1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. For thicker dough or a faster bake, you can consider increasing the temperature to 375°F.
2. Prepare your baking dish by choosing a 9×9 inch pan, a 9-inch pie plate, or a 9×13 inch dish. Set it aside for later use.
3. Brown 1 lb of lean ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, stirring to ensure even cooking.
4. Drain any excess fat from the beef once cooked.
5. Add taco seasoning to the cooked beef and, if desired, stir in optional black beans and salsa. Let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
6. Unroll the Pillsbury Crescent Roll dough and separate the triangles.
7. Mold the triangles into your prepared baking dish to cover both the bottom and sides, pressing lightly on the seams to seal them for a cohesive crust.
8. Spread the seasoned taco meat mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough crust.
9. Top the taco filling with a generous layer of shredded cheese, covering the meat mixture completely.
10. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
11. Remove the dish from the oven when done and let it cool for approximately 10 minutes to allow the bake to set.
12. Before serving, add your favorite fresh toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and chopped green onions.
13. Customize additional toppings if desired, such as crushed tortilla chips, avocado, jalapeños, or diced green chiles.
14. Slice and serve immediately, enjoying a delicious and satisfying meal.