Cheddar Bay Spaghetti Casserole
If comfort food had a love child with cheesy goodness, this Cheddar Bay Spaghetti Casserole would be it. Imagine the aroma of savory beef mingling with garlic and Italian herbs, topped with that irresistible Red Lobster–style Cheddar Bay biscuit crust, all bubbling in the oven. Each bite gives you gooey mozzarella, creamy ricotta, and tender spaghetti noodles, making it a dish you’ll want to dive into again and again. Trust me, this one’s a total crowd-pleaser and perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or just because you deserve a cozy, cheesy hug on a plate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole isn’t just dinner—it’s a whole experience. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your recipe rotation:
Versatile: Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. It’s a dish that scales well, whether feeding a family of four or a hungry crowd.
Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples like spaghetti, ground beef, and cheese—no fancy ingredients needed, just comfort you can afford.
Quick and Easy: Simple steps make it beginner-friendly, yet the results taste like a restaurant-quality creation.
Customizable: Love spice? Add crushed red pepper. Want more veggies? Toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike will fight over the Cheddar Bay biscuit topping—enough said.
Recipe Origin
Inspired by Red Lobster’s iconic Cheddar Bay biscuits, this casserole takes classic spaghetti and beef flavors and elevates them with a cheesy, buttery biscuit topping. It’s the perfect fusion of Italian comfort and American indulgence.
Cheddar Bay Spaghetti Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Cheddar Bay Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup. Classic baked spaghetti with a cheesy ricotta filling and hearty beef sauce, topped with a layer of buttery Cheddar Bay biscuits for a golden, flavorful crust. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
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
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 box Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuit mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk (for biscuit mix)
- ¼ cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook spaghetti noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, diced onion, garlic, salt, and pepper over medium heat until beef is browned and onions are softened. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, ½ cup milk, Italian seasoning, and 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Mix until well blended.
- Layer the cooked spaghetti in the prepared casserole dish. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the spaghetti. Pour the beef and marinara sauce mixture over the ricotta layer. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
- Prepare the Cheddar Bay biscuit mix according to package instructions, adding 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 2 cups milk. Spread the biscuit batter evenly over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the biscuit topping is golden brown and cooked through.
- Brush melted butter over the top of the biscuits before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little heat.
- You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if desired.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow layers to set.
- Pairs perfectly with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: cheddar bay spaghetti casserole, baked spaghetti, biscuit casserole, cheesy casserole, family dinner
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Large pot for pasta
- Mixing bowls
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Cook the spaghetti just shy of al dente; it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant for maximum flavor.
- Don’t overmix the ricotta mixture; you want it creamy, not gluey.
- Let the casserole rest 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Ingredients in Cheddar Bay Spaghetti Casserole
Here’s what makes this dish so irresistible:
Spaghetti Noodles: The perfect base for absorbing all those rich, cheesy, saucy flavors.
Ground Beef: Juicy, savory, and full of flavor, forming the heart of the casserole.
Onion & Garlic: Aromatic flavor-builders that add depth to every bite.
Marinara Sauce: Rich tomato goodness that ties all the layers together.
Ricotta & Milk: Creamy filling that balances the tomato sauce and beef perfectly.
Italian Seasoning: A pinch of herbs that makes the dish taste like it’s straight out of Italy.
Mozzarella Cheese: Gooey, melty, and essential for cheesy comfort.
Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping: The star of the show—cheesy, buttery, and delightfully golden on top.
Basil: Fresh herbs to finish the dish with a pop of color and freshness.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s walk through making this show-stopping casserole:
Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure the casserole cooks evenly and the topping browns beautifully.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti noodles until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Beef and Veggies: In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add diced onions, garlic, salt, and pepper, cooking until onions are softened and fragrant.
Combine the Sauce and Ricotta: In a mixing bowl, whisk together ricotta, milk, and Italian seasoning until smooth. Mix in the cooked beef mixture and marinara sauce, creating a creamy, flavorful filling.
Assemble the Casserole: Spread half of the beef and sauce mixture in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half the cooked spaghetti over it, then pour the remaining beef mixture on top. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly across the top.
Prepare the Biscuit Topping: Prepare the Cheddar Bay biscuit mix according to package instructions, then stir in shredded cheddar cheese. Spread the mixture over the casserole.
Bake to Perfection: Bake covered with foil for 20–25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until the topping is golden and bubbly.
Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes to allow the layers to set.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm. Every forkful delivers layers of cheesy, saucy, comforting goodness.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 550–600 (approx.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Spaghetti Casserole
- Fresh Salads: Pair with a crisp green salad for a refreshing balance.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for sopping up extra sauce.
- Vegetable Sides: Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli, zucchini, or green beans add nutrition and color.
- Standalone Comfort: This dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Assemble ahead of time and refrigerate; bake just before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Variations to Try
- Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Use a different cheese blend for extra flavor depth.
Additional Tips
- Prep ingredients the night before for easy weeknight cooking.
- Adjust seasonings to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- Double the batch for freezer-friendly meals.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different pasta?
A1: Yes! Penne or rigatoni works well too; just adjust cooking time.
Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely—swap the beef for a combination of mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils.
Q3: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A3: Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: Yes! Freeze in portions or as a whole casserole for up to 3 months.
Q6: How do I reheat leftovers?
A6: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
Q7: Can I make it spicier?
A7: Sure! Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or biscuit topping.
Q8: Can I make it gluten-free?
A8: Use gluten-free spaghetti and a gluten-free biscuit mix.
Q9: Do I have to use ricotta?
A9: Not necessarily—cottage cheese works as a lighter alternative.
Q10: Can I add extra cheese?
A10: Definitely! More mozzarella or cheddar on top makes it extra indulgent.
Conclusion
Cheddar Bay Spaghetti Casserole is pure comfort on a plate—cheesy, hearty, and undeniably delicious. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together, makes the house smell incredible, and leaves you feeling satisfied and cozy. Whether you’re sharing with family, friends, or just treating yourself, this casserole will quickly become a favorite. Go ahead, dig in, and enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite!
