italian crescent casserole

Italian Crescent Casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful casserole made with crescent roll dough, seasoned ground beef (or turkey), marinara sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s a simple yet delicious dish perfect for a family dinner or a weeknight meal.

Italian Crescent Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough (use regular, not the “flaky” variety)
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the Ground Meat:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

3. Add the Sauce and Seasoning:

• Stir in the crushed tomatoes and marinara sauce.
• Add oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to combine and thicken slightly.

4. Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough:

• Roll out the crescent roll dough onto a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pinch the seams of the dough together to form one solid sheet to cover the bottom of the dish.
• Press the dough slightly up the edges of the dish to form a crust.

5. Assemble the Casserole:

• Spoon the meat and sauce mixture evenly over the crescent dough.
• Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
• Then sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella.

6. Bake the Casserole:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.

7. Garnish and Serve:

• Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before cutting into squares.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Tips:

• Vegetable Add-ins: Add some sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Use Different Meats: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, sausage, or chicken for a lighter version.
• Extra Cheese: Add more mozzarella or use a blend of Italian cheeses for an even cheesier casserole.

This Italian Crescent Casserole is a quick and easy comfort food that’s bursting with Italian flavors. It’s the perfect way to combine your favorite pizza ingredients into a warm, cheesy casserole! Enjoy!