When comfort food meets Italian flavors, magic happens in the kitchen. This Italian Crescent Casserole transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. It’s the perfect fusion of flaky crescent rolls and savory Italian-seasoned filling.
Born from the beloved tradition of American casseroles but elevated with Mediterranean flair, this dish brings together the best of both worlds – convenience and flavor. The golden, buttery crescent top hiding a bubbling layer of seasoned meat and cheese underneath is simply irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This
- Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish
- Uses common pantry staples and refrigerator ingredients
- Perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining
- Makes excellent leftovers that reheat beautifully
- Kid-friendly while still sophisticated enough for adults
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 can refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish
- Brown ground beef with onion and garlic until cooked through
- Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning
- Spread meat mixture in prepared baking dish
- Layer with ricotta cheese and mozzarella
- Unroll crescent rolls and arrange over the top
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until crescents are golden brown
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving
Tips & Variations
- Substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the beef
- Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables
- Use Italian blend cheese instead of just mozzarella
- Prepare the meat mixture ahead and assemble just before baking
- Sprinkle extra seasonings on the crescent rolls before baking
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp Caesar salad or garlic-roasted broccoli on the side. A light drizzle of warm marinara sauce over each portion adds an extra touch of Italian flair.
Notes
- Stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Crescents should be golden brown and completely baked through
- Let stand 5 minutes before cutting for cleaner portions
FAQs
- Can I make this ahead? Yes, prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance, but add the crescent rolls just before baking.
- Can I freeze this casserole? Freeze without the crescent topping for up to 3 months. Add fresh crescents before baking.
- What if I can’t find crescent rolls? Substitute with pizza dough or puff pastry instead.
- Can I add more vegetables? Absolutely! Just make sure they’re pre-cooked to remove excess moisture.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 can refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish
- Brown ground beef with onion and garlic until cooked through
- Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning
- Spread meat mixture in prepared baking dish
- Layer with ricotta cheese and mozzarella
- Unroll crescent rolls and arrange over the top
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until crescents are golden brown
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving
Notes
- Stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Crescents should be golden brown and completely baked through
- Let stand 5 minutes before cutting for cleaner portions
