Quick Italian Crescent Casserole Recipe That Warms Your Soul

Comfort finds a new home in this mouthwatering Italian crescent casserole that blends cheesy goodness with savory meat.

Layers of tender crescents embrace a rich filling of ground beef and melted cheese.

The dish comes together effortlessly, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Creamy and satisfying, each bite promises a delightful culinary experience.

The aroma will draw everyone to the table, eager to savor this hearty meal.

Families and friends will love how quickly this casserole comes together with minimal effort.

Prepare to indulge in a classic comfort dish that never disappoints.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a lean alternative. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and seasoned similarly to the beef mixture.

• Is it okay to make this casserole ahead of time?

You can prepare the beef mixture and assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

Create a quick substitute by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in equal proportions. This will give a similar flavor profile to the original recipe.

Why Italian Crescent Casserole Makes Dinner Easy and Delicious

• Craft a Crowd-Pleaser: These cheeseburger pockets transform classic burger flavors into a fun, handheld meal that everyone from kids to adults will love.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation make this recipe perfect for busy families seeking a quick and satisfying dinner solution.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra toppings like pickles, bacon bits, or different cheese varieties to personalize each pocket to individual tastes.
• Portable Party Favorite: Perfect for game day, potlucks, or casual gatherings, these pockets offer a convenient and delicious alternative to traditional burgers.

Ingredients for Italian Crescent Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the main flavor profile of the casserole.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the meat mixture.
• Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor to the dish.

• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings authentic Italian taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance overall flavor.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds moisture and tangy richness to the meat mixture.

• Crescent Roll Dough: Creates a soft and flaky base for the casserole.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Offers a creamy and stretchy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp and nutty flavor to the topping.

• Butter, Garlic Powder, Parsley: Creates a flavorful and golden brush for the crescent dough edges.

How to Make Italian Crescent Casserole Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish

Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8 or 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and chopped onions until the meat is completely browned and onions become translucent. Carefully drain any excess grease from the pan.

Step 3: Season the Meat Mixture

• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir in tomato sauce and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Create the Crescent Base

Unroll the crescent dough and gently press it into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the dough.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

Evenly spread the prepared beef mixture over the cheese layer. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Prepare Butter Topping

• Melted butter
• Garlic powder
• Chopped fresh parsley

Brush this mixture along the edges of the crescent dough.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.

The casserole is ready when the crescent crust turns golden brown and the cheese becomes bubbly and slightly melted.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes.

Slice into portions and serve with a fresh side salad or warm garlic bread.

Pro Tips for Italian Crescent Casserole Success

• Use fresh garlic instead of powdered for a more robust, authentic Italian taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent a soggy casserole and ensure a crisp, golden crescent crust that stays deliciously crunchy.
• Mix different Italian cheeses like provolone or fontina with mozzarella for a more complex and rich cheese profile.
• Prepare the beef mixture and assemble the casserole earlier in the day, then refrigerate and bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.
• Swap crescent rolls with gluten-free dough or use cauliflower crust to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Fun Twists on Italian Crescent Casserole

• Vegetarian Crescent Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the same seasonings and cheese layers for a meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crescent roll dough or substitute with a gluten-free pastry base, keeping all other ingredients the same.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap crescent dough with cauliflower crust or thinly sliced zucchini, using the same beef mixture and cheese topping for a lighter alternative.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, chopped olives, and swap Parmesan for feta cheese to give the casserole a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile.

Perfect Pairings with Italian Crescent Casserole

• Pair with Zesty Red Wines: Choose bold Italian reds like Chianti or Sangiovese that complement the rich, meaty flavors of the casserole, cutting through the cheese and enhancing the tomato sauce's tanginess.
• Crisp Salad Sidekick: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the casserole's hearty profile, adding freshness and cutting through the richness of the melted cheeses.
• Garlic Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the savory sauce and provide an extra layer of garlicky goodness that matches the casserole's Italian-inspired seasoning.

Storage Tips for Italian Crescent Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Stays good for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

Italian Crescent Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this Italian Crescent Casserole, blending hearty ground beef with creamy cheeses and flaky crescent rolls. Cheese lovers and busy home cooks will savor this simple, satisfying meal that brings Italian-inspired flavors to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Cheese:

• 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (75 grams) diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 can (8 ounces / 226 grams) crescent roll dough
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C) and lightly coat an 8×8 or 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef with diced onions until meat is fully cooked and onions are translucent. Drain excess fat.
3. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture. Pour in tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
4. Carefully spread crescent dough across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pressing to cover the surface and slightly up the sides.
5. Distribute half of the mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough base.
6. Spread the seasoned beef mixture uniformly across the cheese layer.
7. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the beef.
8. Combine melted butter with garlic powder and chopped parsley. Brush this mixture along the exposed crescent dough edges.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and cheese becomes melted and bubbly.
10. Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before cutting into portions. Serve alongside a fresh salad or garlic bread.

Notes

• Make the dish gluten-free by using gluten-free crescent roll dough or a homemade alternative like almond flour pastry.
• Reduce fat content by choosing lean ground beef or substituting with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
• Enhance vegetable intake by adding sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef mixture for extra nutrition and flavor depth.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting Italian seasoning or adding red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a bit more heat in their meal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 376 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg