Italian Crescent Casserole

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Italian Crescent Casserole: A Quick & Cheesy Weeknight Favorite

When comfort food meets Italian flavor and convenience, you get the irresistible Italian Crescent Casserole — a warm, cheesy, and savory dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is to devour. This clever recipe combines seasoned ground beef, rich pasta sauce, and melted cheese, all nestled under a golden, flaky crescent roll crust.

Whether you’re feeding a busy family on a weeknight or want something special that doesn’t take hours to prepare, this casserole is your no-fuss ticket to dinner success. With minimal prep, simple ingredients, and maximum flavor, this dish will quickly become a regular in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Crescent Casserole

✅ Quick and Easy

Just five ingredients, one baking dish, and about 30 minutes from start to finish — dinner doesn’t get much easier.

✅ Family-Friendly Flavor

The combination of melted cheese, hearty meat, and buttery crescent rolls is a guaranteed win with both kids and adults.

✅ Customizable

Use your favorite pasta sauce, add veggies, or change up the cheese — this recipe is flexible and forgiving.

✅ Freezer-Friendly

You can make it ahead, freeze before or after baking, and reheat for a perfect last-minute meal.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

  • 1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained
  • 1 cup Three Cheese Pasta Sauce (or your preferred marinara)
  • 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
  • 1½ cups shredded Italian cheese blend (about 6 oz)
  • ¼ teaspoon dried basil leaves

Optional Add-Ins: sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, chopped onions, or olives can be added to the beef mixture for extra flavor and texture.

How to Make Italian Crescent Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round or square baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a skillet over medium heat:

  • Brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  • Once browned, drain excess fat, then stir in the Three Cheese Pasta Sauce.
  • Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.

Step 3: Assemble the Base

Open the can of crescent rolls and separate the dough into 8 triangles.

  • Press the triangles into the bottom and slightly up the sides of your greased baking dish, forming a crust.
  • Press the edges together to seal any gaps. This will act as your flaky base layer.

Step 4: Add the Filling

Spoon the beef and sauce mixture evenly over the crescent roll crust.

Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Italian cheese blend over the top of the beef layer.

Step 5: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the crescent crust is golden brown and fully cooked.

Step 6: Add Final Cheese & Basil

Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheese over the top.

Sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon dried basil for a burst of Italian herb flavor.

Return to the oven for 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Cool Slightly & Serve

Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set for easier serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Italian Crescent Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but pairs beautifully with:

  • Garlic bread or breadsticks
  • A fresh Caesar or Italian salad
  • Roasted vegetables like zucchini or broccoli
  • A side of marinated olives or antipasto

Make It Your Own: Easy Variations

Vegetarian Version

Swap the ground beef for plant-based meat, or use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini for a veggie-packed version.

Spicy Italian Casserole

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or use hot Italian sausage in place of ground beef.

Cheese Lover’s Upgrade

Use a mix of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan for a cheesier top — or add ricotta dollops to the meat layer before baking.

Mini Crescent Cups (Appetizer Version)

Press crescent dough into muffin tins instead of a casserole dish. Add filling and bake as mini Italian casseroles — great for parties!

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator:

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:

Wrap the whole dish or individual portions tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat:

Bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through (15–20 minutes), or microwave single portions for 1–2 minutes.

Nutrition (Per Serving — Approximate)

Based on 6 servings

  • Calories: 390
  • Protein: 21g
  • Fat: 24g
  • Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sodium: 760mg

Nutrition values will vary based on sauce and cheese brands used.

Final Thoughts: Easy Italian Comfort Food, Done Right

The Italian Crescent Casserole is the definition of comfort food made simple. It’s cheesy, meaty, saucy, and encased in flaky crescent dough — a dinner that’s both satisfying and exciting, without the hassle.

Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping for a potluck, or just craving something warm and hearty, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Once you make it, don’t be surprised if it lands a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

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