Italian Crescent Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (8 oz each) crescent roll dough
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup marinara sauce (or spaghetti sauce)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it up into crumbles. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

3. Add the marinara sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.

4. Prepare the crescent rolls: Unroll the crescent roll dough and lay the pieces flat to cover the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Press the seams together to form a full layer.

5. Assemble the casserole: Spoon the sausage mixture evenly over the crescent roll layer. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top.

6. Top with another layer of crescent rolls: Unroll the second can of crescent dough and lay it on top of the casserole, sealing any seams.

7. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

8. Serve: Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.