Easy Italian Crescent Casserole Recipe – A Cheesy, Meaty Weeknight Favorite

When you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner that will please the whole family, Italian Crescent Casserole is the perfect solution. This hearty dish combines the savory flavors of ground beef, tomato pasta sauce, and cheese, all wrapped up in flaky, golden crescent roll dough. Not only is it incredibly flavorful, but it’s also simple to make and ready in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight meal or a weekend gathering, this casserole will be a hit every time.

Why You Should Try This Italian Crescent Casserole

Italian Crescent Casserole is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that will fill your kitchen with delicious smells and leave everyone eager to sit down and eat. But beyond that, it’s also:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy families.
• Comforting: Hearty ground beef, gooey cheese, and a buttery crust make for the ultimate comfort food.
• Customizable: You can add your favorite ingredients or swap out the ground beef for something else like turkey or chicken.
• Budget-Friendly: With just a few simple ingredients, you can feed a family of four without breaking the bank.

Let’s dive into the recipe details so you can start making this delicious Italian Crescent Casserole today!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (browned and drained)
• 1 cup basil and garlic tomato pasta sauce
• 1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent rolls
• 1½ cups shredded Italian cheese blend
• ¼ tsp dried basil leaves

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. This will ensure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the casserole.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a skillet, combine the browned ground beef with the basil and garlic tomato pasta sauce. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The rich, savory aroma of the sauce and beef will have your mouth watering in no time!

Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Roll Crust

While your beef mixture is simmering, take the refrigerated crescent rolls and separate them into 8 triangles. You’ll be using these to create the base of your casserole.

Next, place the crescent dough into an ungreased 9-inch pie plate. Arrange the dough in a spoke pattern, with the narrow tips extending over the rim. Press the dough into the sides and bottom of the plate to form a nice crust.

Step 4: Add the Cheese Layer

Now it’s time to add the cheesy goodness! Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Italian cheese blend over the crescent dough. This will be the base layer of cheese that melts beautifully into the casserole.

Step 5: Add the Meat Mixture

Once your beef and sauce mixture is ready, spoon it evenly over the cheese layer. This creates a delicious meaty center that pairs perfectly with the flaky crust and melted cheese.

Step 6: Fold the Dough Tips

Take the tips of the crescent dough and fold them over the meat mixture to meet in the center of the casserole. Make sure the dough doesn’t overlap, as you want it to bake evenly and create a crisp, golden top.

Step 7: Top with More Cheese and Basil

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese over the top of the dough, then finish it off with a pinch of dried basil. This final layer of cheese will melt into a gooey, golden topping, and the basil will add a fragrant touch.

Step 8: Bake the Casserole

Place your casserole in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Once baked, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the layers to set and make it easier to slice and serve.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Calories: Approximately 420 per serving
• Servings: 6

Tips for Making the Perfect Italian Crescent Casserole

• Meat Variations: If you prefer, you can substitute the ground beef with other meats like ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
• Add More Veggies: Try adding some sautéed onions, spinach, or bell peppers to the beef mixture to boost the vegetable content.
• Cheese Options: While this recipe uses Italian cheese blend, you can easily switch to mozzarella or Parmesan for a different flavor.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Busy Families

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a nutritious and tasty dinner can be a challenge. This Italian Crescent Casserole is the solution! It requires minimal prep time, uses simple ingredients, and comes together quickly—perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of ground beef, cheese, and crescent rolls creates a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal, which means less cleanup!

FAQs About Italian Crescent Casserole

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed.

Q: Can I freeze Italian Crescent Casserole?
A: Absolutely! After assembling the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze it for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, preheat the oven to 325°F and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until it’s heated through.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes, you can swap out the Italian cheese blend for mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan depending on your preference.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Unfortunately, the crescent rolls used in this recipe are not gluten-free. However, you can substitute gluten-free crescent rolls or use a gluten-free pizza crust for a similar result.

Q: How can I make this casserole spicier?
A: If you like a little heat, try adding some chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat mixture.

Conclusion

In just 30 minutes, you can have a satisfying and delicious dinner that everyone will love. This Italian Crescent Casserole is a perfect balance of savory ground beef, cheese, and a crispy crust, making it an ideal choice for any weeknight meal or family dinner. It’s quick, easy, and versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite ingredients. Give it a try and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal that will become a staple in your dinner rotation!

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