Description
This Comforting Italian Crescent Casserole is a cheesy, hearty dinner perfect for family meals. Featuring seasoned ground beef, a blend of ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, and a buttery crescent roll crust, this casserole offers an easy Italian-American twist on classic flavors. Baked until golden and bubbly, it combines savory meat sauce with creamy cheese layers for a satisfying dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (half for cheese mixture, half for topping)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Other
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish using cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Beef and Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the diced onion until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease to keep the casserole from being too oily.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and marinara sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes to blend the flavors well.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, chopped fresh parsley, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until well blended.
- Assemble the Casserole: Unroll the crescent roll dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, making sure to seal all perforations to create a solid crust.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the crescent dough crust. Then spoon the seasoned meat sauce over the ricotta layer. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the crescent roll crust turns golden brown and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make it easier to slice.
Notes
- Ground turkey or Italian sausage can be used as alternatives to beef for varied flavor.
- Add sliced mushrooms or spinach to incorporate extra vegetables.
- Serve with a fresh green salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.
