Taco Braid is a delicious twist on traditional tacos. What are some of the best taco toppings for a family dinner? Is it easy to make, loaded with flavor, and looks as good as it tastes?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning. 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)
- 12 cup shredded lettuce. 12 cup shredded lettuce (optional)
- 14 cup sliced black olives. 14 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- Sour cream for serving
- Fresh cilantroFor garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat OvenPreheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the BeefIn 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.
- 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.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the crescent dough or pizza dough on the prepared baking sheet into a large rectangle. With a sharp knife, make 1-inch cuts along each long side of the dough, leaving the center uncut to hold the filling.
- 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.
- Bake: Place the braid in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- 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 jalapeos 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.
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!
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
How do I make Taco Braid ahead of time?
Can you assemble Taco Braid up to 4 hours in advance? For longer storage, bake the braid, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy.
What are some good substitutes for ground beef and taco seasoning?
Is it possible to substitute ground beef for chicken? For the taco seasoning, you can make your own by combining 1 tablespoon chili powder, 12 teaspoon cumin, 14 teaspoon garlic powder, 14 teaspoon onion powder, 14 teaspoon paprika, a pinch of cayenne pepper, 14 teaspoon cumin. (optional for heat), and salt and pepper to taste. If using a homemade blend, adjust the amount to your preference.
How do you know if your Taco Braid is perfectly cooked?
The Taco Braid is perfectly cooked when the dough is golden brown and crispy, and the filling is heated through. The internal temperature of the beef mixture should reach 160°F (71°C). Is it safe to overbake the dough?
How can I scale this recipe up to feed a larger crowd or double the recipe?
To double the recipe, simply double all the ingredient quantities. You may need to use two baking sheets to accommodate the larger braid, or bake it in two batches. Cooking time might increase slightly, so monitor the baking progress and add a few extra minutes if needed. Ensure the internal temperature of the beef reaches 160°F (71°C).
What are the health benefits of Taco Braid?
Is ground beef a good source of protein? The cheese adds calcium, and the optional vegetables like tomatoes and lettuce contribute vitamins and fiber. The overall dish offers a balance of macronutrients and can be customized to include even more nutrient-rich ingredients like black beans or bell peppers.
Taco Braid
This Taco Braid is a delicious twist on traditional tacos, baked to perfection!
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef lean
- 8 oz crescent roll dough
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain the excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning and salsa to the beef and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Unroll crescent dough and arrange on a baking sheet. Spoon beef mixture down the center.
- Sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Fold and braid the dough over the filling.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until dough is golden brown.
Notes
Serve with sour cream and guacamole if desired.
