Spaghetti Casserole with Biscuit Topping: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to Spaghetti Casserole with Biscuit Topping
If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty meal that is easy to prepare, you’ve come to the right place! Spaghetti casserole with biscuit topping is the perfect dish for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. This comforting casserole combines tender spaghetti noodles, savory ground beef, and a cheesy biscuit topping that your taste buds will adore!
A Personal Story Behind My Spaghetti Casserole Journey
Growing up, my family often enjoyed hearty meals that brought us together at the dinner table. One of my favorite dishes was a special spaghetti casserole that my grandmother used to make. She would gather everyone around and serve it hot out of the oven, filling the house with the most delicious aroma. Today, I’m excited to share this recipe with you, hoping it brings as much joy to your family as it did to mine.
What Makes This Spaghetti Casserole Recipe Special?
This spaghetti casserole stands out for its unique combination of flavors and textures. The savory ground beef and marinara sauce perfectly complement the creamy ricotta cheese, while the biscuit topping adds a delightful crunch. It’s a meal that’s not only satisfying but also versatile; you can easily adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
The Full Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 oz spaghetti noodles, uncooked
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 16 oz ricotta cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Biscuit Topping:
- 1 box Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuit mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- ¼ cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the spaghetti: In a large pot, boil water and cook the spaghetti noodles for a couple of minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside. (Tip: To prevent sticking, add a little oil to the water.)
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully cooked. Add the diced onions and garlic, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Mix the sauce: Season the beef mixture with salt and pepper, then add the marinara sauce and cooked spaghetti noodles. Mix well to combine.
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread half of the spaghetti mixture in the dish.
- Make the ricotta layer: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, milk, and Italian seasoning. Spread this mixture evenly over the spaghetti in the baking dish.
- Add mozzarella: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer, then top with the remaining spaghetti mixture.
- Prepare the biscuit topping: In a separate bowl, mix the biscuit mix, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk until smooth. Pour this batter over the spaghetti in the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown. (Tip: Check the casserole halfway through to ensure even baking.)
- Finish with butter: Remove from the oven and brush the melted butter mixed with the biscuit seasoning packet over the biscuit topping.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Spaghetti Casserole
This casserole is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. If you’re looking to mix things up, consider adding vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture. For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra veggies. The options are endless!
Frequently Asked Questions About Spaghetti Casserole
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Make sure to let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. It can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
What can I serve with spaghetti casserole?
Consider a fresh garden salad, steamed vegetables, or some crusty bread to complement the flavors of the casserole.
Spaghetti Casserole with Biscuit Topping
Equipment
- Large pot For boiling spaghetti.
- Large Skillet For cooking beef and sauce.
- 9x13-inch baking dish For baking casserole.
- Mixing bowls For mixing ingredients.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 oz spaghetti noodles, uncooked
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon pepper
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 16 oz ricotta cheese
- 0.5 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Biscuit Topping
- 1 box Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuit mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 0.25 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the spaghetti noodles in boiling water for a couple of minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully cooked. Add diced onions and garlic, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
- Season the beef mixture with salt and pepper, then add the marinara sauce and cooked spaghetti noodles. Mix well.
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread half of the spaghetti mixture in the dish.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, milk, and Italian seasoning. Spread this mixture over the spaghetti in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer, then top with the remaining spaghetti mixture.
- In a separate bowl, mix the biscuit mix, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk until smooth. Pour this batter over the spaghetti in the baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and brush the melted butter mixed with the biscuit seasoning packet over the biscuit topping.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!