Italian Crescent Casserole: A Savory and Delicious Dinner

Italian Crescent Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of Italian cuisine with the convenience of crescent rolls. This dish features a savory meat and cheese filling topped with buttery crescent roll dough, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty family meal. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious casserole.

Ingredients

Crescent Roll Dough: 2 cans (8 ounces each), refrigerated
Ground Italian Sausage: 1 pound (bulk, not in casings)
Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Bell Pepper: 1, finely chopped (any color)
Tomato Sauce: 1 cup
Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
Dried Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon
Dried Basil: 1/2 teaspoon
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated (optional)
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (for cooking)

Equipment Needed

9×13 inch baking dish
Large skillet
Mixing bowls
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Sausage Mixture:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes.
Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and drain any excess fat.

Add Vegetables:

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables.

Add Sauce and Seasonings:

Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat.

Prepare Crescent Roll Dough:

Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the 9×13 inch baking dish, covering the bottom completely. Pinch the seams together to form a uniform layer.

Add Sausage Mixture:

Spread the sausage and vegetable mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough in the baking dish.

Add Cheese:

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sausage mixture. If using, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella.

Top with Crescent Roll Dough:

Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place it over the top of the cheese, pinching the seams together. This will create a top crust for the casserole.

Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crescent roll dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Cool and Serve:
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to serve.

Tips and Variations

Add Vegetables: For added nutrition, you can incorporate other vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini into the sausage mixture.
Make It Spicy: If you prefer a bit of heat, use spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture.
Cheese Choices: Experiment with different types of cheese like cheddar or provolone for varied flavors.
Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
Freezing: You can also freeze the assembled casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking, then bake as directed.

Conclusion

Italian Crescent Casserole is a delicious and convenient dish that combines the savory flavors of Italian sausage, cheese, and vegetables with the buttery richness of crescent roll dough. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal for the whole family. Enjoy this easy-to-make casserole and savor the comforting, flavorful layers in every bite!