🇮🇹 Italian Crescent Casserole (Deep-Dish Style)

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Italian Crescent Casserole (Deep-Dish Style)

This Italian Crescent Casserole is a clever and eye-catching way to turn simple ingredients into a “deep-dish” Italian-style pie. Flaky crescent rolls form a golden crust, while seasoned beef and pasta sauce create a rich, savory filling. A layer of cheese on the bottom helps keep the crust from getting soggy, and the folded “spoke pattern” gives it a beautiful starburst top.

🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes

🔥 Cook Time: 20 minutes

🍽 Servings: 4–6

🛒 Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained

  • 1 cup three-cheese pasta sauce (or any Italian-style sauce)

  • 1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent dinner rolls

  • 1½ cups shredded Italian cheese blend, divided

  • ¼ teaspoon dried basil leaves

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a skillet over medium heat, combine the cooked ground beef and pasta sauce. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Once heated through, remove from heat.

Step 2: Form the Crescent Crust

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Unroll the crescent dough and separate into 8 triangles.

Arrange the triangles in an ungreased 9-inch pie plate in a spoke pattern:

  • Wide ends at the bottom and up the sides

  • Narrow tips hanging over the edge by about 3 inches

Press seams together to seal.

Step 3: Layer the Filling

Sprinkle 1 cup of cheese evenly over the dough (this protects the crust from moisture).
Spoon the warm meat mixture evenly on top.

Fold the dough tips up and over the filling toward the center, just meeting in the middle. Leave a small opening so the filling shows—don’t overlap too much.

Step 4: Top and Bake

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

Bake for 20 minutes, or until:

  • Crescent crust is golden brown

  • Cheese is fully melted and bubbly

🍽 Serve

Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with:

  • Garlic bread

  • Green salad

  • Roasted vegetables

🔁 Easy Variations

  • Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to the meat

  • Use Italian sausage instead of beef

  • Add pepperoni slices for pizza-style flavor

  • Sprinkle red pepper flakes for heat

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