Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These crescents offer a fantastic balance of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors, all tucked into a golden, flaky dough. The combination of ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, and cream cheese gives a rich, comforting taste, while the fresh cilantro and lime wedges add a burst of brightness. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for serving as a snack or part of a larger meal. Whether you’re entertaining guests or looking for a quick dinner, these crescents are sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings.
Ingredients
For the Crescents
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
For the Ground Beef Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup Rotel tomatoes, drained
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
For the Toppings
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Garnish
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
- Lime wedges (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the Crescents:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Spread a spoonful of the softened cream cheese onto each triangle.
Prepare the Ground Beef Filling:
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in the drained Rotel tomatoes and chopped fresh cilantro. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture is heated through and well combined.
Assemble the Crescents:
- Spoon the ground beef filling onto the cream cheese-covered crescent dough triangles.
- Carefully roll up the crescent dough, starting from the wide end, and place the filled crescents on a baking sheet, seam side down.
Bake the Crescents:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Garnish and Serve:
- Once the crescents are done, remove them from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh chives and grated Parmesan cheese.
- If desired, serve with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for added flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils for a vegetarian version of this recipe.
- Spicy Kick: Add a few slices of jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture for an extra layer of heat.
- Cheese Addition: Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese to the ground beef filling for a cheesy twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken as an alternative to ground beef. Just cook it the same way.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the crescents ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just be sure to bake them right before serving for the best texture.
3. Can I freeze the assembled crescents?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked crescents. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then store them in a freezer bag. Bake them from frozen at 375°F for 15-18 minutes.
4. Can I use homemade dough instead of store-bought crescent dough?
Yes, you can use homemade dough if you prefer. Just be sure to roll it thin enough to create the crescent shape and hold the filling.
5. How can I make these dairy-free?
To make these dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free version and use a dairy-free crescent dough. Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
6. Can I add more vegetables to the filling?
Yes, you can add veggies like bell peppers, onions, or corn to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
7. What can I serve these crescents with?
These crescents pair wonderfully with a side salad, guacamole, or salsa. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce, like sour cream or a spicy ranch dip.
8. How do I prevent the crescents from getting soggy?
Make sure the ground beef filling isn’t too wet. Drain the Rotel tomatoes well and avoid overfilling the crescents to prevent them from becoming soggy.
9. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese if you prefer a lighter version of this recipe.
10. How can I make these more flavorful?
You can enhance the flavor of the ground beef filling by adding spices like cumin, paprika, or chili powder. You can also add a splash of lime juice for extra brightness.
Conclusion
Rotel Ground Beef & Cream Cheese Crescents are a perfect blend of savory, creamy, and slightly spicy flavors. They’re quick to make, customizable, and great for serving at any gathering or as a fun, comforting dinner. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create an irresistible dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
Rotel Ground Beef & Cream Cheese Crescents
Rotel Ground Beef & Cream Cheese Crescents combine the savory flavors of ground beef, creamy cream cheese, and spicy Rotel tomatoes, all wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough. Perfect for parties, game days, or quick weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup Rotel tomatoes, drained
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives (for topping)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Optional garnishes: fresh cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll crescent dough, separate into triangles, and spread softened cream cheese onto each triangle.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Stir in drained Rotel tomatoes and chopped cilantro. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through and well combined.
- Spoon the ground beef filling onto the cream cheese-covered crescent dough triangles. Roll up dough, starting from the wide end, and place seam-side down on a baking sheet.
- Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Once baked, garnish with chopped chives and Parmesan cheese. Optionally, serve with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, replace the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or tofu.
Add more heat by including jalapeños or hot sauce in the ground beef mixture.
These crescents can be assembled in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake.
If freezing, freeze the unbaked crescents on a baking sheet, then store them in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 15-18 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crescent
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg