This Italian Crescent Casserole is an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that combines zesty Italian flavors with the buttery flakiness of crescent rolls. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners and comes together quickly with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Serves: 6-8
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream or cream cheese (optional for creaminess)
- Fresh basil or parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Mixture
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the marinara sauce, stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using), and simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
- Spread the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- If using sour cream or cream cheese, dollop it on top of the meat mixture and spread it out gently for an extra creamy layer.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meat layer.
Step 4: Add the Crescent Roll Topping
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and lay it over the cheese layer, covering the casserole as evenly as possible.
- Sprinkle-grated Parmesan cheese on top of the crescent roll layer for added flavor.
Step 5: Bake
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.
- Slice into portions and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Italian Crescent Casserole with:
- A crisp green salad with Italian dressing.
- Garlic bread or breadsticks.
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
Tips for Success
- Customize the Meat Mixture
- Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or a meatless crumble for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Add Vegetables
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to boost the nutrition and flavor.
- Cheese Variations
- Try using provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a unique twist.
- Make It Ahead
- Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if chilled.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze the casserole (before baking) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or the whole casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
This Italian Crescent Casserole combines the rich flavors of Italian cuisine with the convenience of crescent rolls, making it a family-friendly meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation!
Italian Crescent Casserole Recipe
This Italian Crescent Casserole combines the rich flavors of Italian cuisine with the convenience of crescent rolls, making it a family-friendly meal
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450 g ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 jar 24 oz marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional for spice
- 1 package 8 oz refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream or cream cheese optional for creaminess
- Fresh basil or parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Step 2: Cook the Meat Mixture
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the marinara sauce, stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using), and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Layer the Casserole
- Spread the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- If using sour cream or cream cheese, dollop it on top of the meat mixture and spread it out gently for an extra creamy layer.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meat layer.
- Step 4: Add the Crescent Roll Topping
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and lay it over the cheese layer, covering the casserole as evenly as possible.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the crescent roll layer for added flavor.
- Step 5: Bake
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.
- Slice into portions and serve warm.