Hearty Crescent Beef Casserole
This Hearty Crescent Beef Casserole is the perfect comfort food for a cozy family dinner. Packed with flavorful ground beef mixed with rich tomato sauce and creamy sour cream, it offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes. Topped with melty mozzarella and golden, flaky crescent roll dough, this one-dish meal is not only filling but also incredibly easy to prepare. Ideal for those busy weeknights or gatherings with friends, this casserole promises to keep everyone satisfied and coming back for seconds!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
2 lbs (Cooked and drained)
Onion
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Tomato sauce
2 (8 ounce) cans (Ready to use)
Spaghetti sauce mix
1 envelope (Dry mix)
Sour cream
3/4 cup (Ready to use)
Mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (Shredded)
Refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1 (8 ounce) package (Ready to unroll)
Butter or margarine
2 tablespoons (Melted)
Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (Grated)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and chopped onion, stirring occasionally until the meat is cooked through and no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
2
Add the tomato sauce and spaghetti sauce mix to the skillet, stirring to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
3
Stir in the sour cream until well blended, then transfer the beef mixture to a greased 13" x 9" x 2" baking dish, spreading it evenly.
4
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the beef mixture.
5
Unroll the refrigerated crescent roll dough onto a clean surface, forming one large rectangle by sealing the seams and perforations with your fingers.
6
Carefully lay the rectangle of crescent dough over the mozzarella cheese and beef mixture, making sure to cover it completely.
7
Brush the top with melted butter or margarine, and then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
8
Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F for approximately 25 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and cooked through.
9
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Crescent Beef Casserole?
It is a comfort food dish featuring ground beef in a tomato and sour cream sauce, topped with mozzarella and a flaky crescent roll crust.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses two pounds of ground beef.
Can I substitute the ground beef with another meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey or ground chicken as a leaner alternative.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This casserole provides approximately 8 servings.
What temperature should I set the oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
It takes about 25 minutes for the crescent dough to become golden brown and cooked through.
What size baking dish do I need?
A 13-inch by 9-inch by 2-inch greased baking dish is required.
Do I need to cook the beef before baking?
Yes, the ground beef and onions should be browned and drained before being added to the dish.
What kind of sauce mix is used?
The recipe calls for one envelope of dry spaghetti sauce mix.
Is there sour cream in this recipe?
Yes, 3/4 cup of sour cream is stirred into the beef mixture to make it creamy.
What type of cheese goes inside the casserole?
Eight ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese are sprinkled over the meat mixture.
What is the topping made of?
The topping consists of refrigerated crescent dinner rolls, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese.
How do I prepare the crescent dough topping?
Unroll the dough into a large rectangle, seal the seams, and lay it over the cheese and beef.
Can I use a different type of onion?
Yes, you can use yellow, white, or red onion depending on your preference.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed for the top?
You will need 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Should the beef mixture be simmered?
Yes, simmer the beef, tomato sauce, and sauce mix for about 5 minutes before adding sour cream.
Can I add vegetables to the beef mixture?
Yes, adding bell peppers or mushrooms during the browning stage would work well.
How do I prevent the crust from being soggy?
Make sure to drain the excess fat from the cooked beef before adding the sauces.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
You can prepare the beef filling ahead of time, but it is best to add the crescent dough just before baking.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the Hearty Crescent Beef Casserole?
You can freeze the cooked beef base, but the crescent roll topping is best applied fresh.
Is this recipe suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is designed as a hearty and easy meal that is perfect for families.
What can I serve as a side dish?
A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables pair perfectly with this rich casserole.
How do I reheat the casserole?
Reheat portions in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or in the microwave until warmed through.
What if I don't have tomato sauce?
You could use crushed tomatoes or even a jar of marinara sauce as a substitute.
Can I use more cheese?
Absolutely, you can increase the mozzarella or Parmesan to suit your taste.
Why do I need to seal the dough seams?
Sealing the seams creates a solid, uniform crust that covers the entire casserole.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, it is generally mild, though you can add red pepper flakes if you prefer heat.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 2 tablespoons of melted butter or margarine.
Does the casserole need to rest after baking?
Yes, letting it cool for a few minutes helps the sauce set before serving.