Italian Crescent Casserole: Buttery crescent rolls, savory ground beef, tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese—comfort food made simple.
Let me set the scene for you: it was one of those nights. You know the kind—where you stare into the fridge, hoping something magical will appear, but all you’ve got is random odds and ends. I had a tube of crescent rolls, some ground beef, and a block of mozzarella that was one day away from being “science project material.” Inspiration didn’t exactly strike at first, but desperation? Oh, that did.
So, I threw everything together, half expecting a disaster. But as the casserole baked, the smell wafting from the oven was something else. My husband wandered into the kitchen, sniffed the air, and said, “Whatever that is, I want it.” Score.
What came out of the oven was this buttery, cheesy, ridiculously comforting casserole that instantly became a family favorite. It’s like lasagna and pizza had a love child and wrapped it in flaky pastry. And you know what? It’s imperfectly perfect. It’s not fancy, but it’s the kind of dish that gets devoured every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Crescent Casserole Recipe?
- Quick Comfort: Ready in 35 minutes. Perfect for those nights when you just can’t.
- Cheesy Goodness: Melty mozzarella and Parmesan? Need I say more?
- Kid-Approved: It’s basically pizza in disguise, and we all know how much kids love pizza.
- Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients that won’t break the bank.
- Flexible: Add veggies, swap the meat, or try different cheeses—it’s your casserole, your rules.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s talk about why these ingredients work like a charm:
- Crescent Rolls: They’re the MVP here. Buttery, flaky, and they bake up beautifully golden.
- Ground Beef: Adds a hearty, savory base. Lean beef works best, but use what you’ve got.
- Onion: A little sweetness and depth go a long way in the filling.
- Tomato Pasta Sauce: The Italian flavor backbone. Use your favorite jarred sauce, or if you’re feeling fancy, make your own.
- Mozzarella Cheese: The ultimate melty magic that ties everything together.
- Parmesan Cheese: That salty, nutty sprinkle on top makes all the difference.
How To Make Italian Crescent Casserole?
This casserole is so easy to make, it’s almost laughable. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1. Preheat the Oven
First, crank your oven up to 375°F (190°C). You’ll want it nice and hot when the casserole goes in.
Step 2. Cook the Beef and Onion
Grab a frying pan and cook the ground beef with the chopped onion over medium heat. Stir it around until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Don’t skip draining the grease—it keeps the casserole from getting soggy.
Step 3. Add the Sauce
Pour in the pasta sauce and let it simmer with the beef for about 5 minutes. This step brings all the flavors together and thickens the sauce slightly.
Step 4. Prepare the Crescent Roll Crust
Unroll the crescent rolls and lay them in a 9-inch pie plate, pressing the seams together to form a crust. Let the edges hang over a bit—you’ll fold them over later like a cozy little blanket for the filling.
Step 5. Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the beef and sauce mixture into the crust. Sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese over the filling. Then fold the crescent roll edges over the top, leaving the center open. Finish it off with the remaining mozzarella and a good sprinkle of Parmesan.
Step 6. Bake
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crescent rolls are golden and the cheese is bubbling.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Step 7. Cool and Serve
Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. It’s tough to wait, but trust me—it makes serving so much easier.
Storage Options:
This casserole is just as good the next day—maybe even better!
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
- Freezer: You can freeze it fully cooked. Wrap it tightly in foil, and it’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations and Substitutions:
The best thing about this recipe? You can make it your own. Here’s how:
- Add Veggies: Sneak in some chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Switch the Meat: Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage all work beautifully.
- Cheese Swap: Provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses can replace mozzarella.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for some heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free crescent roll dough for a gluten-free option.
What to Serve with Italian Crescent Casserole?
This dish is comforting on its own, but pairing it with a side makes it even better:
- Salad: A crisp Caesar or a fresh mixed green salad is a perfect balance.
- Garlic Bread: Because you can never have too much bread, right?
- Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or roasted asparagus add a fresh touch.
- Wine Pairing: A glass of red wine like Chianti or Merlot takes it to the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Totally! Assemble it, cover it with foil, and pop it in the fridge for up to a day. Bake it fresh when you’re ready.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Microwave for convenience or reheat in the oven to keep the crust crispy.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Of course! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative or load it up with sautéed veggies.
So, are you ready to give this Italian Crescent Casserole a try? I’d love to hear how you put your spin on it—extra cheese, spicy sausage, or maybe some surprise veggies? Let me know in the comments below!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Italian Crescent Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 package of Crescent Rolls
- 1 pound of lean ground beef
- ¼ cup of chopped onion
- 1 cup of tomato pasta sauce
- 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup of grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a frying pan cook the ground beef and chopped onion until they turn brown; remove any grease.
- Add the tomato pasta sauce. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens.
- Arrange the crescent roll triangles, in a 9" pie plate to form the crust.
- Fill the crust with the beef mixture and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Fold over the tips of the crescent rolls. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Place it in your preheated oven for around 18 to 20 minutes until it becomes brown.
- Allow the casserole to cool down for 5 minutes before serving and savoring!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
3 Responses
What did you do with the Parmesan?
sprinkle it with mozzarella cheese in top
I haven’t been able to cook any of these recipes yet, as I have been very sick. I will be soon and I can’t wait to try them!