Crescent Bake Italian
A savory casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, mushrooms, and cheese, topped with crescent roll triangles for a comforting, family-friendly meal with rich tomato flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown hamburger and onion in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Add salt, pepper, tomato sauce, and drained mushrooms to the skillet and cook briefly.
- Pour the mixture into an 8 x 10-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole.
- Open and unroll the crescent rolls dough.
- Separate the dough into 8 triangles.
- In a bowl, combine sour cream, oregano, and basil.
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of the sour cream mixture on each crescent roll triangle.
- Roll up each triangle starting at the wide end to form a crescent shape.
- Arrange the rolled crescents on top of the casserole in a decorative pattern.
- Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding Italian sausage alongside the ground beef. You can substitute the Cheddar cheese with mozzarella for a milder taste. If you don’t have crescent rolls, use puff pastry or biscuit dough instead. For added texture, mix in some chopped bell peppers or spinach into the meat mixture before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Crescent Bake with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You might also enjoy pairing it with garlic bread for a comforting dinner. For a fun twist, serve it alongside Canned Green Beans That Taste Like Fresh to enhance the meal’s freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Crescent Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crescent Bake Italian contains roughly 289 calories, with 14g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (48% of the Daily Value), iron (43% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 503mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through completely.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, use cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute. Just adjust the seasoning to suit your preference.
Can I freeze the Crescent Bake?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Assemble the casserole without baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).