Italian Crescent Casserole

Italian Crescent Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and chopped bell pepper until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender. Be sure to break up the beef into small pieces as it cooks.
  3. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
  4. Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Then, remove it from the heat.
  5. Unroll the crescent dinner rolls and separate them into triangles.
  6. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the crescent roll triangles in a single layer, pressing them together to form a crust. You can use your fingers to stretch and press the dough to fit the dish.
  7. Spread the beef and tomato sauce mixture evenly over the crescent roll crust.
  8. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the beef mixture.
  9. Place the remaining crescent roll triangles on top of the cheese, again pressing them together to form a top crust.
  10. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer of crescent rolls.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
  12. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Cook’s Notes:

  • Feel free to customize this casserole with your favorite Italian ingredients like sliced black olives, sliced mushrooms, or cooked and crumbled Italian sausage.
  • Serve with a side of garlic bread and a green salad for a complete Italian meal.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Enjoy this comforting Italian Crescent Casserole that combines the flavors of a classic Italian meal with the ease of a casserole dish!

Variation: Vegetarian Italian Crescent Casserole

If you prefer a meatless version of this Italian Crescent Casserole, simply omit the ground beef and follow these steps:

Ingredients:

  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup of your favorite sautéed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, spinach)

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, then remove it from the heat.
  2. Unroll the crescent dinner rolls and separate them into triangles.
  3. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the crescent roll triangles in a single layer, pressing them together to form a crust. Stretch and press the dough to fit the dish.
  4. Spread your sautéed vegetables evenly over the crescent roll crust.
  5. Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the vegetables.
  6. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the tomato sauce.
  7. Place the remaining crescent roll triangles on top of the cheese, pressing them together to form a top crust.
  8. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer of crescent rolls.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
  10. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Cook’s Notes:

  • Feel free to customize the vegetarian version by adding your favorite veggies or even some cooked pasta.
  • A layer of sliced fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers would add a burst of flavor and color to the dish.
  • If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the vegetable layer before adding the tomato sauce.

Enjoy this delicious Vegetarian Italian Crescent Casserole that’s packed with Italian flavors and loaded with sautéed veggies!