Italian Crescent Casserole is a warm, comforting dish that combines the flavors of Italian cuisine with the ease of a one-pan casserole. It features a savory ground beef filling flavored with Italian herbs, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all nestled under a golden, flaky crescent roll crust.
This is a family-friendly recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. In this guide, we’ll go through the recipe step-by-step and share helpful tips, variations, and serving ideas for your Italian Crescent Casserole.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
1 pound ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or Italian sausage for more flavor)
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 can (14-15 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided into ½ cup for mixing and ½ cup for topping)
½ cup ricotta or cottage cheese (optional, for a creamier filling)
For the Crust:
1 tube (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough (such as Pillsbury Crescent Rolls)
½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional, for sprinkling on top)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for an extra cheesy crust)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Filling
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will allow it to heat up while you prepare the casserole.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the meat mixture with the herbs, letting the flavors meld for about 1 minute.
Pour in the marinara sauce and stir everything together, allowing it to simmer for 2-3 minutes until the flavors are well combined.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. This will add a creamy, cheesy element to the filling, making it extra indulgent. For added creaminess, stir in ½ cup of ricotta or cottage cheese.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a little oil to prevent sticking.
Pour the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
Open the tube of crescent roll dough and carefully unroll it. Separate the dough into triangles (if they’re perforated) or leave them connected as a large rectangle for a more solid crust.
Place the dough over the meat mixture, covering the filling completely. You can layer the triangles in a pattern if you want a rustic look, or press the edges together to create one solid crust.
Step 3: Add Toppings
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the crescent dough. This creates a golden, cheesy layer on top of the crust.
Sprinkle with dried Italian herbs and Parmesan cheese, if using, to add extra flavor and a bit of crunch to the crust.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent roll crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Check for doneness by inserting a knife or fork into the filling. If it comes out hot and the cheese is melted, your casserole is ready!
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time helps the filling set, making it easier to serve neat portions.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Tips for Making Italian Crescent Casserole
Choose Quality Marinara Sauce: A good marinara or spaghetti sauce makes all the difference. Opt for one with robust Italian flavors or use homemade sauce if you have some on hand.
Don’t Overload the Crust: Crescent dough expands as it bakes, so be sure to spread it evenly without overloading it with cheese. This will prevent a soggy or undercooked crust.
Let it Rest: Giving the casserole a few minutes to rest after baking helps it hold together better when serving.
Experiment with Meat and Cheese: Ground sausage adds a more intense Italian flavor, while cottage cheese or ricotta gives a creamy texture similar to lasagna. You can also add Parmesan or provolone for even more flavor.
Variations:
Vegetarian Italian Crescent Casserole: Substitute the meat with chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. Sauté them until tender, then mix with the marinara and follow the recipe as usual.
Spicy Italian Crescent Casserole: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat filling for a touch of heat, or use spicy Italian sausage for a bolder flavor.
Cheesy Three-Cheese Casserole: Mix mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan for a gooey, cheesy filling. You can even add shredded mozzarella on top for extra cheesiness.
Low-Carb Crescent Casserole: Skip the crescent roll dough and add more cheese on top for a low-carb, crustless option. Bake until the cheese topping is golden and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
Italian Crescent Casserole is a meal on its own, but you can serve it with sides to make it a well-rounded dinner:
Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread or breadsticks makes this a complete Italian-inspired meal.
Side Salad: A fresh green salad with Italian dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, zucchini, or carrots add a burst of color and nutrients to your meal.
Pasta or Rice: Serve with a side of pasta or rice for a heartier option. You can even serve it with zucchini noodles for a lighter side.
Italian Crescent Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef cooked and drained
- 1 cup garlic tomato pasta sauce
- 8 oz pkg Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
- 1 ½ cups shredded Italian cheese blend
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil leaves
Instructions
- In a skillet, mix cooked beef and pasta sauce. Heat over medium heat until warm.
- Separate crescent dough into 8 triangles. Place dough in an ungreased 9-inch glass pie plate in a spoke pattern, with narrow tips overlapping the rim of the plate about 3 inches.
- Press the dough into the side and bottom of the pan to form a crust and cover the pan. Sprinkle 1 cup of the cheese over the dough in the pan.
- Spoon the meat mixture evenly over the cheese.
- Bring tips of dough over filling to meet in the center; do not overlap.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheese over the dish followed by the basil. Bake at 375°F 15 to 20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through.
Can I freeze Italian Crescent Casserole?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze it unbaked. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! While mozzarella is classic, you can use cheddar, provolone, or a blend of cheeses. Adding Parmesan on top gives a nice, slightly crispy texture.
What if I don’t have crescent roll dough?
You can substitute crescent roll dough with puff pastry or refrigerated biscuit dough, just be mindful of the cooking time as these may bake differently.
Can I make this casserole healthier?
For a healthier version, use lean ground turkey, low-sodium marinara sauce, and reduced-fat cheese. You can also add more vegetables to the filling to boost the nutritional value.
Final Thoughts:
Italian Crescent Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, with layers of tender, flavorful ground beef, rich marinara sauce, melted cheese, and a buttery crescent roll crust. It’s a versatile recipe that’s easy to customize to your taste, whether you prefer extra spice, a vegetarian version, or a low-carb option. With minimal prep time and easy assembly, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. Serve with garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables for a meal that everyone will enjoy.
This dish is not only delicious but also perfect for leftovers—if there’s any left! Enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite of this Italian-inspired casserole. Buon appetito!