Italian Crescent Casserole
A cheesy, flavorful Italian-inspired casserole featuring ground beef, spaghetti sauce, and melted mozzarella, perfect for a comforting family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onion; drain excess fat.
- Stir in spaghetti sauce and heat through.
- Unroll the refrigerated crescent rolls and layer them in a greased casserole dish.
- Spread the beef mixture over the crescent rolls.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Drizzle melted butter over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using Italian seasoning or garlic powder in the beef mixture. If you're short on time, pre-cooked ground beef is an excellent substitute. You can also swap out the Mozzarella for Provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses. If you prefer a lighter option, try using ground turkey instead of beef. This casserole is similar to Ground Beef With Spaghetti Parmigiana, offering a hearty and comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious casserole with a side salad for a fresh contrast. Garlic bread pairs beautifully with the dish, enhancing the Italian flavors. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables. This casserole is a great option for a family dinner or potluck, and it can easily be made ahead of time. Explore more Italian recipes for additional inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Italian Crescent Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Crescent Casserole contains roughly 723 calories, with 22g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (44% of the Daily Value) and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A.
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 use a different type of meat in this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat alternative like lentils for a vegetarian option. Each variation will give a different flavor profile, but all will work well with the other ingredients.
What if I don't have crescent rolls?
If you don't have crescent rolls, you can use puff pastry or even biscuit dough as a base. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as different doughs may require different cooking times.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well before baking. Just assemble it, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze. When you're ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then 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).