Hearty, filling, and family-friendly, this Italian Ground Beef Casserole with Biscuit Topping is the perfect answer for an easy weeknight dinner.
It happens every year. I complain about winter, and can’t wait until it’s over, but then when the weather starts to warm up and spring is on the horizon, I start scrambling, wanting to make all the comfort food. Because let’s face it, I’m a comfort food girl at heart. It really is the most redeeming thing about winter.
So while I’m sure you’ll start seeing some spring-like recipes being sprinkled in here soon, I’m still going strong with the comfort food. But I have a feeling that none of you are going to mind. Because sometimes, even when the weather outside is nice, there is nothing better than a good casserole for dinner.
I was actually going through a cookbook one day, looking at a completely different recipe when I came across this Italian Ground Beef Casserole recipe. I’ve cooked a ton of recipes from this cookbook, and am always coming across even more recipes that I want to make. So I did the only thing there is to do, and I added it to the menu plan.
This Italian Ground Beef Casserole with Biscuit Topping is super easy, which makes it great for both weeknight dinner or even a Sunday supper. Ground beef is simmered in a tomato sauce mixture, then it is layered with vegetables and cheese. And then the whole mixture is topped with refrigerated flaky biscuits. If you are feeling extra ambitious, feel free to make your own biscuits, but I took the shortcut on this one and didn’t regret it at all. (I have a soft spot in my heart for those flaky biscuits!!)
This is hearty and filling – everything comfort food should be. I could go for it anytime of year!!
More Comforting Casseroles:
Taco Casserole
Beef Enchilada Casserole
Puffed Up Pizza Casserole
Tuna Casserole
Green Chile Casserole
Italian Ground Beef Casserole with Biscuit Topping
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- salt and pepper
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 6 oz can tomato paste
- 2 cups 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups frozen peas carrots and corn (or any mixed vegetables), thawed
- 1 16 oz can refrigerated flaky layer biscuits
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano crushed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Spray a 13x9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, breaking up as it cooks. When it is about half-way cooked through, add the onion and continue to cook until the onion is soft and the ground beef is fully cooked. Drain, if necessary, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Add the 3/4 cup water, tomato sauce and tomato paste. Simmer over medium-low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Spread half of the hot meat mixture in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with 2/3 cup of the mozzarella, then spread the vegetables evenly over the cheese. Top with another 2/3 cup of mozzarella. Spread the remaining meat mixture over the top. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
- Open the biscuits and split each biscuit in half lengthwise, making 16 thinner biscuits. Arrange layers of the biscuits over the top, overlapping, in 3 rows of 5 each. (You will have one half of a biscuit leftover.)
- Brush the melted butter over the tops of the biscuits. Sprinkle with the oregano. Bake the casserole until golden brown, about 25 minutes.
Mary says
Delicious & easy. I hate when folks change the recipe & review, but I used 2 lbs of meat, doubled all of the ingredients (except the biscuits). Made in 2 – 8×8 pans, one without cheese, due to allergy. It was a rare crowd pleaser for my picky family. I will definitely make again.
Cassie says
Shared with my readers and pointed them here for directions. Thanks for the recipe!
Zefanya Mendoza says
I’m sorry to comment this… but you forgot to put the frozen peas (or veg) in the cooking instructions. I had to take out the dish from oven and kinda redo it… since I was following your step by step. I also added italian seasoning (since this is supposedly an Italian style) and also crushed garlic as well as smoked paprika. But thank you so much for sharing this recipe. It was something I will definitely do again 🙂
Deborah says
Hi Zefanya – the vegetables get layered in with the middle layer of cheese. 🙂 I love the addition of the smoked paprika -one of my favorite spices!
Brittany Spangenburg says
My husband and I loved it! My only suggestion would be to keep an eye on the biscuits. They were a little dark when I kept them in for 25 minutes. Otherwise, it was delicious!
Michael Sparby says
Really good! the meat mixture isn’t quite enough for a full 2 layers but it still worked totally fine. The biscuits took about 10 minutes longer to completely cook through than the recipe said. Nonetheless, this is a keeper!
Deborah says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Michael!
Sunni says
I was not going to comment but i feel the need..what about this is Italian? Yes..i am being that person. Not only that but this was bland at best , i added garlic and ITALIAN seasoning and a dash of westershire sauce after tasting the mixture. The idea for the dish is a great starting point , that allows for one’s own touches!
Andrea says
Yes! I added garlic in the saute, basil and italian seasoning and red pepper flakes in the sauce before simmering, as well as a little sugar in the last 3 minutes of the simmer. It’s baking right now, but the sauce with the additions was much tastier.
Casey says
Making this for the first time ever. I’ve never heard of it but I can tell you that by the way it smells in the oven, its gonna be gone very soon. No leftovers tonight! Thank you!
plasterers bristol says
Can’t beat this classic. my favorite. thanks for sharing this great recipe.
Simon
Shirley says
Loved it. I didn’t have biscuits so I used crescent rolls.
Karen Romero says
My kids loved this recipe! So simple! Perfect for my busy days.. My only problem was the biscuits seemed to be half cooked. The top was toasted yet the bottom was soggy. Any suggestions?… Thank you for sharing this!
Deborah says
I’m so glad you liked it, Karen! As for the soggy biscuits – did you half the biscuits? If so, maybe try making them even a little thinner next time. I think it’s hard to not have any sogginess at all, just because the bottom is up against the meat sauce, but making them a little thinner might help to reduce the soggy bottoms.
Carissa says
I made this recipe with croissants instead and they were not soggy at all.
Deborah says
Sounds delicious!!
Joanne says
I seriously feel like all casseroles should be biscuit-topped…ALWAYS!
Shannon says
I made this for my family this week and we all liked it. Great for a weeknight meal. Thank you for the recipe :-)!
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction says
Perfect comfort food! Love the biscuit topping!
Shaina says
Gorgeous quick and easy comfort food.
Chels R. says
I’m feeling the same way right now. I keep thinking, wait-I want to share more soup recipes, lol! I love the biscuits in this casserole. It looks so good!
Jen @ Baked by an Introvert says
This casserole looks so hearty and delicious! It reminds me of a shepherds pie. Loving this!
Liz says
Yum – thank you. Have a great day!