If you are craving a warm, comforting dish that combines cheesy richness with classic Italian flavors, you are going to love this Italian Crescent Casserole (Cheesy) Recipe. This casserole brings together tender ground beef or Italian sausage simmered in flavorful marinara, wrapped in buttery crescent roll dough, and topped with a glorious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug in every bite, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings when you want something hearty yet easy to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, balancing taste, texture, and color to create a delightful Italian Crescent Casserole (Cheesy) Recipe. The simplicity of each item allows their flavors to shine while harmonizing beautifully in the final dish.
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage: Provides the savory, meaty base that makes the casserole hearty and satisfying.
- 1 cup pasta sauce or marinara: Adds a tangy, tomato-rich depth that envelops the meat perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings aromatic herbs like oregano and basil to enhance that classic Italian profile.
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz): Gives a buttery, flaky crust that holds everything together deliciously.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to gooey perfection, creating that irresistible cheesy layer on top.
- ½ cup ricotta or cottage cheese: Adds creaminess and richness to balance the tomato and meat flavors.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty punch that complements the mozzarella beautifully.
- 1 egg (lightly beaten): Helps bind the ricotta mixture for a smooth texture.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a gentle garlic warmth throughout the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors into perfect harmony.
- Chopped parsley or basil for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and herbaceous brightness.
How to Make Italian Crescent Casserole (Cheesy) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Start by heating a skillet over medium and cooking your ground beef or Italian sausage until it’s fully browned and cooked through. Draining the excess fat ensures your casserole won’t be greasy. Then, stir in the pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a rich, savory sauce that simmers just a few minutes to blend all those flavors wonderfully.
Step 2: Mix the Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, combine ricotta or cottage cheese with the egg and grated Parmesan. This mixture will provide a creamy, velvety layer beneath the hearty meat and gooey mozzarella, balancing both texture and taste perfectly in this Italian Crescent Casserole (Cheesy) Recipe.
Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Roll Crust
Unroll your refrigerated crescent roll dough and press it evenly into the bottom and up the sides of your greased 8×8 or 9-inch baking dish. Make sure to press the seams well to seal, creating a sturdy base and crust that will hold all the layers snugly together when baked.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Spread the creamy ricotta mixture evenly over the crescent roll crust, giving you that luscious, cheesy foundation. Next, layer your flavorful meat sauce on top, followed by an even sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. This layering is key to building the delightful texture and flavor of the Italian Crescent Casserole (Cheesy) Recipe.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your casserole into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll want to see the crescent dough turn golden brown while the cheese melts into bubbly heaven. Let it cool for around 5 minutes before slicing to allow everything to set nicely.
How to Serve Italian Crescent Casserole (Cheesy) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil make a brilliant finishing touch to this casserole, adding vibrant color and a fresh, herbaceous note. A light sprinkle just before serving brightens the rich, cheesy layers and makes each plate look irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pairing this casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables will introduce a refreshing contrast to the richness. Garlic bread or roasted asparagus also complement the Italian flavors splendidly and round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style twist, serve the casserole directly from the baking dish with a generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top. You can also cut it into smaller squares for a party platter, perfect as hearty finger food that’s both filling and flavorful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Italian Crescent Casserole (Cheesy) Recipe stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even marry more deeply overnight, making each bite as delightful as the first.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze this casserole, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 2 months, which makes it a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy weeks when you want comfort food waiting in the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melted and bubbly again. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick lunch or dinner option.
FAQs
Can I use vegetarian sausage instead of meat?
Absolutely! Vegetarian sausage works wonderfully in this Italian Crescent Casserole (Cheesy) Recipe and keeps the dish just as flavorful while accommodating plant-based preferences.
Is it okay to substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?
Yes, cottage cheese makes a great substitute and adds a slightly different texture but still yields a creamy, delicious filling that pairs well with the other ingredients.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Adding chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers either mixed in the meat sauce or layered before the cheese brings extra nutrition and flavor to the dish.
What kind of pasta sauce works best?
You can use marinara, tomato basil, or even a meat sauce depending on your preference. Just make sure it’s a flavorful, good-quality sauce to elevate the entire casserole.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. Just adjust the baking time accordingly, checking until the crust is golden and cheese bubbly.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Crescent Casserole (Cheesy) Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm, welcoming hug after a long day. Its layers of comforting, cheesy goodness combined with savory, well-seasoned meat and a flaky crescent crust make it an absolute crowd-pleaser. I encourage you to give it a try soon—whether for a weeknight family dinner or a casual gathering—you’ll be coming back for seconds and sharing it with all your favorite people.
Print
Italian Crescent Casserole (Cheesy) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Italian Crescent Casserole is a comforting and cheesy main course perfect for family dinners. Featuring a savory blend of ground beef, Italian sausage or ground beef with pasta sauce, layered over a buttery crescent roll crust and generously topped with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, it bakes to golden perfection. Easy to prepare and freezer-friendly, this casserole combines classic Italian-American flavors into a simple yet satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 cup pasta sauce or marinara
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dough and Cheese Mixture
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup ricotta or cottage cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped parsley or basil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8 or 9-inch square baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Meat Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta (or cottage cheese), beaten egg, and grated Parmesan cheese until well blended.
- Prepare Crescent Roll Crust: Unroll the crescent dough and press it into the bottom and up the sides of the greased baking dish, forming a crust. Press the seams together to seal the dough.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the crescent dough crust. Layer the cooked meat mixture on top, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the surface.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crescent dough turns golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Add chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use your favorite spaghetti sauce varieties such as marinara, tomato basil, or meat sauce to customize taste.
- This dish is great for leftovers and can be frozen for convenient future meals.
