Description
This Comforting Italian Crescent Casserole combines savory ground beef simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce with Italian seasoning, topped with melted mozzarella and a golden crescent roll crust. Perfect for an easy, cheesy dinner that satisfies the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg yolk (optional, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Assemble Meat Layer: Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly for uniform cooking and topping coverage.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the beef layer, ensuring good coverage for cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Top with Crescent Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and cover the meat and cheese, pinching seams together to form one solid sheet. Stretch it gently if needed to fit the baking dish dimensions.
- Apply Egg Wash and Parmesan: Brush the top of the crescent dough with the beaten egg yolk to give it a glossy, appealing finish. Then sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and a golden crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing to help it set. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm and enjoy your comforting meal.
Notes
- Draining the ground beef helps reduce excess fat and keeps the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Egg wash is optional but gives the crescent topping a nice golden and shiny appearance.
- Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness as a garnish but can be omitted if unavailable.
- You can substitute mozzarella with other mild melting cheeses if preferred.
- This dish can be reheated in the oven to maintain the crispness of the crescent topping.
