A Comforting One-Dish Family Favorite
This Italian Crescent Casserole is a comforting one-dish wonder that layers flaky crescent roll dough with a hearty Italian-inspired filling of seasoned ground beef, rich marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella, and savory Parmesan.
Think of it as a cross between lasagna and a golden, buttery pastry — crispy on top, saucy and cheesy in the center, and ready in under an hour.
It’s a Midwestern potluck classic with an Italian twist, perfect for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, or whenever you need a crowd-pleasing meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups marinara sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Filling
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease if needed.
Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
2️⃣ Prepare the Crescent Base
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Unroll one can of crescent dough and press it into the bottom of the dish, pinching seams together to form a solid crust.
3️⃣ Layer the Casserole
Spread the beef mixture evenly over the crescent base.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
Unroll the second can of crescent dough and carefully place it over the cheese layer. Pinch seams together to seal.
4️⃣ Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and cooked through.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last few minutes.
5️⃣ Rest & Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad
Pair with garlic bread
Add roasted vegetables on the side
Perfect with sparkling water or iced tea
Tips & Variations
Add sliced pepperoni for a pizza-style twist
Substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage
Mix ricotta with mozzarella for extra creaminess
Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the filling
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 6–8