Italian Crescent Casserole – Experience the flavors of Italy with our mouthwatering Italian Crescent Casserole! This delicious main dish combines the best of Italian cuisines to create a meal that will satisfy your taste buds in 35 minutes. Featuring a flaky crescent roll crust, savory ground beef filling, and melted cheese this casserole is sure to be a hit, with everyone.
I still remember the first time I prepared this Italian Crescent Casserole for my family—it was a delight! It was a frenzied day. I needed something quick and comforting to serve for dinner. I whipped up this casserole. As it baked in the oven the irresistible aroma filled the kitchen luring my husband and child into the room with excitement. When I finally sliced into the crust and served them each a piece their faces instantly lit up with joy. Since that day it has become a requested favorite, in our household always bringing smiles to our faces.
What makes this Italian Crescent Casserole Stand Out?
Enjoy the convenience of our Easy Italian Crescent Casserole—a blend of Italian flavors that can be prepared in just 35 minutes. With its flaky crescent roll crust embracing a ground beef filling topped generously with melted mozzarella cheese this dish offers a harmony of textures and tastes. It’s a family-friendly recipe that’s perfect for weeknights. You can customize it with cheeses and fillings to suit your taste. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen this casserole is sure to provide a satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for more.
What You Need To Make This Italian Crescent Casserole Recipe?
Crescent Rolls: For the crescent rolls it’s best to go with a brand that guarantees a flaky crust. You can easily find these pre-packaged in the refrigerated section of grocery stores. If you prefer a personal touch there are also recipes to make your own crescent dough, from scratch.
Lean Ground Beef: When it comes to ground beef choosing lean ground beef options is a way to reduce excess grease and create a healthier and lighter casserole. Course if you have a preference for protein sources like ground turkey or chicken feel free to experiment and adjust the recipe according to your taste preferences.
Chopped Onion: Adding chopped onions to the ground beef filling brings out an aromatic element. However, if onions aren’t your thing or you’re cooking for fussy eaters you can always modify the quantity. Finely chop them to make them less noticeable in the final dish.
Tomato Pasta Sauce: To enhance the flavor of your casserole opt for high-quality tomato pasta sauce with rich flavors. Whether you choose your favorite store-bought sauce. Deciding to make your own from scratch for that personal touch is entirely up, to you.
Shredded Mozzarella: Finally let’s not forget about mozzarella cheese – it’s what makes this casserole truly delightful! The gooey and melty layer of mozzarella adds that deliciousness we all crave. To add a twist you can experiment with using a blend of mozzarella cheese along, with varieties, like provolone or fontina. This combination will help elevate the flavor profile of the dish.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Incorporating grated parmesan cheese is another option. It brings a nutty and savory element to the casserole enhancing its cheesiness to perfection. For the best flavor experience I recommend using grated parmesan.
Steps To Make Italian Crescent Casserole:
Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet cook the ground beef and chopped onion, over medium heat until they turn a delicious shade of brown which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done make sure to drain the grease to keep the casserole lighter.
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Step 2: Now it’s time to add some flavors to the meaty goodness. Stir in the tomato pasta sauce. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens and blends perfectly with the beef.
Step 3: Here comes the exciting part. Creating a crust! Open the package of crescent rolls. Separate the triangles. Arrange them in a 9″ pie plate with their tips facing outwards. Gently press down on any seams or open spots of the crescents to create a crust.
Step 4: Once you have your crust ready fill it up generously with the beef mixture. Don’t hold back on all deliciousness! Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella on top for that gooey factor we all love.
Step 5: To seal everything together fold over the tips of the crescent rolls embracing that scrumptious filling like a comforting hug. Finish off by sprinkling the remaining shredded mozzarella on top allowing it to melt into a blanket.
Step 6: Put the casserole in the oven that has already been preheated and bake it for around 18 to 20 minutes. Until it turns a golden brown color. The excitement might become almost unbearable!
Step 7: After it’s finished baking take a moment to enjoy the scent that fills your kitchen. Let the casserole cool down for 5 minutes resisting the temptation to cut it away (if you can!). Finally, Serve this Italian Crescent Casserole to your loved ones and witness their faces light up, with pure joy.
Tip:
For a flaky crust, on your crescent rolls lightly brush the dough’s top with beaten egg before baking. This easy step will give the crust a glossy finish making your Italian Crescent Casserole even more appealing when it comes out of the oven. Moreover, it will enhance the flavor and texture of the crust creating a contrast, to the savory beef filling and melted cheese. Your guests will be impressed by this impactful addition, which will elevate both the presentation and taste of your dish. Enjoy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this casserole ahead of time and reheat it?
Definitely! You have the option to put together the casserole beforehand and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just remember to adjust the baking time.
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with ground chicken, turkey or even a vegetarian alternative if that’s more your preference.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Once the casserole has cooled down tightly wrap it in foil. Place it in an airtight container before freezing. It can stay frozen, for 2 to 3 months. When reheating simply thaw it overnight, in the refrigerator. Warm it up in the oven until heated through.
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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!
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!