Taco Meatball Ring

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. Bake: 15 min.

Makes

16 servings

Updated: Oct. 04, 2023
While it looks complicated, this attractive meatball-filled ring is really very easy to assemble. My family loves tacos, and we find that the crescent roll dough is a nice change from the usual tortilla shells or chips. There are never any leftovers when I serve this at a meal or as a party appetizer! —Brenda Johnson, Davison, Michigan

Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 2 tubes (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent rolls
  • 1/2 medium head iceberg lettuce, shredded
  • 1 medium tomato, chopped
  • 4 green onions, sliced
  • 1/2 cup sliced ripe olives
  • 2 jalapeno peppers, sliced
  • Optional: Sour cream and salsa

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup cheese, water and taco seasoning. Crumble beef over mixture and mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 16 balls.
  2. Place meatballs on a greased rack in a shallow baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 400° until meat is no longer pink, about 12 minutes. Drain meatballs on paper towels. Reduce heat to 375°.
  3. Arrange crescent rolls on a greased 15-in. pizza pan, forming a ring with pointed ends facing the outer edge of the pan and wide ends overlapping.
  4. Place a meatball on each roll; fold point over meatball and tuck under wide end of roll (meatball will be visible). Repeat. Bake until rolls are golden brown, 15-20 minutes.
  5. Transfer to a serving platter. Fill the center of the ring with lettuce, tomato, onions, olives, jalapenos, remaining cheese and, if desired, sour cream and salsa.

Test Kitchen Tips
  • These meatballs are so satisfying that you'll want to make extras to top your spaghetti or tuck into taco shells.
  • Lining your pizza pan with parchment or nonstick foil (and leaving a little extra hanging over the sides) will help ensure a seamless transfer from pan to platter.
  • Peppers (Hot)
    Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers; the oils can burn skin. Avoid touching your face.

    Nutrition Facts

    1 piece: 203 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 457mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.