Introduction:
Welcome to our Italian Crescent Casserole recipe! It is a filling meal that combines some of the greatest-tasting ingredients from Italy in a comforting casserole. This dish is ideal for having family dinners or getting together with friends as everyone on the table will have something they like.
Ingredients:
Ground Beef (1 lb)
Canned tomato sauce (8 oz can)
Refrigerated crescent rolls (one package, 8 oz)
Shredded Mozzarella cheese (1 cup)
Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup)
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon)
Garlic powder, half teaspoon
Salt and pepper, according to taste.
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°F [190°C]. Grease a baking dish, 9×13 inch.
Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it turns brown. Get rid of any unwanted fat from it.
To this add tomato sauce, oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper; allow simmering for five minutes.
Unroll the crescent roll dough into the prepared baking dish and press it at the bottom to make crust.
Put beef mixture on top of crescent roll crust.
Followed by sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese over beef mixture
Bake in preheated oven for about fifteen to twenty minutes or until golden brown crusts appear with melted bubbling cheeses on them.
Allow cooling down for few minutes before cutting and serving.
Tips for Success:
Ensure to squeeze off any extra oil from the cooked minced beef so that your baked dish comes out of the oven not too oily.
You may also personalize it by adding any Italian herbs you like and some spices.
For a full meal, serve the casseroles with garlic bread or a side salad.
Health Benefits:
Ground meat and cheese in this casserole provides a good amount of protein.
To enhance its nutritional content, add more vegetables such bell peppers, onions or spinach in your beef mixture.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: [calories]
Total Fat: [fat]
Cholesterol: [cholesterol]
Sodium: [sodium]
Total Carbohydrates: [carbs]
Protein: [protein] (Nutritional information may vary depending on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
Variations and Substitutions:
To make it vegetarian, replace minced beef with already cooked lentils or your favorite meat substitute.
Use an unusual type of cheese such as cheddar or provolone that will give it a different taste.
Another alternative is to use whole wheat crescent rolls because they have more fiber among other nutrients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can put together the dish before its time and then keep it in your fridge until you are set to use it. Just remember to adjust the cooking duration as needed.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Freeze any remaining food in an airtight container for up to three months. When ready, just heat them up again either using an oven or a microwave.
Conclusion:
We hope you have fun preparing and enjoying this amazing Italian Crescent Casserole. It is certain that this recipe will become one of your family’s beloved favorites whether on a hectic weekday or even for some special occasion. Buon appetito!