If you have been on the lookout for a comfort food recipe that combines the best of cheesy, savory, and just downright indulgent flavors, then this Cheddar Bay Pizza Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine your favorite pizza toppings baked into a bubbly, rich sauce and topped with that irresistible Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit crust, creating a luscious, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. It’s the perfect marriage between the gooey, saucy goodness of pizza and the hearty, comforting charm of a casserole, all baked into one spectacular dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish calls for a handful of simple but essential ingredients, each adding its unique touch—whether it’s the meaty depth of the ground beef and sausage, the spicy kick from pepperoni, or the signature cheesy biscuit topping that steals the show. These ingredients are easy to find and work in harmony to deliver that classic, crave-worthy flavor.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Provides a hearty, savory base with rich flavor.
- 1 lb pork sausage: Adds juiciness and a touch of spice that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1 cup chopped pepperoni: Brings a zesty, salty kick reminiscent of your favorite pizza.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce for a perfect casserole texture.
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning: Gives a fragrant, herbaceous lift to the meat sauce.
- 1 (26-oz) jar spaghetti sauce: The saucy base that blends all the flavors in the dish.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates that classic, gooey pizza cheese layer.
- 3 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth to the cheese topping.
- 1 (11.36-oz) package Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix: The secret to the iconic biscuit topping with buttery, garlicky goodness.
- ¾ cup water: Needed to make the biscuit dough just right.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Mixed into the biscuit dough for extra cheesy flavor.
- ¼ cup melted butter: Combined with seasoning to brush over the biscuit crust for that irresistible finish.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Pizza Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 425º F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray. This ensures nothing sticks and helps the casserole bake evenly without fuss.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Mixture
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and pork sausage until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain out any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy, then return to the skillet for the next steps.
Step 3: Add Pepperoni, Flour, and Italian Seasoning
Stir in the chopped pepperoni, flour, and Italian seasoning until everything is evenly coated—this builds flavor and helps thicken the sauce later. Then add the jar of spaghetti sauce and bring the mixture to a boil, making sure everything bubbles up and thickens slightly.
Step 4: Layer the Meat Sauce and Cheese
Remove the skillet from heat and spread the savory meat sauce evenly into your prepared pan. Follow with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheeses to create a rich, melty cheese layer that seals in all the flavors.
Step 5: Prepare and Add the Biscuit Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix, water, and shredded cheddar cheese until you have a soft dough. Use a small cookie scoop to drop dough balls across the top of the cheese layer, then gently spread the dough to cover the entire surface.
Step 6: Bake and Finish with Garlic Butter
Bake the casserole for 20 to 25 minutes or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and inviting. Mix the melted butter with the biscuit mix seasoning packet and brush this garlicky butter all over the biscuit crust right after it comes out of the oven, locking in the irresistible aroma and flavor.
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Pizza Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate your Cheddar Bay Pizza Casserole Recipe, try garnishing with some freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves. They add a burst of fresh color and brighten the rich, cheesy flavors. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes will give it a gentle heat if you like a little kick.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a filling dish on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables offers a nice contrast in texture and freshness. Roasted garlic broccoli or a tangy coleslaw make particularly crisp and refreshing companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole straight from individual ramekins to personalize portions and keep everyone feeling spoiled. Alternatively, turn leftover casserole into hearty sandwiches by placing slices between soft sandwich buns with a leaf of lettuce and a drizzle of marinara sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. Leftovers will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners.
Freezing
This Cheddar Bay Pizza Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled casserole tightly and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350º F until warmed through and bubbly, about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker meals, though the topping won’t remain as crisp.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the meats for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers, and use a plant-based sausage if you prefer. The biscuit topping is naturally vegetarian-friendly, so you won’t miss a thing.
Is the biscuit topping prepared from scratch?
Nope! This recipe uses the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix, which is essential for achieving that signature flavor and texture. It saves loads of time but still tastes homemade.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment. Mozzarella is key for stretchiness, but mixing in provolone or a sharper cheddar in the cheese layers will add unique flavor dimensions that work well with the savory sauce.
Can I double or halve this recipe?
Yes, you can scale the recipe up or down easily depending on your crowd size. Just keep the proportions consistent to maintain the right texture and flavor balance.
Is this casserole spicy?
It has a mild kick thanks to the pepperoni and Italian seasoning but is generally mild enough for most palates. You can always add crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce if you like more heat.
Final Thoughts
Give this Cheddar Bay Pizza Casserole Recipe a try the next time you want a comforting, cheesy meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With its easy preparation, crowd-pleasing flavors, and indulgent biscuit topping, it’s sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen. Trust me, once you taste that buttery, garlicky crust atop the rich pizza-inspired filling, you’ll be hooked for good!
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Cheddar Bay Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheddar Bay Pizza Casserole is a comforting and flavorful baked dish combining seasoned ground beef, sausage, pepperoni, and spaghetti sauce topped with melted cheeses and a fluffy biscuit crust inspired by Red Lobster’s famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole bakes to golden perfection with a savory garlic butter finish.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 lb pork sausage
- 1 cup chopped pepperoni
Seasoning & Sauce
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 (26-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
Cheese Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Biscuit Topping
- 1 (11.36-oz) package Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix
- ¾ cup water
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425º F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook meats: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and pork sausage until no longer pink, making sure to crumble thoroughly. Drain excess fat then return meat to the skillet.
- Add seasonings and sauce: Stir in chopped pepperoni, flour, and Italian seasoning until well combined. Mix in the entire jar of spaghetti sauce and bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat once boiling.
- Assemble casserole base: Spoon the meat sauce mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese evenly on top of the meat mixture.
- Prepare biscuit topping: In a small bowl, stir together the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix, water, and shredded cheddar cheese until combined. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop biscuit dough over the cheese layer and gently spread it to cover the filling.
- Bake: Place casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and cooked through.
- Apply garlic butter: While casserole bakes, combine the melted butter with the seasoning packet included in the biscuit mix. After baking, brush this garlic butter mixture generously over the biscuit crust to finish.
Notes
- Drain the cooked meats well to avoid a greasy casserole.
- The biscuit topping is best applied using a cookie scoop for even size blobs before gently spreading.
- Use a 9×13-inch pan to ensure adequate depth and even baking.
- Brush the garlic butter immediately after baking for maximum flavor and moistness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
