The Italian Crescent Casserole is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that blends the heartiness of ground beef with the rich flavors of Italian cuisine. It's perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering. The recipe involves simple ingredients, including ground beef, marinara sauce, crescent rolls, and mozzarella cheese, combined to create a mouthwatering meal. This dish is not only delicious but also versatile, as you can add optional ingredients like onions and garlic to enhance the flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: ½ cup chopped onions
- Optional: 1 clove garlic, minced
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature when you're ready to bake the casserole.
Step 2: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat. If you're using onions and garlic, add them to the skillet now. Cook until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onions are tender. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. During this process, break up the meat with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Drain the excess fat from the skillet and return the beef (and onions and garlic, if used) to the pan. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Place a spoonful of the beef mixture on the wide end of each triangle, then sprinkle some mozzarella cheese over the beef. Roll up the dough starting from the wide end, enclosing the beef and cheese, and place the rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
COOKING Note: Keep an eye on the crescent rolls as they bake. Oven temperatures can vary, and you don't want them to burn. If they're browning too quickly, you can cover the dish with aluminum foil.
Serving Suggestions: Serve the Italian Crescent Casserole hot, ideally with a side of a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with a side of pasta or garlic bread.
Tips:
- For a healthier version, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Note: This is an estimation and can vary based on ingredients used)
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving
- Protein: 20g per serving
- Sodium: 700mg per serving
Conclusion The Italian Crescent Casserole is a fusion of simplicity and flavor. It's a wonderful dish that's both filling and comforting, perfect for any day of the week. The ease of preparation combined with the rich taste makes it a favorite for both cooks and diners alike. Enjoy the melding of Italian flavors and the satisfying textures in this delightful casserole!
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