Whenever I serve this dish, guests always ask for recipe. Little do they know it only takes 5 ingredients

Cooktop Cove: Whenever I serve this dish, guests always ask for recipe. Little do they know it only takes 5 ingredients

By Holly Owens

Italian Crescent Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of Italian cuisine with the convenience of a casserole. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you're looking for a tasty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Inspired by traditional Italian flavors, this casserole incorporates layers of savory meat and cheese, all wrapped up in a buttery crescent dough. With its roots in Italian-American cooking, this dish brings together the best of both worlds and is sure to become a family favorite.

This dish can be enjoyed on its own as a complete meal, but it also pairs well with a few simple sides to round out the dining experience. A fresh, crisp salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect accompaniment to balance the richness of the casserole. Additionally, some garlic bread or toasted breadsticks can be served on the side to soak up any extra sauce and add a delightful crunch. And of course, no Italian meal would be complete without a glass of your favorite red wine!

Italian Crescent Casserole Recipe:

Ingredients:

- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage), cooked and drained
- 1 can refrigerated crescent dinner rolls (8 ounces)
- 1 cup of your favorite pasta sauce
- 1.5 cups of shredded cheese of choice
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil leaves

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbly. Drain any excess grease.

3. Mix in pasta sauce and get to boil while stirring.

4. Divide dough into 8 triangles and arrange in a spoke pattern in a 9-inch pie plate, overlapping the narrow tips around the rim by around 2-3 inches.

5. Press dough to form crust, then sprinkle 1 cup cheese over it.

6. Spoon meat mixture evenly onto cheese layer.

7. Fold triangle tips over filling, meeting at the center without overlapping.

8. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheese and basil over the top.

9. Bake in preheated over for 20 minutes or so.

Enjoy your delightful Italian Crescent Casserole!