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**1. Preheat Your Oven**
Start by preheating your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. This will ensure the casserole bakes evenly and gets golden brown when it’s time to cook.
**2. Cook the Sausage**
In a large skillet, cook the **Italian sausage** (or ground beef) over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue to cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat, if necessary. Season with **salt**, **pepper**, and **Italian seasoning** to taste.
**3. Add the Sauce**
Once the sausage is cooked, add the **marinara or pizza sauce** to the skillet. Stir it in to combine with the sausage, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors together. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
**4. Prepare the Crescent Rolls**
Unroll the **crescent rolls** from both cans, and arrange them in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay them flat, pinching the seams together to form a solid dough layer that will serve as the base of your casserole.
**5. Layer the Ingredients**
Spread the **sausage and sauce mixture** evenly over the crescent roll base. Then, spoon dollops of **ricotta cheese** on top of the sausage layer. Sprinkle the **mozzarella cheese** over the entire casserole for that delicious melty cheese finish.
**6. Add the Top Layer of Crescent Rolls**
Unroll the second set of crescent rolls and lay them over the top of the casserole, covering the cheese and sausage. You can pinch the edges to seal it together, or leave some gaps if you want a more rustic look.
**7. Brush with Egg Wash**
In a small bowl, whisk the **egg** and brush it over the top of the crescent roll layer. This will give the casserole a beautiful golden-brown finish when it bakes.
**8. Bake the Casserole**
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for **25-30 minutes**, or until the crescent roll dough is golden brown and cooked through, and the cheese is bubbly.
**9. Garnish and Serve**
Once the casserole is out of the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with **fresh basil** or **parsley** for a burst of color and added flavor. Slice and serve!
### Tips for the Best Italian Crescent Casserole
– **Customize with Vegetables**: You can easily add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the sausage mixture to add more flavor and nutrition. Sauté the vegetables with the meat for the best results.
– **Use Ground Turkey**: If you prefer a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the sausage. These options are a great way to reduce the fat content while keeping the flavor delicious.
– **Add Extra Cheese**: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more mozzarella or even some parmesan cheese to the casserole for extra cheesy goodness.
– **Make Ahead**: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. It’s a great option for meal prepping or preparing in advance for a busy weeknight.
### Why This Recipe Works
The combination of crescent rolls with Italian sausage and rich cheese creates a mouthwatering, layered dish that’s packed with flavor. The crescent rolls provide a light, flaky crust while the sausage and cheese deliver savory, hearty goodness. The marinara sauce adds a touch of acidity and sweetness that ties everything together perfectly.
### Final Thoughts
The **Italian Crescent Casserole** is the ultimate comfort food that brings all the best flavors of Italian cuisine into one simple, easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining guests, this casserole is sure to be a hit. With just a few ingredients, you can create a warm, cheesy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and discover why it’s a new favorite in your dinner rotation!
