If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dish that brings together the best of classic pasta flavors in a fun, bubbly casserole form, then the Spaghetti & Meat Sauce Bubble Up Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner table tonight. This delightful bake combines tender spaghetti, rich and savory meat sauce, and fluffy biscuit pieces that rise to golden perfection in the oven. It’s a surefire way to please hungry families, impress friends, or enjoy a simple meal with maximum flavor and minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need for this dish are ingredients that are staples in most kitchens but come together to create a spectacular blend of taste and texture. Each component plays a crucial role whether it’s the seasoned meat sauce, the cheesy melt, or the tender biscuit topping.
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage: Provides hearty, flavorful protein that forms the base of the sauce.
- 2 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce: Adds tangy tomato goodness and moisture to bind the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses herbaceous warmth that complements the meat beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the overall taste and brings out the natural flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle kick that livens up each bite.
- 8 ounces cooked spaghetti (broken into thirds): The comforting pasta base that soaks up all the sauce.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts wonderfully to add gooey, cheesy goodness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a sharp, nutty finish and a crisp golden crust.
- 1 (16.3 oz) can refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into quarters: Creates fluffy, pillowy bites that bubble up during baking.
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness that lifts the dish visually and in flavor.
How to Make Spaghetti & Meat Sauce Bubble Up Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Set your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your bubble-up casserole doesn’t stick and comes out perfectly every time.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown your choice of ground beef or Italian sausage until it’s cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon for even cooking. Once done, drain any excess grease to keep the dish deliciously balanced and not greasy.
Step 3: Simmer the Meat Sauce
Return the skillet to the heat and stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Let everything simmer gently for about 5 minutes—this step is essential to meld the flavors together into that signature rich meat sauce.
Step 4: Mix Spaghetti, Sauce, Cheese, and Biscuit Pieces
In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, the simmered meat sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Gently fold in the biscuit dough pieces until they are evenly distributed throughout. This mixture is what creates the magic of the bubble-up texture.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top, and pop the dish into the oven to bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Watch for the biscuits to turn golden and puff up—the sign that your bubble-up casserole is ready to be enjoyed.
Step 6: Cool and Garnish
Give your creation about 5 minutes to cool slightly before serving. If you like, finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for a lovely pop of green and a touch of herbaceous aroma.
How to Serve Spaghetti & Meat Sauce Bubble Up Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add more than just color—they brighten the richness of the dish with their fresh, slightly peppery notes. You can also offer a dusting of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil for that added shine and flavor boost.
Side Dishes
This bubble-up casserole pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, steamed vegetables, or even roasted garlic bread. These sides help balance the hearty richness and add contrasting textures and freshness to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in mini ramekins for a charming dinner party presentation. You could also layer it with different cheeses or add a handful of sliced olives or roasted red peppers to the mixture for your own unique spin on the Spaghetti & Meat Sauce Bubble Up Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bubble-up casserole keeps well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This makes it an excellent choice for meal prepping or enjoying quick lunches throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn, and it will keep for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, just add an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, individual portions can be microwaved, though the biscuit pieces may lose a bit of their crisp texture doing so.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought spaghetti sauces for this recipe?
Absolutely! Both homemade and jarred marinara or spaghetti sauces work great here. Choose your favorite brand or style to tailor the dish to your taste.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat alternative, and you’ll still get fantastic flavor and texture in your Spaghetti & Meat Sauce Bubble Up Recipe.
Can I substitute the biscuit dough with something else?
While biscuit dough adds that special rise and fluffiness, you can try pre-made biscuit or crescent roll dough, or even small pieces of pizza dough—just be mindful of cooking time and texture differences.
What kind of cheese works best?
Mozzarella is perfect for its melty, gooey texture while Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty layer. Feel free to experiment with provolone, cheddar, or a blend for different flavors.
How spicy is this recipe?
This version is mildly seasoned, but you can kick up the heat by using hot Italian sausage or adding crushed red pepper flakes during the sauce simmering step.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Spaghetti & Meat Sauce Bubble Up Recipe; it takes familiar, comforting ingredients and transforms them into a bubbly, cheesy, crowd-pleasing casserole. Whether for a busy weeknight or a comforting weekend meal, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to dishes. Give it a try and enjoy the smiles around your table!
Print
Spaghetti & Meat Sauce Bubble Up Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
Spaghetti & Meat Sauce Bubble Up is a comforting and easy-to-make casserole that combines savory ground beef or Italian sausage, rich marinara sauce, tender spaghetti, and flaky biscuit dough all baked together into a delicious one-dish meal. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, it’s perfect for a family-friendly weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 2 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Pasta & Cheese
- 8 ounces cooked spaghetti, broken into thirds
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Biscuit Layer
- 1 (16.3 oz) can refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into quarters
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until fully browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once cooked through, drain any excess grease.
- Make Sauce: To the cooked meat in the skillet, add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine Pasta Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked spaghetti, meat sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese until evenly mixed.
- Add Biscuit Dough: Gently fold in the quartered biscuit dough pieces into the pasta and meat sauce mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed but not overworked to keep biscuit pieces distinct.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the biscuit dough is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can use either homemade or store-bought marinara sauce—both work great for flavor.
- Feel free to swap the spaghetti for any short pasta like penne or rotini if preferred.
- For a spicy kick, try using hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
