This savory bake features tender ground beef and crumbled sausage seasoned with aromatic spices, all wrapped in a fluffy crescent roll dough. The rolls are baked in a rich, cheesy sauce until golden brown, creating a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or a potluck. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines the flavors of a hearty sausage roll with the gooey goodness of a cheesy casserole.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 lb bulk pork sausage (mild or hot, depending on your preference)
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meat Filling: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and bulk sausage over medium-high heat. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once the meat is browned, drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and continue to cook until it softens, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant. Season with salt and black pepper. Remove the skillet from the heat and set the filling aside to cool slightly.
2. Roll the Crescent Rolls: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. For each triangle, place a generous spoonful of the meat filling onto the wide end. Carefully roll the dough up, starting from the wide end, to form a crescent shape. Arrange the filled rolls in a single layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure they fit snugly together.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, the shredded mozzarella cheese, and the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the crescent rolls in the baking dish, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the entire dish.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through, and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
5. Finishing Touches: Once the bake is out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to set up slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!