Description
Cheesy Beef Crescent Bake
Ingredients
:
For the Filling:
500g ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup marinara or tomato sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Bake:
1 pack refrigerated crescent roll dough
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 egg, beaten
(for egg wash)
Instructions
:
Prepare the Filling:
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
Stir in the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, then set aside.
Assemble the Crescent Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into individual triangles.
Place a spoonful of the beef mixture at the wide end of each triangle, followed by a sprinkle of cheddar cheese.
Roll up each triangle from the wide end to the tip and place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
Add the Topping:
Brush the tops of the crescent rolls with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the rolls.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy:
Let the bake cool slightly before serving. Pair with a fresh salad or enjoy on its own!
This Cheesy Beef Crescent Bake is a comforting, pull-apart dish that’s perfect for family dinners or parties.
Each buttery, flaky bite is loaded with cheesy, savory goodness!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for a perfect bake. First, ensure your beef is fully browned and drained of excess fat before adding aromatics. When softening the onion and garlic, cook until fragrant but not browned. Simmering the filling is crucial to blend flavors and reduce moisture, preventing a soggy crust. For assembly, use about 1.5 tablespoons of filling per crescent triangle; overfilling will cause leaks. Roll tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Before baking, ensure the egg wash is applied evenly for uniform browning.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is versatile. For a complete meal, serve alongside a crisp Caesar salad or steamed green beans. For a party, offer small bowls of extra marinara, ranch dressing, or sour cream for dipping. It also makes an excellent game-day appetizer when cut into smaller portions. Pair with a light, acidic drink like lemonade or an Italian soda to cut through the richness.
How-to Summary
Brown beef with onion and garlic. Mix in sauce and seasoning to create a savory filling. Spoon filling and cheese onto crescent dough triangles, roll up, and place in a dish. Brush with egg wash, top with remaining cheese, and bake at 190°C (375°F) for 20-25 minutes until golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 3-5 minutes to the baking time.
Can I use a different protein? Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground meat substitute work well. Adjust seasoning as needed.
My crescent rolls are soggy. What happened? This is usually due to excess moisture in the filling. Ensure you simmer it long enough and drain the beef thoroughly. Let the filling cool slightly before assembling.
Can I freeze the bake? It’s best frozen before baking. Assemble, freeze on the tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the time.
What can I use instead of marinara? Tomato paste thinned with a bit of beef broth, pizza sauce, or a creamy Alfredo sauce are great alternatives for a different flavor profile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using hot filling: This melts the dough and makes it greasy. Let it cool for 10 minutes.
- Overfilling the triangles: This causes bursting and messy presentation.
- Skipping the egg wash: This results in a pale, less appetizing finish.
- Not preheating the oven: A cold oven leads to uneven cooking and a less flaky crust.
- Using low-fat cheese: Full-fat cheese melts and browns better, creating the desired gooey texture.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Beef Crescent Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining simplicity with crowd-pleasing flavor. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a reliably delicious centerpiece for any occasion. Its versatility in ingredients and preparation makes it a staple recipe you’ll return to again and again. Enjoy the golden, cheesy, and satisfying results of your easy culinary effort.