Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Cook Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Crescent Rolls
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Crescent Rolls: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Place the triangles in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, pressing them into the bottom and up the sides to form a crust.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Layer Cheese: Spread the ricotta cheese over the crescent roll crust. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the ricotta.
- Add Meat Sauce: Pour the prepared meat sauce over the cheese layer, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with Seasoning: Sprinkle the dried Italian seasoning over the top of the meat sauce.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent roll crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Serve: Cut into squares and serve the Italian Crescent Casserole hot. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips and Variations
- Vegetable Addition: Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat sauce for extra veggies.
- Cheese Variation: Use a blend of Italian cheeses such as provolone, fontina, or Asiago for added flavor.
- Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a spicy kick.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
Conclusion
Italian Crescent Casserole is a savory and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. This simple recipe ensures a delicious, comforting meal with minimal effort. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful casserole with your family and friends.
Key Takeaway
Italian Crescent Casserole offers a savory, comforting, and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and full of delicious flavors. This versatile recipe can be customized with various ingredients to suit your taste. Enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness of this amazing casserole!