Crescent Roll Lasagna: An Easy and Delicious Weeknight Dinner

Are you looking for a quick, easy, and satisfying meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than crescent roll lasagna! This simple dish takes all the delicious flavors of classic lasagna and combines them with the flaky, buttery goodness of crescent rolls. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect for busy weeknights.

This recipe uses pre-made crescent rolls, making it incredibly convenient and fast to assemble. You can have a delicious, hearty lasagna on the table in under an hour, with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is foolproof and customizable to your liking.

## Why You’ll Love This Crescent Roll Lasagna

* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Family-Friendly:** A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your preferred flavors and dietary needs.
* **Comfort Food:** Warm, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses readily available and affordable ingredients.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:

* **Crescent Rolls:** 2 (8-ounce) cans of refrigerated crescent rolls. Make sure to use the seamless variety for the best results, but if those aren’t available, you can pinch the seams of the regular ones together.
* **Ground Beef:** 1 pound of ground beef. You can also use ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
* **Italian Seasoning:** 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. This is a blend of dried herbs that adds a classic Italian flavor.
* **Garlic Powder:** 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Adds a savory depth of flavor.
* **Onion:** 1/2 medium onion, chopped. Adds flavor and texture to the meat sauce.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh garlic enhances the flavor of the sauce.
* **Tomato Sauce:** 1 (24-ounce) can of tomato sauce. Forms the base of the lasagna sauce.
* **Diced Tomatoes:** 1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained. Adds texture and acidity to the sauce.
* **Ricotta Cheese:** 1 (15-ounce) container of ricotta cheese. Provides a creamy layer in the lasagna.
* **Egg:** 1 large egg. Helps bind the ricotta cheese and prevents it from being too watery.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the ricotta mixture.
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese. Creates the gooey, cheesy topping.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Seasoning is key to a flavorful lasagna.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large skillet
* Mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Spatula or wooden spoon

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get started on making this delicious crescent roll lasagna!

**Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce**

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven preheats, place the skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks.
3. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef.
5. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
6. Stir in the Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
7. Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes (undrained). Bring to a simmer.
8. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together.
9. Season the meat sauce with salt and pepper to your preference.

**Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Cheese Mixture**

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth.
3. Season the ricotta mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper.

**Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna**

1. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Unroll one can of crescent rolls and carefully place them in the bottom of the baking dish.
3. Pinch the seams together to create a solid crust. This forms the base of your lasagna.
4. Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the crescent roll crust.
5. Pour half of the meat sauce over the ricotta cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
6. Sprinkle one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce.
7. Unroll the second can of crescent rolls and carefully place them over the mozzarella cheese.
8. Again, pinch the seams together to create a solid top layer. Do your best to seal the edges to the bottom crust.
9. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the top layer of crescent rolls, spreading it evenly.
10. Sprinkle the remaining one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the meat sauce.

**Step 4: Bake the Lasagna**

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil again.

**Step 5: Rest and Serve**

1. Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the lasagna to set up and makes it easier to slice.
2. Cut into squares and serve hot. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Different Meats:** Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even a vegetarian ground meat substitute.
* **Add Vegetables:** Sauté vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini with the onion and garlic for added nutrients and flavor.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little heat.
* **Cheese Variations:** Use different types of cheese, such as provolone, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
* **Herb it Up:** Add fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley to the ricotta cheese mixture or meat sauce for a brighter flavor.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the meat and add extra vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers. You can also use a vegetarian meat substitute.
* **Use Different Sauces:** While tomato sauce is classic, you can also experiment with different pasta sauces, such as marinara, arrabbiata, or even a creamy Alfredo sauce (though Alfredo will significantly change the flavor profile).
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** While traditional crescent rolls contain gluten, you could experiment with gluten-free crescent roll dough if available. Alternatively, consider using gluten-free lasagna sheets in place of the crescent roll layers.
* **Add a Layer of Spinach:** Sauté fresh spinach (or use frozen, thawed and squeezed dry) and layer it between the ricotta and meat sauce for extra nutrients and a pop of color.
* **Use Cottage Cheese:** If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese can be used as a substitute, though it will have a slightly different texture. Drain it well before mixing with the egg and Parmesan.
* **Prep Ahead:** You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great option for busy days.
* **Freezing Instructions:** Assemble the lasagna and let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

## Serving Suggestions

Crescent roll lasagna is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with:

* A side salad with a light vinaigrette
* Garlic bread or breadsticks
* Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans
* A simple fruit salad for dessert

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

## Crescent Roll Lasagna: A Delicious and Versatile Meal

Crescent roll lasagna is a fantastic recipe to have in your repertoire. It’s quick, easy, customizable, and always a hit with the whole family. With endless variations and serving options, you can create a unique and satisfying meal every time. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and comforting lasagna experience!

## Nutrition Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 25-35g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?**
A: Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses such as provolone, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses. Just be sure to choose cheeses that melt well.

**Q: Can I add vegetables to the lasagna?**
A: Absolutely! Sauté vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini with the onion and garlic for added flavor and nutrients.

**Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?**
A: Yes, you can omit the meat and add extra vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers. You can also use a vegetarian meat substitute.

**Q: Can I freeze the lasagna?**
A: Yes, assemble the lasagna and let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

**Q: How do I prevent the crescent rolls from getting soggy?**
A: Make sure to pinch the seams together well to create a solid crust. Also, avoid over-saturating the crust with too much sauce. Letting the lasagna rest for a few minutes after baking also helps.

**Q: Can I use a different size baking dish?**
A: While a 9×13 inch baking dish is recommended, you can use a slightly smaller or larger dish. Keep in mind that the baking time may need to be adjusted accordingly.

**Q: What if I don’t have crescent rolls?**
A: While crescent rolls are key to this recipe’s unique character, you could experiment with using pre-made pizza dough or even lasagna sheets as a base, though the taste and texture will differ considerably.

**Q: My crescent rolls are browning too quickly. What should I do?**
A: If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

**Q: Can I add fresh herbs to the recipe?**
A: Yes, adding fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley to the ricotta cheese mixture or meat sauce can enhance the flavor of the lasagna.

**Q: Is it necessary to let the lasagna rest before cutting?**
A: Yes, it is highly recommended to let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the lasagna to set up and makes it easier to slice.