

Notes

• Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for extra heat.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
• Cheese Options: Use pepper jack, cheddar, or Monterey Jack cheese for different flavor profiles.
• Customize Your Fillings: Add bell peppers, corn, or black beans to the beef mixture for extra flavor and texture.

This Taco Braid is a tasty, fun way to enjoy all the flavors of tacos in a beautiful, shareable form. Perfect for gatherings or a unique taco night, it’s sure to impress!