Italian Crescent Meat Casserole
Italian Crescent Meat Casserole combines savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheeses, all topped with flaky crescent rolls for a comforting, family-friendly dish. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, its hearty flavors and easy preparation make it a favorite for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a frypan, brown ground chuck and chopped onion; drain excess fat.
- Stir in spaghetti sauce mix and tomato sauce; heat until hot and bubbly.
- Combine shredded cheese and sour cream in a bowl.
- Pour hot meat mixture into a greased 12 x 8-inch or 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Spoon cheese mixture over the meat.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil to the meat mixture. If you don’t have spaghetti sauce mix, a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning can work well. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option, and use ricotta cheese instead of sour cream for a creamier texture.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is delicious served with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a vegetarian option, consider adding sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini to the meat mixture. It also pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Broccoli And Pasta for a well-rounded dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers should 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. If reheating the entire casserole, cover it with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Crescent Meat Casserole contains roughly 568 calories, with 17g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (34% of the Daily Value) and calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 759mg per serving (33% 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 use a different type of meat in this casserole?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for the ground chuck. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if using a leaner meat, as it may cook faster.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I do if I don't have crescent rolls?
If you don't have crescent rolls, you can use puff pastry or even a biscuit dough as a substitute. Just be sure to adjust the baking time according to the dough you choose to use.
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).