Name: Cheesy Biscuit Pizza Casserole with Ground Beef
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup diced onion; 1/2 cup diced bell peppers; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup pizza sauce; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup frozen corn (optional); 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional)

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🍕 Cheesy Biscuit Pizza Casserole with Ground Beef: The Ultimate One-Pan Family Dinner

1. Introduction

There’s something deeply comforting about a cheesy biscuit pizza casserole bubbling away in the oven—all the familiar flavors of pizza—deep melted mozzarella, tangy tomato sauce, savory ground beef, and flaky, golden biscuit topping—in one irresistible, effortless casserole dish. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a crowd-pleasing, weeknight-saving masterpiece that delivers bold flavors and satisfying comfort in every bite. Whether it’s a rainy Tuesday or a last-minute guest is dropping by, this quick family dinner hits all the right notes: it’s hearty, made in one pan, and requires zero fancy skills—just simple prep and a little patience while it bakes to golden perfection.

2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in under 40 minutes from start to finish—perfect for busy weeknights.

One-pan pizza casserole means minimal cleanup. One dish = everything cooked, baked, and served.
Customizable for dietary preferences—swap ground beef for turkey, plant-based crumbles, or even sausage for a different twist.
Great for meal prep—reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

Kid-approved & crowd-pleasing: The buttery biscuit topping makes it feel like comfort food with pizza vibes—no complaints here!

3. Ingredient Notes

Every great dish starts with thoughtful ingredient selection. Here’s why each one matters—and how to elevate your casserole:

Ground beef (85% lean recommended): Fat = flavor. Leaner meat can result in dry casserole, while 85% gives you rich, juicy texture and depth. Browned and drained, it forms the savory backbone of the dish.

Marinara sauce: Go for a high-quality brand with simple ingredients—tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil. Avoid overly sweet versions. If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade tomato sauce blended with a splash of balsamic makes an incredible upgrade.

Whole milk biscuit mix (e.g., Pillsbury Grand or homemade equivalent): Store-bought saves time, but ensure it’s regular or buttermilk-based for lift and tenderness. Whole milk in the batter yields richer, fluffier biscuits compared to water or low-fat milk.

Fresh mozzarella & sharp cheddar blend: Mozzarella gives you that stretchy pull, while sharp cheddar adds a bold, salty bite. Pre-shredded works in a pinch, but shredding your own (especially cheddar) melt smoother—pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents that can make sauces grainy.

Vegetables (optional but recommended): Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach add freshness and nutrition. Sauté them first to avoid soggy casserole and concentrate their flavor.

4. Kitchen Tools You Need

Having the right tools makes all the difference in speed, ease, and clean-up. These selections strike the perfect balance between reliability and value:

T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set includes a deep, oven-safe skillet—the ideal pan for browning meat and simmering sauce before baking. Its durable nonstick surface ensures that yourground beef releases cleanly and your sauce doesn’t scorch.

Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1: If you want extra-crispy biscuit edges or toquickly reheat leftovers with restoration of crispness, this air fryer is a game-changer.

CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set is a budget-friendly, high-performance alternative for home cooks who prefer bright, modern kitchen tools. Plus, the pots and pans are dishwasher safe!

JoyJolt Airtight Glass Food Storage Set is perfect for storing leftovers or prepping ingredients ahead of time. BPA-free, stackable, and microwave-safe—ideal for this kind of make-ahead dinner.

5. How to Make Cheesy Biscuit Pizza Casserole with Ground Beef

Bake Time: 20–25 minutes | Total Time: 35–40 minutes | Servings: 6–8

Phase 1: Sauté & Simmer (10 minutes)

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In an oven-safe skillet or deep baking dish, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. Cook until browned (no pink remains), about 6–7 minutes.

Drain excess fat, leaving ~1 tbsp for flavor. Stir in 1½ cups marinara sauce and ½ cup water to thin slightly—this prevents dryness. Add optional sautéed veggies here (e.g., mushrooms or peppers cooked previously). Simmer for 3–4 minutes until everything’s well combined and aromatic.

Phase 2: Layer & Top (5 minutes)

Spread the beef-sauce mixture evenly in the skillet. In a mixing bowl, stir biscuit mix with ¾ cup whole milk until just combined (don’t overmix—it should be shaggy and soft). Drop spoonfuls of dough evenly over the sauce, leaving small gaps between them for expansion.

Scatter 1½ cups shredded mozzarella and ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar over the dough. For deep flavor, sprinkle a touch of red pepper flakes or grated parmesan on top.

Phase 3: Bake & Rest (20–25 minutes)

Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the biscuit tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into a biscuit comes out clean. For extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely!).

Let rest 5–7 minutes before serving—this lets the sauce settle and the biscuits firm up enough for clean slicing.

6. Expert Tips for Success

Don’t overfill the pan—keep the sauce layer to no more than 1½ inches deep. Too thick, and the center won’t heat through before biscuits overcook.
Brown your beef well—this builds flavor. Don’t rush the sear. If the pan gets too dry, add a splash of broth or oil.

Cool the meat slightly before adding biscuit dough—if too hot, the dough can start cooking prematurely, affecting rise.
Use cold milk in biscuit dough. Cold fat + cold liquid = more steam = flakier biscuits.
For extra indulgence: Brush edges of biscuits with melted butter after baking and sprinkle with fresh basil.

7. Variations & Substitutions

This casserole is incredibly forgiving—here’s how to adapt it to your needs:

Vegetarian option: Replace beef with plant-based ground “beef” (Beyond or Beyond Meat works), or use extra mushrooms, lentils, and walnuts for an earthy, protein-rich base.

Chicken pizza casserole: Swap in 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken mixed with 1 tbsp Italian seasoning and a splash of ranch dressing.

Gluten-free: Use aGF biscuit mix (like Self-Rising Gluten-Free Flour + baking powder + xanthan gum) and ensure marinara is certified GF.

Dairy-free: Try dairy-free mozzarella shreds (like Miyoko’s orViolife) and brush biscuits with olive oil instead of butter.

Spicy pizza casserole: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat, or top with sliced jalapeños before baking.

8. Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze individual portions (well wrapped in foil and container) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.

Reheating: For best texture, reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 10–15 minutes until hot and crispy on top. Skip the microwave if possible—it makes biscuits soggy quickly. If you must use a microwave, cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-sec bursts.

9. FAQ

Can I use canned biscuits instead of mix? Absolutely! Unroll refrigerated biscuit dough, cut in half if large, and lay over casserole. Bake 12–15 minutes—but watch closely to avoid over-browning.

Is this really a “quick” family dinner? Yes—if you use pre-cooked or store-bought components (like rotisserie chicken or high-quality marinara). Prep time is under 15 minutes.

Why did my biscuit tops turn out dense? Overmixing the dough or using warm milk can reduce fluffiness. Also, ensure your baking powder in the mix is fresh (older mixes lose leavening power).

Can I make this ahead? Yes! Prep the meat sauce up to 2 days ahead and store covered in the fridge. Assemble and bake when ready—or freeze the sauce portion.

10. Conclusion

This cheesy biscuit pizza casserole is everything great about dinner night rolled into one cozy, flavor-packed dish. It’s foolproof, family-friendly, and endlessly adaptable—plus, it makes leftovers taste even better the next day. Pair it with a crisp green salad or a bowl of simple homemade tomato soup, and you’ve got Sunday dinner vibes any night of the week.

Then, when you’re ready for more one-pan wonders, explore our other crowd favorites:

Dump-and-Go Smothered Pork Chops
Easy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Hearty Ground Beef Hobo Casserole
Cheesy Hashbrown Crockpot Potato Soup