This Taco Meatball Ring is a fun twist on dinner! Juicy meatballs packed with taco flavor are nestled in a tasty bread ring that makes every bite exciting!
Making this dish is a breeze, and it’s perfect for gatherings or even just a cozy family night. I love serving it with salsa and cheese on the side—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef is the star of the show. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you’re going vegetarian, try using lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
Taco Seasoning: A store-bought taco seasoning saves time. But if you have spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder on hand, mix them for a fresh take!
Bread Crumbs: Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs. You can use crushed tortilla chips or panko crumbs for a fun crunch. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are a great choice too!
Crescent Roll Dough: Traditional crescent rolls are easy to use, but you could try pizza dough or puff pastry if you want a different texture. Both add their own twist to the dish.
Cheddar Cheese: I love adding shredded cheddar for its sharp flavor. If you’re after something different, pepper jack or Monterey jack cheese can add a nice kick!
How Do I Form Perfect Meatballs?
Creating meatballs might seem tricky, but it’s simple with a little practice! Here’s how to achieve tasty, uniform meatballs:
- First, mix all your ingredients in a large bowl until just combined. Overmixing can make them tough.
- Wet your hands with a little water or oil; this helps prevent the meat from sticking.
- Take a handful of the mixture and roll it gently between your palms to form a ball about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the meatballs on a tray as you shape them, keeping them evenly spaced for even cooking.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly shaped meatballs ready to make your taco meatball ring irresistible!
How to Make a Taco Meatball Ring
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
For the Dough Ring:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) crescent roll dough
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
- Sour cream for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This taco meatball ring recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, making it a quick and delicious option for dinner. Allow for a few extra minutes to cool before serving. Enjoy the fun of making and sharing this tasty dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready when it’s time to bake your delicious meatball ring.
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, gather your ground beef, taco seasoning, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and the egg. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want all those delicious taco flavors to mix in!
3. Form the Meatballs:
Next, take handfuls of the beef mixture and roll them into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should have enough meatballs to fill your dough ring nicely. Set them aside for now.
4. Arrange the Crescent Roll Dough:
On a large round baking sheet or pizza pan, carefully unroll your crescent roll dough. Arrange the triangles in a circular pattern, with the wider ends facing the outside and the points towards the center. This will form the base of your ring.
5. Place the Meatballs:
Now it’s time to add the meatballs. Place them evenly around the inner edge of the dough ring. Make sure they’re spaced out for even cooking!
6. Fold and Tuck the Dough:
Gently fold the points of the dough triangles over the meatballs, tucking them underneath the ring of dough. The meatballs should be mostly covered but still peek out from the sides, looking delicious.
7. Bake the Taco Meatball Ring:
Pop the ring into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you’ll know it’s ready when the dough turns a lovely golden brown and the meatballs are cooked through. The smell will be amazing!
8. Prepare the Toppings:
While the meatball ring is baking, you can prepare your fresh toppings. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, jalapeños, and bell peppers if you’re using them. Mix it all together, so it’s ready to go!
9. Let It Cool:
Once the taco meatball ring is out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes to cool down slightly. This also helps the flavors settle.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the meatball ring warm, topping it with your colorful salad mixture. If you like, sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top for extra flavor. Don’t forget to offer sour cream on the side for dipping. Enjoy your taco meatball ring with family and friends!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even textured vegetable protein can be used instead of ground beef. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly since leaner meats can cook faster. Just ensure all the meatballs are cooked through before serving!
What If I Don’t Have Crescent Roll Dough?
No worries! You can use refrigerated pizza dough or puff pastry as an alternative. Roll it out into a large circle, and then follow the same steps to arrange your meatballs. You might need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on it until it’s golden brown!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual servings for a quick meal!
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just remember to assemble and bake the meatball ring when you’re ready to serve. You can also freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months; just thaw them overnight in the fridge before baking!
