Ingredients:
FOR THE FILLING:
1 pound ground sausage or ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
FOR THE CRESCENT ROLLS:
2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
1/4 cup melted butter
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon poppy seeds or sesame seeds (optional)
Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preparing the Filling:
Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage or beef until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
Add Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Season: Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Add Cheeses: In a large bowl, combine the cooled meat mixture with the shredded cheddar cheese and softened cream cheese. Mix until well combined.
Assembling the Crescent Rolls:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles as per package instructions.
Fill and Roll: Place a spoonful of the filling mixture onto the wide end of each crescent roll triangle. Roll up the dough from the wide end to the point, encasing the filling. Arrange the filled rolls in the prepared baking dish.
Top with Butter and Seeds: Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and poppy seeds or sesame seeds if desired.
Baking:
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
Serving:
Garnish: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
Serve: Serve warm as a savory snack or as part of a meal. These stuffed crescent rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
Enjoy!