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

Description

This Cheddar Bay Spaghetti Casserole is a hearty, savory bake that combines classic spaghetti and marinara with creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, seasoned ground beef, and a fluffy Cheddar Bay biscuit topping. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this casserole offers crave-worthy comfort food with layers of flavor and a golden, buttery finish.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Casserole
10 oz spaghetti noodles, uncooked
1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
24 oz marinara sauce
16 oz ricotta cheese
1/2 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
1/4 cup butter, melted

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pasta – Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the spaghetti noodles for a couple of minutes less than the package instructions (as they’ll finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
Cook Meat and Veggies – In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, crumbling as it browns. Add the diced onion and cook until the beef is fully cooked through.
Add Garlic and Seasonings – Mix in the chopped garlic, stirring well. Cook for about 2 minutes, then add salt and pepper, stirring again to combine.
Add Marinara – Pour in the marinara sauce and mix thoroughly with the meat mixture.
Combine Spaghetti and Sauce – Add the cooked, drained spaghetti noodles to the skillet, tossing until all noodles are coated in the sauce.
Layer in Baking Dish – Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Add half of the spaghetti mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
Prepare Ricotta Mixture – In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, ½ cup milk, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and spoon this mixture evenly over the spaghetti layer.
Add Mozzarella and More Spaghetti – Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the ricotta mixture. Top with the remaining spaghetti mixture, spreading it evenly.
Make Biscuit Batter – In another mixing bowl, combine the Cheddar Bay biscuit mix (reserve seasoning packet), 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 2 cups milk. Stir until well combined with no large lumps.
Layer Biscuit Batter – Pour the biscuit batter evenly over the spaghetti layers in the baking dish, smoothing the top.
Bake – Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and cooked through.
Finish with Seasoned Butter – Meanwhile, mix the reserved biscuit seasoning packet with the melted butter. Remove the casserole from the oven and brush this seasoned butter over the biscuit topping.
Rest and Serve – Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes to let the biscuit topping absorb the butter. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, try adding cooked mushrooms or bell peppers to the sauce.
Use freshly shredded cheeses for best melting and texture.
Letting the casserole rest helps set the layers for easier serving.
This recipe makes a big batch, ideal for leftovers or meal prep.
You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the beef if desired.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/10 of casserole
Calories: 520
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 1040mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Description

Ingredients

Main Casserole

Biscuit Topping

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition