Italian Biscuit-Topped Casserole
A hearty Italian casserole featuring sausage, vegetables, and flaky biscuit topping, packed with savory flavors and perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, pressed ⓘ
- 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 2 cups zucchini, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 pounds Italian sausage, casing removed
- 3 cups prepared chunky garden vegetable spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided ⓘ
- 1 package (12 oz.) refrigerated flaky buttermilk biscuits ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Chop green pepper and onion; press garlic; slice carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms.
- Cook sausage, green pepper, onion, and garlic over medium heat until brown and crumbly, about 6 minutes; drain excess liquid.
- Add carrots and cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add zucchini and mushrooms; cook for another 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Stir in spaghetti sauce and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
- Pour sausage mixture into a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
- Place biscuits around the outer edge of the dish.
- Melt butter, stir in Parmesan cheese and remaining 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
- Brush the butter mixture over the tops of the biscuits.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, swap Italian sausage for a plant-based alternative or use lentils. You can add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for more flavor. If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sausage mixture. Remember to check the biscuits' doneness, as baking times may vary based on your oven.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or even alongside Mary Ellen's Lasagne for a hearty Italian feast. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top before serving adds a nice touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Biscuit-Topped Casserole contains roughly 850 calories, with 26g protein, 148g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (113% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (94% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1243mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).
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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage and vegetable mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just assemble the casserole with the biscuits and bake when ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes for an easy weeknight meal.
What can I substitute for the chunky garden vegetable spaghetti sauce?
You can use any marinara or pasta sauce you have on hand. For a homemade touch, blend canned tomatoes with Italian herbs. If you prefer a richer flavor, try a roasted garlic or fire-roasted tomato sauce. Just ensure it complements the dish's overall flavor profile.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. Note that the biscuits may not be as flaky after freezing, but the flavors will still be delicious.
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).