here’s a clear, detailed, step-by-step Italian Crescent Casserole recipe, written so you can cook straight from it without guessing.
Italian Crescent Casserole (Step-by-Step)
Serves
4–6 people
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Ingredients
Meat & Sauce
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1 pound ground beef (or mild Italian sausage for more flavor)
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1 jar (24 ounces) marinara or spaghetti sauce
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
Crescent Base
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1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent roll dough
Cheese
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1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Add-Ins
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½ cup sliced pepperoni
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½ cup sliced mushrooms
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½ cup diced bell peppers
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½ cup ricotta cheese (small dollops)
Equipment Needed
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9×13-inch baking dish
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Large skillet
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Wooden spoon or spatula
Directions (Step by Step)
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Lightly grease the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
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Place a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add the ground beef (or sausage).
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Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and no pink remains.
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Carefully drain off excess grease.
Step 3: Season and Add Sauce
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Return the skillet to the heat.
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Stir in:
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Italian seasoning
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Garlic powder
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Pour in the marinara sauce.
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Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Prepare the Crescent Roll Crust
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Open the can of crescent roll dough.
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Unroll the dough and separate into triangles.
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Place the dough in the baking dish, slightly overlapping pieces.
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Press the seams together to form one solid layer covering the bottom of the dish.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
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Spoon the meat sauce evenly over the crescent dough.
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Add any optional toppings (pepperoni, vegetables, ricotta).
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Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
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Finish with Parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Bake
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Place the dish uncovered in the oven.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, until:
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Crescent crust is golden brown
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Cheese is melted and bubbly
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Step 7: Rest and Serve
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Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes.
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Slice into squares and serve warm.
Helpful Tips
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If the crust browns too fast, loosely cover with foil.
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For extra crispiness, bake on the lower rack.
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Add crushed red pepper flakes if you like heat.