Italian Crescent Casserole

$- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough - 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option) - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1 can (15 oz) marinara sauce - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided) - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish When I create the Italian Crescent Casserole, I focus on quality ingredients. The dough is the base. I often use refrigerated crescent roll dough for its ease and buttery flavor. Ground beef or turkey adds protein and heartiness. I finely chop a small onion and mince garlic to build a strong flavor foundation. To enhance the dish, I add a diced bell pepper, which gives a fresh crunch. A can of marinara sauce brings the Italian taste we all love. I sprinkle in Italian seasoning to deepen the flavors. The creamy part is essential. I mix ricotta cheese with shredded mozzarella for richness. I always add salt and pepper to balance the flavors. Finally, fresh basil leaves on top add color and aroma. This combination makes the casserole not just tasty, but also beautiful. You can find the Full Recipe to make this delicious dish! - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). - Brown ground beef, onion, and garlic in a skillet. Start by preheating your oven so it's ready when you finish the prep. Use a large skillet over medium heat. Add one pound of ground beef, one small chopped onion, and two minced garlic cloves. Cook until the meat is brown and the onion is clear, about 5-7 minutes. If you see too much fat, drain some off. - Sauté diced bell pepper with beef mixture. - Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Next, toss in a diced bell pepper. This adds color and crunch. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes. Then, pour in one can of marinara sauce and one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes so all the flavors blend well. - Combine ricotta and half of mozzarella in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix one cup of ricotta cheese with one cup of shredded mozzarella. Stir until it’s smooth and creamy. This will add richness to your casserole. - Lay crescent dough in baking dish and spread beef mixture. - Dollop ricotta mixture on top and fold dough edges. Open a can of crescent roll dough and lay it flat in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Press the seams together to form one sheet. Spread your beef mixture evenly over the dough. Then, dollop your ricotta mixture on top. Finally, fold the edges of the dough over the filling to seal it in. - Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and bake for 20-25 minutes. Sprinkle the last cup of mozzarella on top. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Let cool for a few minutes and garnish with basil leaves. Once you take it out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Then, garnish with fresh basil leaves. This adds a lovely touch and fresh flavor to your dish. Enjoy your Italian Crescent Casserole! For the full recipe, check out the details provided earlier. - Ensure the crescent dough is sealed well for even baking. A good seal keeps the filling inside and helps it cook evenly. - Use a thermometer to check cheese doneness. Aim for around 160°F (71°C) to confirm it’s fully cooked. - Experiment with different cheeses for added flavor. Swap mozzarella for provolone or gouda to change the taste. - Add crushed red pepper for some spice. A little heat can elevate the dish and excite your taste buds. - Cut the casserole into squares and garnish for an attractive serving. Fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil really enhances the look. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in your casserole for fun flavors. Use ground chicken if you want a lighter option. Ground sausage adds a nice kick, too. For a meat-free meal, try vegetarian meat alternatives. They work well and keep the dish hearty. Adding veggies is a great way to boost nutrition. Spinach and zucchini blend nicely with the other ingredients. They add color and flavor. Mushrooms are another excellent choice if you want an earthy taste. They give the dish extra depth and texture. Cheese makes everything better! You can swap ricotta for cottage cheese. This change gives a different texture and taste. Experiment with various mozzarella types, too. Smoked mozzarella adds a unique flavor that elevates the dish. Don’t be afraid to get creative! For the full recipe, check out the link above. Store any leftover Italian Crescent Casserole in an airtight container. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days. This makes it easy to enjoy your delicious meal later in the week. Just remember to let it cool before you store it. You can freeze an unbaked casserole for up to a month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. If you bake the casserole, it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just let it cool completely before packing it up for the freezer. For the best texture, reheat your casserole in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use a microwave if you're in a hurry. Just be aware that the texture may change a bit. It might not be as crispy, but it will still taste great! Yes, you can prepare and assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge overnight before baking. This saves time on busy nights. Just remember to cover it well with plastic wrap. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the fridge. It will taste fresh and delicious. Puff pastry or bread dough can be used as alternatives. Puff pastry gives a flaky texture. Bread dough creates a heartier base. Both options work great in this casserole. You can modify the flavor and texture to your liking. Baking times may vary; check for golden brown dough and bubbling cheese as indicators. If you use a larger dish, it might take a bit longer. If smaller, it could bake faster. Always look for that golden color and melted cheese to know it's done. Yes, the flavors are mild and appealing for children. The combination of meat, cheese, and sauce makes it a hit. Kids love the gooey cheese and soft dough. It’s a perfect meal for families. Absolutely, store-bought sauce works well for convenience and flavor. Many brands have great taste without extra work. You can even try different flavors to find your favorite. Just pour it right into the skillet when needed. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Italian Crescent Casserole. We explored ingredients like crescent roll dough, ground beef, and ricotta cheese. I shared easy steps to prepare, bake, and serve your dish. Remember, feel free to mix in your favorite veggies or switch the meat. With these tips, you can create a dish that's both fun and flavorful. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

Discover the delicious flavors of Italian Crescent Casserole with this easy recipe! Using simple ingredients like crescent roll dough, ground beef, marinara sauce, and creamy cheeses, this dish is perfect for a hearty family meal. It’s quick to prepare with just 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of baking. Click through to explore step-by-step instructions and create a comforting Italian dish that everyone will love!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough

1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

1 can (15 oz) marinara sauce

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 cup ricotta cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s ready for baking once your casserole is assembled.

In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the meat is thoroughly browned and the onion turns translucent. If there is a lot of fat in the skillet, drain the excess.

Toss the diced bell pepper into the skillet and sauté for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Stir in the marinara sauce and sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the mixture. Let this simmer for around 5 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. Taste the mixture and season it with salt and pepper as necessary.

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella (1 cup) and mix well until creamy and homogeneous.

Roll out the crescent dough and press the seams together firmly to form a single sheet. Carefully lay it in the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, making sure the edges hang slightly over the sides for folding over later.

Evenly spread the beef and marinara mixture over the crescent dough layer, ensuring to cover it entirely. Then, dollop the ricotta and mozzarella mixture over this filling so it’s well distributed.

Fold the overhanging edges of the crescent dough over the filling, ensuring a nice seal on top to contain the deliciousness inside.

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the top of the casserole generously.

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes. The casserole is ready when the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and melted.

Once baked, take your casserole out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves to add freshness and color.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 40 min | 6 servings.

- Presentation Tips: Cut the casserole into appealing squares and present them on a large platter. Garnish with additional basil leaves and a light drizzle of olive oil for an elegant finish, enhancing the dish's rustic Italian flair.