This Italian Crescent Casserole combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage, savory marinara sauce, and gooey cheese, all topped with buttery crescent roll dough. It’s a delightful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a family dinner.
📋 Ingredients:
- 🥩 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 🧅 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🍅 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 🍅 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 🌶️ 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 🧀 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 🧀 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 🌯 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 🧈 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 🌿 Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
📝 Directions:
Prepare the Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and simmer for 10 minutes.
Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the sausage mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the sausage mixture.
Prepare the Crescent Roll Topping:
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Arrange the triangles over the cheese layer, covering the entire dish.
- Brush the melted butter over the crescent roll dough.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crescent roll dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 450 kcal per serving
💡 Notes:
- For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the Italian sausage with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad and garlic bread.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave before serving.
Enjoy your comforting and flavorful Italian Crescent Casserole! 🇮🇹✨🍽️