Can I use a different pasta shape instead of spaghetti?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, any pasta shape works well in this casserole. Penne, rotini, or farfalle would all be excellent choices. Just remember to undercook the pasta slightly regardless of which shape you choose, as it will continue cooking in the oven.

What can I use if I can't find Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuit mix?

If you can't find the specific Red Lobster mix, you can use any biscuit mix and add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried parsley to mimic the flavors. You won't have the seasoning packet for the butter topping, but you can make your own by mixing garlic powder, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt with the melted butter.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply omit the ground beef and either replace it with a plant-based ground meat substitute or add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You could even use lentils for a protein boost. The cheesy biscuit topping and creamy ricotta layer will still make this a satisfying vegetarian meal.

My family doesn't like ricotta cheese. Is there a substitute?

If ricotta isn't a favorite in your household, you can substitute cottage cheese (blended until smooth), cream cheese softened and mixed with a little milk, or even a béchamel sauce with some parmesan mixed in. Each will give a different flavor profile but will still provide that creamy middle layer that makes this casserole special.

Cheddar Bay Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Name: Cheddar Bay Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Main Casserole; 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 (seasoning packet reserved); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 cups milk; ¼ cup butter, melted

This Cheddar Bay Spaghetti Casserole combines the comfort of Italian pasta with the irresistible flavor of Red Lobster’s famous biscuits. Layers of perfectly seasoned spaghetti, creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and a golden Cheddar Bay biscuit topping create a dish that’s both familiar and excitingly different. Ready in about an hour, this crowd-pleasing casserole transforms weeknight dinners into something special without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Best of Both Worlds: This dish brilliantly combines two comfort food favorites – spaghetti and those addictive Cheddar Bay biscuits – into one incredible meal.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist this casserole! The familiar flavors come together in a new way that keeps everyone excited about dinner.
Make-Ahead Marvel: Perfect for busy households, you can prep this casserole earlier in the day and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
Impressive Yet Simple: Despite looking like you spent hours in the kitchen, this recipe uses straightforward ingredients and techniques that any home cook can master.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Spaghetti noodles: The foundation of our casserole, providing that classic pasta texture. Cook them slightly underdone since they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
Ground beef: Brings hearty protein to the dish. Choose lean beef for less fat without sacrificing flavor.
Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the meat sauce. Dice it finely for the best texture.
Garlic: Essential for authentic Italian flavor. Fresh minced garlic provides the most robust taste.
Salt and pepper: The basic seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in the dish.
Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce for convenience or homemade if you prefer. It provides the classic tomato base.
Ricotta cheese: Creates a creamy, luxurious middle layer that balances the acidity of the tomato sauce.
Milk: Thins the ricotta slightly so it spreads evenly throughout the casserole.
Italian seasoning: A time-saving blend that adds herbaceous notes to complement the marinara.
Mozzarella cheese: Provides that quintessential cheese pull and mild flavor that works perfectly with pasta.
Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuit mix: The secret weapon! This transforms an ordinary pasta bake into something extraordinary.
Cheddar cheese: Enhances the cheesy flavor of the biscuit topping. Use sharp cheddar for the most flavor impact.
Butter: After baking, brushed over the biscuit topping with the seasoning packet for that authentic Cheddar Bay finish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Options

Swap the ground beef for Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even a plant-based meat substitute. For seafood lovers, try adding some shrimp to honor the Red Lobster inspiration.

Vegetable Boost

Sneak in some nutrition by adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to the sauce. They’ll blend right in while adding flavor and nutrients.

Cheese Choices

Try provolone instead of mozzarella for a slightly sharper flavor, or use a combination of cheeses like fontina and parmesan for a more complex taste profile.

Spice It Up

Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or a few dashes of hot sauce for those who enjoy a kick of heat with their comfort food.

How to Make Cheddar Bay Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Meat Sauce

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cook the spaghetti for about 2 minutes less than the package directions indicate – we want it slightly underdone since it will continue cooking in the oven. While the pasta boils, brown the ground beef in a large skillet, crumbling it well. Add the diced onions and cook until the beef is no longer pink. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper, then add the marinara sauce and mix thoroughly. Combine the drained pasta with the meat sauce, ensuring every strand is coated.

