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Welcome to Clara's Recipes, where we turn everyday meals into extraordinary experiences with minimal fuss! Today, we're diving into a dish that perfectly embodies this philosophy: the glorious Bubble Up Lasagna. Forget complicated layering and lengthy prep; this one-pan wonder brings all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna with a playful, bubbly twist that's perfect for any weeknight.
If you're looking for a hearty, satisfying meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, you've found your new go-to. We'll share our core recipe, along with clever tips for achieving perfection, exciting variations to keep things fresh, and irresistible serving suggestions to complete your meal.
What is Bubble Up Lasagna and Why You'll Love It
Bubble Up Lasagna is a creative take on the classic Italian-American comfort food. Instead of traditional pasta sheets, this recipe uses refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into quarters, which “bubbles up” through a rich meat sauce and layers of gooey cheese during baking. The result is a delightfully tender and cheesy casserole with distinct pockets of fluffy biscuit, soaking up all the savory goodness.
You'll love it because it's:
- Incredibly Easy: No boiling noodles, no intricate layering. Just mix, layer, and bake!
- One-Pan Convenience: Most of the work happens in one baking dish, meaning less cleanup.
- Crowd-Pleasing: It has all the familiar, comforting flavors of lasagna that everyone adores.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to your family's tastes and what you have on hand.
It's a fantastic alternative when you crave the flavors of lasagna but are short on time. For more on the history and cultural significance of classic lasagna, you can explore its origins on Wikipedia.
Quick One-Pan Cheesy Bubble Up Lasagna Recipe
Here’s how to whip up this irresistible dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients:
- 2 (10 oz/285 g) cans refrigerated buttermilk biscuits, quartered
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups (480 mL) marinara sauce
- 1 cup (240 mL) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious experience:
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and finely chopped onion until the beef is no longer pink, about 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat thoroughly.
- Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add the marinara sauce to the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove it from the heat.
- Step 5: In a 9x13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the quartered biscuit pieces. Spoon half of the meat sauce over the biscuits. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese evenly, then sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Step 6: Repeat the layers with the remaining biscuits, meat sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- Step 7: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5–7 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Step 8: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauces to set and prevent burns.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Bubble Up Lasagna
Even though this recipe is simple, a few tricks can elevate it to perfection:
- Prevent Sogginess: As mentioned, drain your ground beef well. Also, make sure your marinara sauce isn't too watery.
- Even Browning: Rotate your baking dish halfway through the uncovered baking time for uniformly golden biscuits and cheese. For extra crispiness, you can broil for 1-2 minutes at the very end, but watch it closely to prevent burning!
- Biscuit Variety: While buttermilk biscuits are great, feel free to experiment with flaky layer biscuits for a different texture.
- Flavor Boost: Stir in a tablespoon of fresh chopped basil or parsley just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor and color.
- Make it a Family Affair: This casserole is perfect for family dinners, much like our recipe for Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole for Family Dinners, which also simplifies dinner time without sacrificing flavor.
Delicious Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about Bubble Up Lasagna is its adaptability! Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Cheesy Bubble Up Pizza Casserole: Swap the ground beef for pepperoni and mushrooms, and add a sprinkle of sliced black olives. Use a pizza sauce base instead of marinara for a true pizza experience.
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning, or use hot Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
- Vegetarian Delight: Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles, sautéed mushrooms, or a mix of finely diced bell peppers and zucchini.
- Chicken & Spinach: Cook shredded chicken breast with garlic and a touch of cream cheese, then layer with marinara, spinach, and the biscuit dough.
- Extra Cheesy: Increase the mozzarella or add a layer of provolone for even more melty goodness. This dish truly embraces the cheesy goodness found in other recipes like Delicious Italian Drunken Noodles Recipes You Need to Try.
Pairings & Serving Suggestions
Complete your Bubble Up Lasagna meal with these complementary sides:
- Fresh Green Salad: A simple salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with extra bread to sop up the delicious sauce!
- Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or green beans tossed with olive oil and garlic make a healthy and delicious side.
- Beverages: A glass of red wine (like a Sangiovese or Chianti), a light beer, or sparkling water with a lemon wedge will complement the flavors beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Have leftovers? No problem! This casserole stores and reheats wonderfully:
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. You can also assemble the entire casserole in a foil pan, cover tightly, and freeze. Bake from frozen, covered, at 375 °F (190 °C) for 45–55 minutes, then uncover for 10 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Reheating (Oven): For best results, reheat in the oven at 350 °F (175 °C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Reheating (Microwave): Individual portions can be microwaved for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway, until warm.
FAQs
Can I prepare Bubble Up Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for meal prep on busy days!
What type of biscuit dough is best for Bubble Up Lasagna?
Refrigerated buttermilk biscuits, like Pillsburyu00ae Grands!, work wonderfully. They provide a reliable rise and a deliciously tender texture that bubbles up beautifully through the sauce and cheese.
How can I prevent my Bubble Up Lasagna from becoming soggy?
To prevent sogginess, ensure you thoroughly drain any excess fat from the cooked ground beef. Also, using a 9x13-inch baking dish allows for even moisture evaporation, and covering the dish loosely with foil for the initial bake helps control moisture.
Can I make vegetarian variations of this Bubble Up Lasagna?
Absolutely! Substitute plant-based crumbles for the ground beef. You can also add sautu00e9ed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to boost the veggie content and flavor, creating a delicious meatless version.
Quick One-Pan Cheesy Bubble Up Lasagna
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Standard
Description
An incredibly easy and satisfying one-pan lasagna featuring fluffy biscuit dough, rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese, perfect for a quick family dinner.
Ingredients
2 (10 oz/285 g) cans refrigerated buttermilk biscuits, quartered
1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups (480 mL) marinara sauce
1 cup (240 mL) ricotta cheese
2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and finely chopped onion until the beef is no longer pink, about 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat thoroughly.
Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the marinara sauce to the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove it from the heat.
Step 5: In a 9x13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the quartered biscuit pieces. Spoon half of the meat sauce over the biscuits. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese evenly, then sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Repeat the layers with the remaining biscuits, meat sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Step 7: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5–7 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Step 8: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauces to set and prevent burns.
Notes
For best results, ensure ground beef is well-drained to prevent a watery casserole. For an extra crispy top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully. Feel free to swap ground beef for Italian sausage for a zestier flavor!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Casserole
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8th casserole
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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