Description
Italian Crescent Casserole
This Italian Crescent Casserole is inspired by cherished church cookbooks and is a delightful twist on the classic Pillsbury recipe. Combining savory ground beef, creamy cheese, and a flaky crescent crust, it’s a comforting dish perfect for family dinners. My cooking class at the church youth group recently explored this casserole, and with a few tweaks to the sauce, it became an instant hit. Serve it with a fresh green salad, and you’ll have a meal that evokes warmth and togetherness.
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, finely diced
1 cup marinara sauce
½ cup sour cream
8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
8 oz Pillsbury Crescent Dinner Rolls
2 tbsp butter, melted
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Brown beef and onion, then drain. Add marinara sauce.
3. In a bowl, mix sour cream and mozzarella.
4. Layer beef in casserole dish, then spread cheese mixture.
5. Cover with crescent roll dough.
6. Brush with melted butter mixed with Parmesan.
7. Bake for 20-25 mins until golden.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Kcal: 430 per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect casserole every time. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 1 lb of ground beef with the finely diced onion until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat. Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of marinara sauce, letting it simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors. In a separate medium bowl, combine ½ cup of sour cream with 8 oz of shredded mozzarella cheese until evenly mixed.
Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Carefully spoon the sour cream and cheese mixture over the meat, spreading it to cover completely. Unroll the package of crescent dough and layer it over the top of the casserole, gently pressing the seams together to form a solid crust. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp of melted butter with ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Brush this mixture evenly over the crescent dough. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent crust is puffed and a deep golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides to balance its richness. Serve it with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple Italian vinaigrette. For a more substantial meal, add a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli or zucchini, or a serving of garlic bread. A light, fruity red wine like Chianti or a sparkling water with lemon complements the Italian flavors perfectly.
How-to Summary
Brown beef and onion, drain, and mix with marinara. Combine sour cream and mozzarella. In a greased dish, layer the meat, then the cheese mixture. Top with unrolled crescent dough, brush with a butter-Parmesan mix, and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage are excellent substitutes for ground beef and will alter the flavor profile deliciously.
How can I make this casserole ahead of time? Assemble the casserole completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
Can I freeze the baked casserole? Yes. Let it cool completely, wrap it well in foil and plastic, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
What can I use instead of sour cream? Full-fat ricotta cheese or plain Greek yogurt are the best substitutes and will provide a similar creamy texture.
My crescent dough is soggy. How do I prevent this? Ensure the meat mixture isn’t too watery; drain it well after cooking. Also, make sure the oven is fully preheated so the dough begins to cook immediately.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls for the best results: Do not skip draining the fat from the cooked beef, as excess grease can make the dish oily. Do not overmix the sour cream and cheese, as it can become gummy. Ensure you press the seams of the crescent dough together to prevent the filling from bubbling through. Finally, do not underbake; the crust should be a deep golden brown for the best texture.
Conclusion
This Italian Crescent Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, merging simple ingredients into a satisfying and crowd-pleasing meal. Its straightforward preparation makes it ideal for busy weeknights, while its delicious, cheesy layers are sure to become a requested favorite. By following the detailed guide and tips provided, you can master this dish and create a warm, memorable dining experience for your family and friends.