The Art of Ultimate Italian Crescent Casserole Comfort Food Perfection

Perfect Meat Sauce Creation Mastery

Master the technique of browning meat and building rich, flavorful Italian sauce base.

Cheese Layer Excellence

Learn the skill of creating smooth ricotta mixture and proper cheese distribution.

Crescent Crust Perfection

Perfect the method of working with crescent rolls for golden, sealed crust layers.

Assembly Strategy Technique

Master the art of layering components for optimal flavor and structural integrity.

Baking Timing Excellence

Learn optimal temperature and timing for perfectly cooked casserole with golden crust.

Perfect Italian Casserole Mastery Secrets for Ultimate Crescent Roll Comfort Food

Meat Browning: Cook meat completely and drain excess fat for best texture and flavor.

Sauce Consistency: Simmer sauce until thickened to prevent soggy bottom crust.

Crust Sealing: Press crescent roll seams together firmly to prevent filling leakage.

Cheese Distribution: Save some cheese for final topping to create appealing golden finish.

Resting Time: Allow casserole to cool slightly before cutting for clean, neat slices.

Make-Ahead: Assemble completely and refrigerate, add 10 minutes to baking time.

Ultimate Italian Crescent Casserole with Savory Meat Sauce and Golden Buttery Crust

Name: Ultimate Italian Crescent Casserole with Savory Meat Sauce and Golden Buttery Crust
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: For the Meat Layer:; 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 1/2 lb Italian sausage; 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; For the Sauce Component:; 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce; 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste; 1/4 cup red wine (optional); 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; For the Cheese Mixture:; 15 oz ricotta cheese; 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; For the Crescent Crust:; 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent rolls; 3 tablespoons butter, melted; 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; For the Seasoning Blend:; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

The perfect comfort food casserole featuring seasoned Italian ground beef and sausage mixture layered with creamy ricotta cheese, melted mozzarella, and topped with golden buttery crescent roll crust. This hearty family-favorite combines authentic Italian flavors with convenient ingredients, creating an unforgettable dinner experience that brings everyone to the table. Enhanced with aromatic herbs, rich marinara sauce, and a blend of Italian cheeses, this gourmet casserole delivers restaurant-quality flavor while being simple enough for busy weeknight meals, perfect for feeding crowds, potluck dinners, or any time you want satisfying Italian comfort food.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

30 Minutes

Total Time

50 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Meat Layer:

1 lb ground beef (80/20)

1/2 lb Italian sausage

1 large onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, diced

2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce Component:

1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

1/4 cup red wine (optional)

2 tablespoons Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

For the Cheese Mixture:

15 oz ricotta cheese

2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1 large egg

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Crescent Crust:

2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent rolls

3 tablespoons butter, melted

2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Seasoning Blend:

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds

For the Vegetable Mix:

1 zucchini, diced

1 cup mushrooms, sliced

1/2 cup black olives, sliced

2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

For the Flavor Enhancers:

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 bay leaf

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

For the Optional Additions:

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

1/4 cup pine nuts

2 tablespoons capers

Fresh spinach leaves

For the Garnish Elements:

Fresh basil leaves

Extra Parmesan cheese

Red pepper flakes

Fresh parsley, chopped

For the Equipment Needs:

9x13 inch baking dish

Large skillet

Mixing bowls

Aluminum foil

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F and grease 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly.

Cook ground beef and Italian sausage in large skillet over medium-high heat.

Break up meat with wooden spoon until browned and cooked through completely.

Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to meat mixture, cook until softened.

Stir in diced zucchini and sliced mushrooms, cook for 3-4 minutes.

Add marinara sauce, tomato paste, and red wine to meat mixture.

Season with Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Add balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and bay leaf for depth of flavor.

Simmer sauce mixture for 10-12 minutes until thickened, remove bay leaf.

In separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and fresh parsley until smooth.

Season ricotta mixture with salt, pepper, and pinch of nutmeg.

Unroll one can of crescent rolls and press into bottom of prepared baking dish.

Press perforations together to form solid crust base without gaps.

Spread ricotta mixture evenly over crescent roll base layer.

Pour meat sauce mixture over ricotta layer, spreading to edges.

Sprinkle 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese and half the Parmesan over meat.

Add sliced black olives and sun-dried tomatoes if using for extra flavor.

Unroll second can of crescent rolls and carefully place over filling.

Press edges together and seal around perimeter to enclose filling completely.

Brush top crust with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.

Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese over buttered crust for golden finish.

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes to prevent over-browning.

Remove foil and bake additional 10-15 minutes until crust is golden brown.

Top with remaining mozzarella cheese during last 5 minutes of baking.

Let casserole rest 10 minutes before cutting to allow layers to set properly.

Ultimate Italian Crescent Casserole with Savory Meat Sauce and Golden Buttery Crust

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Ultimate Italian Crescent Casserole Comfort Food Perfection

Ultimate Italian Crescent Casserole with Savory Meat Sauce and Golden Buttery Crust

Ingredients

Instructions