Italian Crescent Casserole

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
4. Add Marinara Sauce and Seasoning: Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the beef mixture.
6. Add the Crescent Roll Topping: Unroll the crescent roll dough and place it over the cheese layer, covering the entire surface. If needed, pinch the seams together to create a solid sheet of dough.
7. Season the Crescent Rolls: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder and dried oregano. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the crescent roll dough. For extra flavor, you can also lightly brush the dough with melted butter before adding the seasoning.
8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent roll topping is golden brown and cooked through.
9. Add More Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.

Conclusion

Italian Crescent Casserole is a delicious, family-friendly dish that combines the best of Italian flavors with the ease of a casserole. With its savory beef filling, melty cheese, and buttery crescent roll topping, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. Enjoy!