Italian Crescent Casserole

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Delicious Italian Crescent Casserole baked with flavorful ingredients.

Italian Crescent Casserole is a tasty and easy dish that combines the flavors of Italian cooking with a simple crescent roll crust. It is a comforting meal that brings together ground beef, pasta sauce, and melted cheese, all wrapped in a warm, flaky dough. This casserole is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any time you crave something delicious and filling.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love Italian Crescent Casserole because it is quick to make and full of flavor. This dish is perfect for busy weekdays when you want to cook something hearty but don’t have a lot of time. It uses simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. Plus, who can resist the golden, flaky crust topped with gooey cheese? It’s a comfort food that pleases everyone, from kids to adults.

HOW TO MAKE Italian Crescent Casserole

Making Italian Crescent Casserole is straightforward. With just a few steps, you can have a hearty meal ready. First, you will prepare the filling and then assemble everything in a baking dish with the crescent rolls. It’s a simple process that can be done in under an hour. Let’s take a look at the ingredients and the steps involved!

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

  • Skillet
  • 9-inch glass pie plate
  • Spoon
  • Oven

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 1 lb ground beef (cooked and drained)
  • 1 cup garlic tomato pasta sauce
  • 8 oz pkg Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend
  • 1/4 tsp dried basil leaves

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

  1. In a skillet, mix the cooked ground beef and pasta sauce. Heat over medium heat until it is warm.
  2. Separate the crescent dough into 8 triangles.
  3. Place the dough in an ungreased 9-inch glass pie plate in a spoke pattern. The narrow tips should overlap the rim of the plate by about 3 inches.
  4. Press the dough into the side and bottom of the pan to form a crust and cover the pan.
  5. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Italian cheese over the dough in the pan.
  6. Spoon the meat mixture evenly over the cheese.
  7. Bring the tips of the dough over the filling to meet in the center, but do not overlap the dough.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheese over the dish, followed by the dried basil.
  9. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.

 

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 this Recipe

 

HOW TO SERVE Italian Crescent Casserole

When the casserole is done baking, let it cool for a few minutes. Then, slice it into wedges for serving. You can enjoy it as is, or add a side salad or some garlic bread to complete the meal. The casserole is great for sharing, so it’s perfect for a family dinner or a get-together with friends.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Italian Crescent Casserole

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake it until heated through.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Pair your Italian Crescent Casserole with a green salad and a side of garlic bread. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables for a more balanced meal. For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or fresh parsley on top when serving.

VARIATIONS

Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences! You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with sautéed vegetables, beans, or lentils. You can also try different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a unique taste. Adding olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers can give it even more flair.

FAQs

  1. Can I make Italian Crescent Casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Just assemble it without baking and store it in the fridge. Bake it when you are ready to serve.
  2. Is this dish spicy? No, it is not spicy. The garlic tomato pasta sauce gives it flavor without heat. You can add red pepper flakes if you want it spicier.
  3. What can I serve with this casserole? You can serve it with a salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.
  4. Can I use a different type of dough? Yes, you can use pizza dough or puff pastry if you want a different texture.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Italian Crescent Casserole

To make things even easier, you can prepare the filling and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can also cut the crescent rolls in advance and keep them wrapped in the refrigerator. On the day you plan to serve, just assemble and bake. This will save you time and help you get dinner on the table quickly.

With these simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious Italian Crescent Casserole any time you want. It is a dish that everyone will love and is great for any occasion. Give it a try today!