Cheesy Italian Beef & Pasta Casserole with Crescent Topping
Indulge in this hearty and comforting Cheesy Italian Beef & Pasta Casserole, combining layers of seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and rich mozzarella cheese, all crowned with flaky crescent roll dough. This one-dish wonder is perfect for family dinners or potlucks and can be customized with extra tomato sauce for a saucier experience. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds an extra layer of flavor, making this casserole a definitive crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget: the optional drizzle of butter over the crescent rolls elevates the dish, ensuring you have a golden, crispy topping that complements the creamy and savory filling beneath.
N/A
Servings
498
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 1/2 lbs (browned)
chopped onion
1/4-1/3 cup (fresh)
chopped fresh garlic
1-2 tbsp (to taste)
grated Parmesan cheese
2-3 tbsp (optional, mixed into beef)
seasoning salt
to taste (seasoned with)
black pepper
to taste (seasoned with)
tomato sauce
1 (8 oz) can (spread over beef)
spaghetti sauce mix
1 (25 g) package (sprinkled over sauce)
sour cream
1 cup (spread over casserole)
grated mozzarella cheese
2 1/2 cups (layered on top)
refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1 (235 g) package (unrolled and layered)
melted butter
3 tbsp (drizzled)
grated Parmesan cheese
1/3-1/2 cup (sprinkled on top)
cooked pasta
3 cups (prepared and layered at the bottom)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish generously to prevent sticking.
3
In a large pot, cook 3 cups of pasta (penne or rigatoni) according to package instructions, ensuring you don't overcook it. Drain and toss with a few tablespoons of olive oil and a couple of tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese, then layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 1/2 lbs of lean ground beef with 1/4 to 1/3 cup of chopped onion and 1 to 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh garlic until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
5
Stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese into the beef mixture until well combined.
6
Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the layer of pasta in the baking dish.
7
Pour 1 can of tomato sauce over the beef layer (or use two cans for extra sauce), followed by an even sprinkle of 1 package of spaghetti sauce mix.
8
Spread 1 cup of sour cream over the entire mixture, followed by an even layer of 2 1/2 cups of grated mozzarella cheese.
9
Unroll a package of refrigerated crescent dinner rolls and carefully lay them over the mozzarella layer, covering as much area as possible.
10
Drizzle 3 tablespoons of melted butter over the crescent rolls, and sprinkle 1/3 to 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Nutrition Information
26g
Fat
45.8g
Carbs
26.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Italian Beef & Pasta Casserole?
It is a hearty one-dish meal featuring seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, mozzarella cheese, and a flaky crescent roll topping.
How much ground beef do I need?
This recipe requires 1.5 lbs of lean ground beef.
What kind of pasta is best for this casserole?
Penne or rigatoni are recommended for the best texture.
How should I prepare the pasta layer?
Cook 3 cups of pasta, drain it, and toss with olive oil and Parmesan cheese before placing it in the baking dish.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the casserole take to bake?
Bake for 25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Can I make the dish saucier?
Yes, you can use two cans of tomato sauce instead of one for a saucier experience.
What size baking dish is required?
A 13 x 9-inch baking dish is the standard size for this recipe.
What is the topping made of?
The topping is made from refrigerated crescent dinner rolls drizzled with melted butter and sprinkled with Parmesan.
How much mozzarella cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 2.5 cups of grated mozzarella cheese.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, grease the dish generously to prevent the pasta and cheese from sticking.
Is there a specific seasoning mix used?
Yes, one 25g package of spaghetti sauce mix is sprinkled over the tomato sauce layer.
Can I use fresh garlic?
The recipe suggests using 1 to 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh garlic.
What is the purpose of the sour cream layer?
The sour cream adds a layer of creaminess and richness between the beef and the cheese.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 498 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains about 26.5g of protein.
Is there Parmesan cheese in the beef mixture?
Yes, you can stir 2 to 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan into the browned beef.
What should I do with the onions?
Chop 1/4 to 1/3 cup of onion and brown it along with the ground beef.
Can I use different types of pasta?
While penne and rigatoni are suggested, any short pasta shape like rotini would also work.
How many grams of fat are in this recipe?
There are approximately 26g of fat per serving.
Should I drain the beef?
Yes, drain any excess fat after browning the beef with the onion and garlic.
What is the order of layering?
Layer pasta, then beef, tomato sauce, sauce mix, sour cream, mozzarella, and finally the crescent rolls.
Is this a good dish for potlucks?
Yes, its hearty nature and easy serving make it a definitive crowd-pleaser for gatherings.
Can I substitute the meat?
While the recipe calls for beef, ground turkey or Italian sausage could be used as alternatives.
Why drizzle butter over the crescent rolls?
The butter helps create a golden, crispy topping that complements the savory filling.
How much Parmesan is sprinkled on top?
Use 1/3 to 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for the final topping.
Are there any vegetables in this casserole?
The recipe includes onions and garlic, but you can customize it by adding more vegetables to the beef mixture.
How much carbohydrate is in a serving?
There are approximately 45.8g of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I know the casserole is finished cooking?
The crescent rolls will be golden brown and the cheese will be bubbly.
Can I prep this dish in advance?
You can assemble the bottom layers in advance, but for best results, add the crescent rolls and bake just before serving.