Cheesy, hearty, and perfect for busy weeknights
Italian Crescent Casserole is an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together seasoned ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese—all baked inside buttery crescent roll dough. It’s cozy, filling, and simple enough for a weeknight dinner while still feeling special enough for guests.
Ingredients
1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
1 lb ground beef
1 cup marinara or Italian tomato sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: sliced black olives or chopped bell peppers
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart, until browned and fully cooked. Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
Unroll the crescent dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, sealing the seams to form a solid base.
Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly over the crescent dough. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top, followed by Parmesan cheese. Add olives or bell peppers if using.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Tips
Seal the crescent dough seams well to prevent leaks.
Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for extra flavor.
Serve with a green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
