If you love the comforting layers of lasagna but crave a quick and fun twist, you are going to adore this Crescent Lasagna Pie Recipe! It perfectly combines the flaky, buttery goodness of crescent rolls with the hearty, cheesy, and saucy flavors of classic lasagna, all baked into a delightful pie that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this dish promises a winner every time, delivering melty mozzarella, seasoned ground beef, and creamy ricotta all wrapped up in a golden crust that slices like a dream.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Crescent Lasagna Pie Recipe plays an essential role, providing that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and richness. From the flaky crescent dough that forms a buttery crust to the cheesy and savory fillings, these simple ingredients come together to create something truly special.
- Refrigerated crescent rolls (1 can, 8 oz): This forms the light, flaky crust that’s quick to prep and super tasty.
- Lean ground beef (1 lb): Adds a savory, hearty base that makes the pie satisfyingly meaty.
- Small onion, chopped (1): Brings sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
- Marinara or pasta sauce (1 1/2 cups): Provides rich tomato flavor and moisture to the filling.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Lifts the sauce with classic herb notes like oregano and basil.
- Cottage cheese or ricotta (1 cup): Gives the filling creamy texture—ricotta if you want it extra smooth.
- Egg (1): Binds the cheese filling so it holds its shape after baking.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): Adds gooey, melty cheesiness that’s pure comfort food.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Sprinkles a nutty, salty finish on top.
- Cooking spray or oil: For greasing the pie dish to prevent sticking.
How to Make Crescent Lasagna Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pie Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish using cooking spray or a bit of oil to ensure your crescent roll crust doesn’t stick and comes out with a beautiful golden finish.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the chopped onion until the meat is fully browned and the onions have softened. Be sure to break the beef into small pieces as it cooks so it bakes evenly. Drain off any excess grease to keep the filling from getting oily.
Step 3: Simmer the Meat Sauce
Stir the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning into the cooked beef mixture. Let this simmer gently for about 5 minutes, which allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Then remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Mix the Cheese Filling
While the sauce simmers, combine the cottage cheese (or ricotta) and egg in a small bowl. This mixture will create a creamy layer that contrasts perfectly with the meaty sauce and flaky crust.
Step 5: Assemble the Pie
Unroll the crescent roll dough and press it evenly into the bottom and up the sides of your greased pie dish, making sure to seal any seams. This sturdy, buttery crust is the base that holds all those wonderful layers together.
Step 6: Layer the Fillings
Spread the cottage cheese and egg mixture over the crescent dough in an even layer. Then spoon the savory meat sauce on top. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over everything, which will melt into a golden, bubbly top.
Step 7: Bake and Rest
Bake the pie at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and bubbling invitingly. Let the pie rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set and make serving neater.
How to Serve Crescent Lasagna Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top add a burst of color and a pop of refreshing herb flavor that complements the richness of the pie beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this indulgent crescent lasagna pie with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini to balance the meal with some freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, consider slicing the Crescent Lasagna Pie Recipe into smaller wedges and serving on appetizer plates alongside garlic knots or a dipping sauce like ranch or marinara for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, perfect for next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
If you want to keep this pie longer, freeze the whole pie before baking or freeze individual slices after baking and cooling. Wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn; it keeps well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes if frozen, or 10-15 minutes if refrigerated, until hot and bubbly. This helps maintain the crust’s flakiness and the cheese’s melty goodness better than a microwave.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or even Italian sausage are great substitutes that will give you a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure it’s fully cooked.
What if I don’t have crescent rolls? Can I use pizza dough?
Yes, pizza dough works as a substitute though it will yield a denser, less flaky crust. Roll it out thinner to mimic the light texture crescent rolls provide for the best results.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out ground meat for sautéed mushrooms, chopped spinach, or your favorite veggies mixed into the marinara sauce to keep it hearty and satisfying without the meat.
Is it okay to use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, ricotta cheese gives a creamier, richer filling, which many people prefer for authentic lasagna flavor. If you like a smoother texture, ricotta is your best bet.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Pressing the crescent dough up the sides of the pie dish and sealing seams well helps create a sturdy shell. Draining excess grease from the meat and letting the pie rest after baking also helps keep the crust crisp.
Final Thoughts
This Crescent Lasagna Pie Recipe is a total game-changer for busy weeknights or casual dinners when you want all the comfort of classic lasagna without the fuss. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and downright delicious, so don’t hesitate to give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
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Crescent Lasagna Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
Crescent Lasagna Pie is a delicious, easy-to-make dinner featuring a buttery crescent roll crust layered with seasoned ground beef, marinara sauce, creamy cheese mixture, and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. This American main course combines the flavors of classic lasagna with the convenience of a pie, perfect for family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent rolls
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups marinara or pasta sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing the pie dish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish with cooking spray or a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook Meat Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the meat as it browns, until fully cooked and no pink remains; this usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Add Sauce and Seasoning: Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning into the cooked meat and onions. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to blend flavors, then remove from heat.
- Mix Cheese and Egg: In a small bowl, combine the cottage cheese (or ricotta) with the egg, mixing well until smooth.
- Form Crescent Crust: Unroll the crescent roll dough and press it evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie dish, pinching seams together to form a sealed crust.
- Assemble Pie Layers: Spread the cheese and egg mixture evenly over the crescent roll crust. Next, spoon the meat sauce evenly over the cheese layer. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake: Place the pie dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese topping is melted and bubbling.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes to set before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage in place of ground beef.
- Using ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese will yield a creamier texture.
- For added nutrition and flavor, include chopped spinach or mushrooms in the meat sauce.
