Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble everything up to the biscuit topping and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, prepare the biscuit topping fresh, add it to the cold casserole, and extend the baking time by about 10-15 minutes since you're starting with a cold dish.

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

While the specific mix gives this casserole its signature flavor, you can substitute with any biscuit mix and add 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley, and a pinch of cayenne to mimic the Cheddar Bay seasoning. Add the shredded cheddar as directed in the original recipe.

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Definitely! While spaghetti creates the classic look, any pasta shape works well. Penne, rotini, or fusilli are excellent alternatives that hold the sauce beautifully and make serving even easier.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

You can lighten this recipe by using ground turkey instead of beef, part-skim ricotta, reduced-fat cheese, and whole grain pasta. The biscuit topping is harder to modify, but you could use less of it, creating a thinner layer on top.

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: 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; 1/2 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; 1/4 cup butter, melted

This incredible Cheddar Bay Spaghetti Casserole combines the comfort of pasta with the irresistible allure of Red Lobster’s famous biscuits. It’s a game-changing dish where classic Italian spaghetti meets cheesy, garlicky biscuit topping for a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready in about an hour, this casserole is perfect for family dinners when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and that famous Cheddar Bay biscuit topping creates an unforgettable flavor profile that hits all the right notes.
One-Dish Wonder: Everything comes together in a single baking dish, making cleanup a breeze after enjoying this satisfying meal.
Crowd-Pleaser: This casserole bridges the gap between Italian comfort food and American biscuit love – it’s virtually impossible not to win over the whole table!
Makes Great Leftovers: If you’re lucky enough to have any remaining, this casserole tastes even better the next day when all the flavors have had time to meld.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Spaghetti noodles: The foundation of our casserole, providing that classic pasta comfort. Cook them slightly underdone since they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
Ground beef: Adds hearty protein and savory flavor. Use lean beef for less grease but still plenty of flavor.
Yellow onion: Provides essential aromatic flavor and a bit of sweetness when it cooks down with the beef.
Garlic: Brings that unmistakable flavor that makes every Italian-inspired dish more delicious. Always use fresh for the best flavor impact.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that bring all the other flavors to life.
Marinara sauce: The tangy, herb-infused sauce that ties everything together. Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious.
Ricotta cheese: Creates a creamy, luxurious layer that adds richness and a pleasant textural contrast to the casserole.
Milk: Helps thin the ricotta just enough to make it spreadable while keeping it creamy.
Italian seasoning: Infuses the cheese layer with classic herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme.
Mozzarella cheese: Delivers that stretchy, gooey cheese pull we all love in a good casserole.
Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuit mix: The secret weapon that transforms this from a regular pasta bake to something truly special.
Cheddar cheese: Adds extra cheesy goodness to the already amazing biscuit topping.
Butter: When brushed over the baked biscuit topping with the seasoning packet, it creates that signature Cheddar Bay flavor and beautiful golden 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 Swaps

Try using Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even a mix of meats instead of beef. For a vegetarian version, substitute with a hearty mushroom mixture or plant-based ground meat alternative.

Cheese Experiments

Play with different cheese combinations – fontina and gruyère make luxurious substitutes for mozzarella, or try pepper jack for a spicy kick in the biscuit topping.

Veggie Boost

Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat sauce for extra nutrients and flavor dimension.

Sauce Switch-Up

Try a vodka sauce or arrabbiata for a different flavor profile, or mix in some alfredo with the marinara for a creamy rose sauce base.

How to Make Cheddar Bay Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Components

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cook the spaghetti for 2 minutes less than package directions – it should be very al dente. Meanwhile, brown the ground beef in a large skillet, breaking it up well as it cooks.

Step 2: Create the Meat Sauce

Add diced onions to the beef and cook until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper, then pour in marinara sauce. Combine the sauce with the drained pasta, ensuring every strand is well-coated.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Spread half the spaghetti mixture in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Mix ricotta with milk and Italian seasoning until smooth, then spread this over the spaghetti layer. Sprinkle mozzarella on top, then add the remaining spaghetti mixture.

Step 4: Prepare and Add Biscuit Topping

Combine the Cheddar Bay biscuit mix (setting aside the seasoning packet), shredded cheddar, and milk in a bowl. Stir until just combined, then pour this batter evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 50-55 minutes until the biscuit topping is beautifully golden brown. While hot from the oven, mix the seasoning packet with melted butter and brush over the biscuit layer. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keeping the spaghetti slightly underdone ensures it won’t become mushy during baking.
Layer Mindfully: Make sure each layer is evenly distributed for consistent flavor in every bite.
Let It Rest: Those 5 minutes of resting time are crucial – they allow the butter to soak into the biscuit topping and the casserole to set for easier serving.
Cast Iron Option: If you have a large cast iron skillet, you can make this a one-pan meal by using it for both the stovetop and oven portions.
Cheese Control: Shred your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded for better melting and flavor.

How to Serve

This hearty casserole is practically a complete meal on its own, but here are some perfect accompaniments:

Simple Sides

A crisp green salad with Italian dressing or some garlic-roasted broccoli provides a nice fresh contrast to the rich casserole.

Bread Alternatives

If you’re worried the biscuit topping might be carb overload with the pasta, you could serve smaller portions alongside some roasted vegetables instead.

Drink Pairings

A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the Italian flavors, while a cold beer works wonderfully with the Cheddar Bay biscuit topping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop nicely as it sits, making this casserole excellent for meal prep.

Freezing

You can freeze the entire assembled but unbaked casserole (without the biscuit topping) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the fresh biscuit topping, and bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

For already baked casserole, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. The biscuit topping won’t be quite as crisp when reheated, but it will still be delicious.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. For a crisper topping, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble everything up to the biscuit topping and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, prepare the biscuit topping fresh, add it to the cold casserole, and extend the baking time by about 10-15 minutes since you’re starting with a cold dish.
What if I can’t find Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuit mix?

While the specific mix gives this casserole its signature flavor, you can substitute with any biscuit mix and add 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley, and a pinch of cayenne to mimic the Cheddar Bay seasoning. Add the shredded cheddar as directed in the original recipe.
Can I use different pasta shapes?

Definitely! While spaghetti creates the classic look, any pasta shape works well. Penne, rotini, or fusilli are excellent alternatives that hold the sauce beautifully and make serving even easier.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

You can lighten this recipe by using ground turkey instead of beef, part-skim ricotta, reduced-fat cheese, and whole grain pasta. The biscuit topping is harder to modify, but you could use less of it, creating a thinner layer on top.

Final Thoughts

This Cheddar Bay Spaghetti Casserole represents the best of two culinary worlds – Italian pasta comfort and the beloved flavor of those famous Red Lobster biscuits. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a requested favorite, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want to bring something unique and delicious to the table. The layers of flavor and texture create a truly memorable meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!