Italian Crescent Casserole: A Flavorful and Easy Weeknight Meal
Craving a comforting and delicious dish that's also quick and easy to prepare? This Italian Crescent Casserole is the perfect choice. This delightful recipe combines the rich flavors of Italian cuisine with the convenience of crescent dough, resulting in a satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With its crispy, buttery crust and savory meat and cheese filling, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef, cooked and drained
- 1 cup Three Cheese Pasta Sauce
- One 8-ounce can of refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
- 1 ½ cups shredded Italian cheese blend
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil leaves
Instructions
Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the filling: In a skillet, combine the cooked ground beef and Three Cheese Pasta Sauce. Gently heat over medium-high heat, stirring regularly. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Assemble the casserole: Unroll the crescent dough into a large rectangle. Place the dough in an ungreased 9-inch glass pie plate, pressing the seams together to form a crust.
- Layer the ingredients: Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Italian cheese evenly over the crescent dough. Top with the cooled beef and pasta sauce mixture.
- Create the top crust: Bring the points of the crescent dough together in the center of the casserole, overlapping them slightly to form a decorative pattern. Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup of cheese and the dried basil.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Tips for Success
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped onions, garlic, or bell peppers to the ground beef while cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
- To make this dish even more indulgent, top with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based protein crumble or lentils.
- This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Italian Crescent Casserole hot with a side salad or a crusty bread. It's also delicious with a dollop of marinara sauce or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
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