Italian Casserole With Biscuit Topping
A hearty Italian casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and melted mozzarella, topped with flaky biscuits for a comforting, family-friendly meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) package frozen mixed vegetables, thawed ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1 can buttermilk biscuits ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet, then drain excess fat.
- Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, crushed garlic, basil, and oregano to the skillet.
- Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Remove from heat and stir in thawed mixed vegetables and 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Pull apart the buttermilk biscuits and arrange them in an oval shape over the top of the casserole.
- Sprinkle a little oregano over the biscuits and place the remaining 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese in the center.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes until biscuits are golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef and use low-fat cheese. Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or use your favorite frozen vegetable mix. If you don't have buttermilk biscuits, you can use refrigerated crescent roll dough instead. This dish can also be customized by adding Italian sausage for more flavor, similar to what's found in Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a side of pasta. It also makes for a great dish to share at potlucks, where it can be enjoyed alongside other favorites like Lasagne Ludy or Pizza Style Baked Spaghetti.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover the casserole with foil to prevent the biscuits from burning, and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Casserole With Biscuit Topping contains roughly 474 calories, with 19g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (94% of the Daily Value), calcium (76% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (74% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 21g 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 a different type of meat in this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. Just ensure to cook the meat thoroughly and drain any excess fat, similar to the steps with ground beef.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a mix of lentils or a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein (TVP). You can also increase the amount of mixed vegetables for a heartier filling.
Can I freeze the casserole before baking?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole without baking and cover it tightly. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it's heated through.
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).