1. Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or casserole dish. This will help prevent sticking and ensure easy serving after baking.
2. Cook the Meat:
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer for about 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Arrange the triangles in the prepared dish with the points toward the center, overlapping slightly to form a crust. Press the dough to seal any gaps, covering the bottom and sides of the dish.
If using, spread the ricotta cheese evenly over the dough. Then, spoon the meat mixture over the dough (or ricotta, if using) and sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Fold the points of the dough over the filling toward the center. It doesn’t need to cover the filling completely. The crescent dough will expand and cover more surface area as it bakes.
4. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and cooked through. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil. Serve warm and enjoy the melting pot of flavors.
Serving Suggestions:
The Italian Crescent Casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized with different ingredients such as adding vegetables to the meat sauce or using different cheeses for new flavor profiles.
Tips:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meat sauce in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble the casserole, making this dish even quicker to put together.
- Customize: Feel free to add ingredients like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives to the meat sauce for extra flavor and texture.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses such as parmesan or provolone for a new taste experience.
This Italian Crescent Casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection, offering the perfect blend of ease, comfort, and flavor.