ITALIAN CRESCENT CASSEROLE

Recipe: Italian Crescent Casserole

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 6

Ingredients:

For the Casserole:

• 1 lb ground Italian sausage
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent rolls
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
3. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Unroll the crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust.
6. Spread the Italian sausage and tomato sauce mixture over the crescent roll crust.
7. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, followed by grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the crescent crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
10. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
11. Slice into squares and serve the Italian Crescent Casserole hot.

Note: You can add your favorite pizza toppings like sliced olives, bell peppers, or pepperoni to customize the casserole. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses for added variety.

This Italian Crescent Casserole is a quick and flavorful dish that combines the convenience of crescent rolls with the savory goodness of Italian sausage and tomato sauce. Enjoy this simple and delicious meal!