Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Then look no further! This Crescent Roll Beef Bake is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's a delicious combination of savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and flaky crescent rolls, all baked to golden perfection. This recipe is perfect for beginner cooks, and even experienced chefs will appreciate its simplicity and impressive results. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that's quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet satisfying enough for a cozy weekend meal. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (8 ounce) package refrigerated crescent roll dough
Instructions:
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Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Assemble the Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate the triangles. Press the triangles slightly to flatten them.
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Fill and Bake: Spoon the beef and tomato sauce mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough. Starting from one edge, roll the crescent roll dough up tightly.
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Arrange and Bake: Arrange the crescent rolls in a baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Tips for the Best Crescent Roll Beef Bake:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Add veggies: Include other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Cheese please: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese over the crescent rolls before baking for an extra cheesy delight.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.
Variations:
- Taco Bake: Substitute taco seasoning for the Italian herbs and add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Mexican Crescent Roll Bake: Incorporate black beans, corn, and your favorite Mexican spices.
- Creamy Beef Bake: Stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream or cream cheese to the sauce for a richer, creamier texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This Crescent Roll Beef Bake is a fantastic example of a healthy meal that doesn't compromise on taste or ease of preparation. It's a quick dinner solution, a perfect recipe for a busy weeknight, or a delicious dish to share with friends and family. Enjoy!