Biscuit Topped Italian Casserole
Biscuit Topped Italian Casserole is a hearty dish featuring a savory mix of ground meat, vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with golden, flaky biscuits. Perfect for family dinners, this comforting meal combines familiar flavors with a delightful twist that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground meat (chicken or beef) ⓘ
- 3/4 c. water ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (9 oz.) pkg. frozen mixed vegetables, thawed ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. butter, melted ⓘ
- 1/2 c. onion ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 8 oz. shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can buttermilk biscuits (refrigerated) ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano leaves, crushed ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown meat and onion in a large skillet; drain.
- Stir in water, pepper, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
- Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat; stir in vegetables and 1 1/2 cups cheese.
- Spoon mixture into a greased 12 x 8 (2-quart) baking dish.
- Separate refrigerated biscuits into 10 biscuits.
- Separate each biscuit into 2 layers.
- Place biscuits near the outer edge of the hot meat mixture, overlapping each other slightly.
- Gently brush biscuits with melted butter.
- Sprinkle with oregano.
- Scatter remaining cheese all over the meat mixture.
- Bake at 375° for 22 to 27 minutes or until biscuits are browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a slightly different flavor, consider using ground turkey or a mix of meats. You can also substitute the mixed vegetables with sautéed spinach or bell peppers for a fresh twist. If you want a crunchy topping, add some breadcrumbs on top of the biscuits before baking. Additionally, if you have leftover tomato sauce, it makes a great dip for the biscuits on the side.
Serving Suggestions
This Biscuit Topped Italian Casserole is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread. For an added touch, you can offer a sprinkle of fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese on top when serving. This dish is also great for meal prep; just make extra to enjoy throughout the week.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, but the biscuits may not stay as crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Biscuit Topped Italian Casserole contains roughly 774 calories, with 28g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (105% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (90% of the Daily Value), and calcium (71% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 25g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans. Just ensure they are cooked slightly before adding them to the casserole to ensure they become tender. This will add a vibrant, fresh taste to the dish.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole goes well with a light salad, such as a mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette. You could also serve it with crusty bread or even a side of Mostaccioli Con Formaggio for a comforting Italian meal. Pairing it with a glass of red wine can elevate the dining experience.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through properly. This is a great option for easy entertaining or meal prep.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).