Italian Crescent Casserole
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A while back, I asked for your help in choosing a recipe to bring to a potluck party, and now that the holiday rush is over, I’m excited to finally share what I made. This Italian Crescent Casserole turned out to be a huge hit, and it’s no surprise why—it’s incredibly easy to put together, and the flavors are crowd-pleasers.
The combination of seasoned ground beef, rich pasta sauce, gooey cheese, and buttery crescent dough creates a dish that’s both comforting and delicious. It actually reminded me a lot of a deep-dish pizza, but with a fun twist, thanks to the crescent roll crust.
The crescent dough forms a golden, flaky crust that holds in all the cheesy, saucy goodness, making every bite satisfying. It’s a fantastic option for potlucks, family dinners, or even weeknight meals when you want something easy but filling. Serve it with a fresh side salad, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
Ingredients to make Italian Crescent Casserole
- GROUND BEEF
- GARLIC TOMATO PASTA SAUCE
- PILLSBURY® REFRIGERATED CRESCENT DINNER ROLLS
- SHREDDED ITALIAN CHEESE BLEND
- DRIED BASIL LEAVES
How to Make Italian Crescent Casserole
In a large skillet, stir your cooked ground beef with pasta sauce together. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it’s warmed through. Set aside.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Separate dough into 8 triangles. Arrange the dough in a spoke pattern in an ungreased 9-inch glass pie plate, with the narrow tips overlapping the rim by about 3 inches. Press dough along the sides and bottom of the plate to form an even crust that covers the entire pan.
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the dough in the pan to create the first cheesy layer. Then, spoon meat mixture evenly over the cheese.
Bring the tips of the crescent dough over the filling, allowing them to meet in the center of the pie. Make sure the dough tips do not overlap.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese evenly over the top of the dish, followed by a sprinkle of fresh or dried basil for added flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once baked, remove the Italian Crescent Bake from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy this cheesy, savory dish with your favorite side salad or garlic bread!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a different flavor. Italian sausage works especially well for an added boost of flavor, or you can use a meatless alternative for a vegetarian version.
Can I use a different cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! Mozzarella cheese is the classic choice for this casserole, you can also use cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses. Parmesan cheese or ricotta cheese can also be added for an extra creamy texture and flavor.
How do I prevent the bottom of the crust from getting soggy?
To prevent a soggy crust, you can pre-bake the crescent dough for about 5 minutes before adding the cheese and meat mixture. This will give the dough a head start on crisping up.
How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
What sides go well with this casserole?
Italian Crescent Casserole pairs well with a variety of sides. A fresh garden salad, Caesar salad, or garlic bread make excellent accompaniments. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or a side of pasta for an even heartier meal.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this casserole gluten-free by using gluten-free crescent rolls or dough. Many grocery stores carry gluten-free alternatives, which will work just as well in this recipe.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Italian Crescent Casserole
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef cooked and drained
- 1 cup garlic tomato pasta sauce
- 8 oz pkg Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
- 1 ½ cups shredded Italian cheese blend
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil leaves
Instructions
- In a skillet, mix cooked beef and pasta sauce. Heat over medium heat until warm.
- Separate crescent dough into 8 triangles. Place dough in an ungreased 9-inch glass pie plate in a spoke pattern, with narrow tips overlapping the rim of the plate about 3 inches.
- Press the dough into the side and bottom of the pan to form a crust and cover the pan. Sprinkle 1 cup of the cheese over the dough in the pan.
- Spoon the meat mixture evenly over the cheese.
- Bring tips of dough over filling to meet in the center; do not overlap.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheese over the dish followed by the basil. Bake at 375°F 15 to 20 minutes.
Nutrition
Recipe adapted from Pillsbury.
