Italian Crescent Casserole Recipe
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained
- 1 cup Three Cheese Pasta Sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
- 1½ cups shredded Italian cheese blend (6 oz)
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil leaves
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meat Mixture:
- In a large skillet, combine the cooked and drained ground beef with the three cheese pasta sauce.
- Place the skillet over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Crescent Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Open the can of crescent dinner rolls and separate the dough into 8 triangles.
- Arrange the dough triangles in an ungreased 9-inch glass pie plate. Place them in a spoke pattern, with the narrow tips overlapping the rim of the plate about 3 inches.
- Press the dough along the sides and bottom of the plate to form a crust.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Italian cheese blend over the crescent dough crust.
- Evenly spoon the hot meat and sauce mixture over the layer of cheese.
- Fold the tips of the crescent dough over the filling towards the center of the plate. The tips should meet in the center but do not need to overlap.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded Italian cheese blend over the meat.
- Sprinkle the dried basil leaves evenly over the cheese.
- Place the pie plate in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.
- Cut into wedges and serve hot.
Tips for Perfection:
- Use a high-quality pasta sauce for more flavor.
- Ensure the ground beef is well-drained to prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.
- If you like extra herbs, you can add more dried basil or a teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the meat mixture for enhanced flavor.
This Italian Crescent Casserole combines the heartiness of meaty, cheesy filling with the light, flaky texture of crescent rolls. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering. Enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make casserole that brings a touch of Italian flair to your table!
