Can I make the beef filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! The beef filling can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This makes assembly super quick when you're ready to bake.

My family doesn't like spicy food. How can I make this milder?

Choose a mild salsa and look for mild enchilada sauce. Brands like Old El Paso and Las Palmas offer milder options. You can also replace some of the enchilada sauce with tomato sauce to decrease the heat level.

Can I use homemade crescent roll dough instead of canned?

Yes, homemade crescent dough works beautifully in this recipe. Roll it to approximately the same thickness as the canned version and cut into similar-sized triangles.

How do I prevent the bottoms of the crescents from getting soggy?

For crispier bottoms, try baking the roll-ups for about 10 minutes before adding the enchilada sauce and cheese, then continue baking for the remaining time.

Beef Enchilada Crescent Roll-Ups Recipe

Name: Beef Enchilada Crescent Roll-Ups Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1/2 pound lean ground beef (e.g., ground sirloin); 1/2 cup salsa; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; 1 (12-ounce) can refrigerated Pillsbury Grands! crescent rolls (8 count); 1 (8-ounce) package Mexican blend shredded cheese (2 cups); 1 (15-ounce) can red enchilada sauce (e.g., Hatch); Optional toppings: sour cream, diced tomato, diced avocado, salsa, etc.

This mouthwatering Beef Enchilada Crescent Roll-Ups recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights when you crave Mexican flavors without all the fuss. Featuring seasoned ground beef wrapped in flaky crescent rolls and smothered in enchilada sauce and melty cheese, this dish brings restaurant-quality taste to your dinner table in just 45 minutes. The combination of crispy, soft, spicy, and savory elements creates an irresistible meal that both kids and adults will devour!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Simple: Uses everyday ingredients and pre-made crescent rolls to save you precious time in the kitchen.
Family Favorite: The familiar Mexican flavors combined with the fun crescent roll format makes this a hit with even picky eaters.
Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite toppings and adjustable spice levels to suit everyone’s preferences.
Minimal Cleanup: Everything bakes in one dish, meaning less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: Lean ground beef (sirloin works beautifully) provides the hearty protein base without excess grease.
Salsa: Adds instant flavor complexity to the beef filling – use mild, medium, or hot depending on your spice preference.
Crescent Rolls: The Grands! variety gives you a substantial dough that can hold up to the filling and sauce.
Mexican Blend Cheese: This convenient pre-shredded mix delivers the perfect combination of melty cheeses that complement Mexican flavors.
Enchilada Sauce: The red sauce brings authentic enchilada flavor without complicated sauce-making. Hatch brand offers excellent flavor, but any brand will work.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the beef.
Toppings: Fresh additions like sour cream, diced tomatoes, avocado, and extra salsa let everyone customize their plate.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or try plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian version.

Sauce Options

Switch the red enchilada sauce for green enchilada sauce for a tangier flavor profile, or use a combination of both for a “Christmas-style” dish.

Cheese Choices

Try pepper jack for extra heat, or a combination of cotija and Monterey Jack for more authentic Mexican flavor.

Add-Ins

Mix black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers into the beef mixture for added texture and nutrients.

How to Make Beef Enchilada Crescent Roll-Ups

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Filling

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until no pink remains. Drain the excess grease, then stir in the salsa. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until everything is heated through. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste. Allow the mixture to cool slightly so it’s easier to handle.

Step 3: Assemble the Roll-Ups

Unroll the crescent rolls and separate them into triangles. Place approximately 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture on the wider end of each crescent, followed by a generous pinch of cheese. Roll up each crescent starting from the wide end and place them in your prepared baking dish.

Don’t worry if some filling escapes during rolling – this isn’t a precision operation! Any escaped filling can be sprinkled over the top later.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the crescent roll-ups, making sure to cover each one. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, along with any filling that escaped during rolling.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crescents turn a beautiful golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Let them cool slightly before serving to allow the fillings to set.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to stuff these roll-ups, too much filling makes them difficult to roll and seal.
Drain the Beef Well: Removing excess grease prevents soggy crescents and keeps the filling from becoming too runny.
Even Spacing: Leave a little room between roll-ups in the baking dish to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy on the sides.
Check Early: Ovens vary, so start checking around 20 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Let Rest: Allowing the roll-ups to cool for 5 minutes helps the filling set and makes them easier to serve intact.

How to Serve

Create a Topping Bar

Set out small bowls of sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, and extra salsa so everyone can customize their plate.

Side Dish Pairings

Serve alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad with lime vinaigrette for a complete meal.

Beverage Suggestions

A cold Mexican beer, horchata, or even a sparkling limeade complements these roll-ups perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled roll-ups in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together beautifully overnight, making the leftovers just as delicious as when freshly made.

Freezing

These roll-ups freeze surprisingly well. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For best results, reheat refrigerated roll-ups in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Microwave reheating works in a pinch (about 1 minute per roll-up), but the crescents won’t stay as crispy.

FAQs

Can I make the beef filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! The beef filling can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This makes assembly super quick when you’re ready to bake.
My family doesn’t like spicy food. How can I make this milder?

Choose a mild salsa and look for mild enchilada sauce. Brands like Old El Paso and Las Palmas offer milder options. You can also replace some of the enchilada sauce with tomato sauce to decrease the heat level.
Can I use homemade crescent roll dough instead of canned?

Yes, homemade crescent dough works beautifully in this recipe. Roll it to approximately the same thickness as the canned version and cut into similar-sized triangles.
How do I prevent the bottoms of the crescents from getting soggy?

For crispier bottoms, try baking the roll-ups for about 10 minutes before adding the enchilada sauce and cheese, then continue baking for the remaining time.

Final Thoughts

These Beef Enchilada Crescent Roll-Ups bring together the best of two worlds: the comfort of flaky, buttery crescents and the bold, satisfying flavors of beef enchiladas. What I love most about this recipe is how it transforms simple ingredients into something truly special with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for casual entertaining, these roll-ups deliver big flavor without the fuss. Give them a try tonight – I’m confident they’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!