Who doesn’t love a comforting and hearty meal that’s as quick to make as it is delightful? Let me introduce you to my all-time favorite Easy Italian Casserole Recipe. With its savory layers of beef, gooey cheese, and flaky crescent roll crust, this dish is sure to become a family staple!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fuss-Free Preparation: This casserole comes together with minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a dish the whole family will enjoy, even the picky eaters. The flavors are universally loved!
- Versatile Ingredients: The ingredients are easy to find and might already be in your pantry!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for gatherings or potlucks, it consistently earns rave reviews from guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Italian Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient has a purpose, blending seamlessly to create a deliciously cohesive dish. Let’s dive into this list of kitchen staples!
- Crescent Rolls: They form a buttery and flaky crust that holds everything together beautifully.
- Lean Ground Beef: Provides hearty flavor without making the dish too greasy.
- Chopped Onion: Adds a layer of sweetness and depth to the meat filling.
- Tomato Pasta Sauce: Ensures the casserole stays delectable and moist, with a hint of tanginess.
- Shredded Mozzarella: Melts perfectly to create that irresistible cheesy layer.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Offers a savory touch that enhances the Italian vibe of the dish.
Variations
Don’t hesitate to make this Easy Italian Casserole Recipe your own! It’s incredibly adaptable and can be tailored to suit any palate or dietary requirement. Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for a veggie delight.
- Spicy Kick: Add in some red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to give it a fiery twist.
- Low-Carb Option: Use a cauliflower crust instead of crescent rolls for a lighter version.
How to Make Easy Italian Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
The first thing you’ll want to do is get the oven nice and hot. Preheat it to 375°F so that it’s ready for baking your masterpiece.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onions. This process takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Be sure to drain well to eliminate any excess fat.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Once your beef is ready, stir in the tomato pasta sauce. Let it simmer for around 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Prepare the Crust
Open up the crescent rolls and place them in a pie plate to form the crust. Press the seams gently to cover any gaps completely.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Fill your prepared crust with the beef mixture. Then, sprinkle about half the mozzarella on top before folding the crescent tips over the filling and adding the remaining cheeses.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Now, it’s time to bake! Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is a gorgeous golden hue, and the cheese is bubbling invitingly.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Italian Casserole Recipe
- Ultimate Crispness: For an extra crispy crust, brush melted butter on the crescent rolls before baking.
- Make Ahead Magic: Prepare the beef mixture the night before and refrigerate for a quick assembly the next day.
- Cheesiest Delight: Mix in some cheddar cheese with the mozzarella for a richer flavor.
- Season Smartly: Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness of the tomato sauce if needed.
How to Serve Easy Italian Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor that elevates every bite of this dish.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed with Italian vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your casserole in individual ramekins for a chic presentation and portion-controlled option. It’s a fun twist for dinner parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftovers in foil or store them in an airtight container. This casserole will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This casserole is freezer-friendly! Simply store it in a freezer-safe dish and it can be kept frozen for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through if you prefer to maintain the crispiness of the crust. A microwave works too if you’re in a pinch!
FAQs
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Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative and works well in this recipe while keeping the flavor profile intact.
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What can I do if I don’t have crescent rolls?
You can use a pre-made pizza dough or even a puff pastry as a substitute for the crescent rolls.
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Is there a vegetarian version of the Easy Italian Casserole Recipe?
Yes, indeed! Swap the beef for a medley of mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a satisfying vegetarian alternative.
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Can I add other types of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with cheeses like provolone or gouda for a different taste and texture profile!
Final Thoughts
I’m sure you’ll fall in love with how easy and enjoyable this Easy Italian Casserole Recipe is to make. With its versatile nature and scrumptious flavor, it’s bound to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare for this delicious journey!
Print
Easy Italian Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This easy Italian casserole combines savory ground beef, melty mozzarella, and flaky crescent roll crust for a comforting and delicious dinner. Simple to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
1 package Crescent Rolls1 lb lean ground beef
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 cup tomato pasta sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F to ensure it is ready for baking.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onions over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes or until browned. Ensure to drain the mixture well to remove excess fat.
- Simmer the sauce: Stir in the tomato pasta sauce with the beef mixture. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes or until it thickens slightly.
- Prepare the crust: Open the crescent rolls and separate them into triangles. Place the triangles in a 9-inch pie plate with the pointed tips facing outward. Use your fingertips to press the seams and fill any open spots to form a cohesive crust.
- Assemble the casserole: Fill the prepared crust with the beef mixture and spread evenly. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the beef. Fold the tips of the crescent rolls over the filling and top with the remaining cheese, including the grated parmesan.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the seams of the crescent rolls are well pressed to avoid any filling leaking during baking.
- If you prefer a spicier version, you can add chili flakes or Italian seasoning to the beef mixture.
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to make slicing easier.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