Step 2: Create the Layers

Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish generously with cooking spray. Add half of the spaghetti mixture to the dish, spreading it evenly. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, milk, and Italian seasoning, then spread this mixture over the first layer of spaghetti. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly across the ricotta layer, then top with the remaining spaghetti mixture.

Step 3: Prepare the Biscuit Topping

In a mixing bowl, combine the Cheddar Bay biscuit mix (setting aside the seasoning packet for later), shredded cheddar cheese, and milk. Stir until the mixture is relatively smooth with no large lumps. Pour this batter evenly over the top of the casserole, making sure it covers the pasta layer completely.

Step 4: Bake and Finish

Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, until the biscuit topping has turned a beautiful golden brown. Meanwhile, melt the butter and mix it with the reserved seasoning packet. When the casserole comes out of the oven, immediately brush this seasoned butter over the hot biscuit topping. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving – this gives the biscuits time to absorb the butter and allows the layers to set up for easier serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Undercook the Pasta: Always cook your spaghetti 2-3 minutes less than package directions. It will absorb liquid and continue cooking in the oven, preventing mushy pasta.
Room Temperature Ricotta: Take the ricotta out of the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before using. It spreads much more easily when not ice cold.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Those 5 minutes of resting time after baking are crucial! They allow the casserole to set up properly so you get nice, clean slices instead of a sloppy mess.
Even Biscuit Layer: Use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to spread the biscuit mixture evenly across the top. This ensures consistent cooking and that everyone gets some of that delicious topping.
Watch the Browning: Every oven is different. If your biscuit topping is browning too quickly but the casserole isn’t done, tent it loosely with foil for the remainder of the cooking time.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This hearty casserole is practically a meal in itself, but a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes the perfect side dish to cut through the richness. For a complete Red Lobster-inspired experience, add some steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus on the side.

Garnish Ideas

Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or basil over the top just before serving for a pop of color and freshness. A light dusting of grated parmesan never hurts either!

Serving Suggestions

Use a sharp knife to cut through the biscuit topping, then a spatula to lift each portion. Serve this casserole on warmed plates to keep it at its best temperature longer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead Options

You can assemble this casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes beforehand, then bake as directed, adding about 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld nicely overnight, making for delicious next-day lunches.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! You can freeze it either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble up to the biscuit topping, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding the biscuit topping and baking.

For freezing after baking, allow the casserole to cool completely, then portion it into individual servings for easier reheating. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes. The biscuit topping won’t be quite as crisp after reheating, but it will still be delicious.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape instead of spaghetti?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, any pasta shape works well in this casserole. Penne, rotini, or farfalle would all be excellent choices. Just remember to undercook the pasta slightly regardless of which shape you choose, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
What can I use if I can’t find Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuit mix?

If you can’t find the specific Red Lobster mix, you can use any biscuit mix and add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried parsley to mimic the flavors. You won’t have the seasoning packet for the butter topping, but you can make your own by mixing garlic powder, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt with the melted butter.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply omit the ground beef and either replace it with a plant-based ground meat substitute or add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You could even use lentils for a protein boost. The cheesy biscuit topping and creamy ricotta layer will still make this a satisfying vegetarian meal.
My family doesn’t like ricotta cheese. Is there a substitute?

If ricotta isn’t a favorite in your household, you can substitute cottage cheese (blended until smooth), cream cheese softened and mixed with a little milk, or even a béchamel sauce with some parmesan mixed in. Each will give a different flavor profile but will still provide that creamy middle layer that makes this casserole special.

Final Thoughts

This Cheddar Bay Spaghetti Casserole takes comfort food to a whole new level by combining two beloved classics into one irresistible dish. The familiar flavors of spaghetti with meat sauce get an exciting twist with that crispy, cheesy biscuit topping that’s impossible to resist. It’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a family favorite and gets requested again and again. Whether for a weeknight dinner, potluck contribution, or meal to take to a friend, this casserole delivers big on flavor with minimal fuss. Give it a try – I’m confident it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection!