Forget complex layering and endless dishes! This Bubble Up Lasagna recipe takes the classic Italian comfort food and transforms it into an incredibly easy, quick, and satisfying one-pan meal using simple pantry staples like refrigerated biscuits, rich pasta sauce, savory Italian sausage, and a generous blanket of melted cheese. Ready in just about 30-40 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights and a guaranteed family favorite that even picky eaters will adore.

Bubble Up Lasagna: The Ultimate Easy Weeknight Meal

If you’re searching for a hearty, comforting dinner that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen, look no further than our Bubble Up Lasagna. Inspired by the viral “Bubble Up Pizza” concept, this dish earns its name from the clever use of refrigerated biscuit dough. As the casserole bakes, the biscuits puff up and create a delightful, light, and fluffy texture, bubbling through the layers of robust meat sauce and gooey cheese. It’s a brilliant shortcut to traditional lasagna, delivering all the flavor with none of the fuss, making it an instant hit for any family meal. Imagine rich, savory Italian flavors married with the comforting softness of homemade biscuits—this dish is truly a revelation in simplicity and taste.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Bubble Up Lasagna Recipe

This isn’t just another casserole; it’s a culinary game-changer for anyone who loves hearty, Italian-inspired food but lacks the time for a traditional lasagna. Here’s why this Bubble Up Lasagna will quickly become a cherished recipe in your household:

• Effortless Preparation: Say goodbye to the time-consuming steps of boiling pasta noodles, carefully layering each component, and managing multiple dishes. This recipe streamlines the lasagna process, making it accessible for even novice cooks and a joy for experienced home chefs looking for a break.
• Quick & Convenient: From start to finish, you can have a delicious, home-cooked meal on the table in about 30-40 minutes. This speed makes it absolutely perfect for those frantic weeknights when time is precious, but you still crave something comforting and homemade.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: The comforting, familiar flavors of classic lasagna, combined with the fun, fluffy texture of the “bubbled up” biscuits, make this a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s an excellent, approachable way to introduce classic Italian-American flavors to children, and even the pickiest eaters will find something to love and ask for seconds.
• Incredibly Customizable: The base recipe is fantastic, but it’s also incredibly forgiving and adaptable. Easily switch out meats, experiment with different types of cheeses, or incorporate your favorite vegetables. This flexibility means you can tailor it to your family’s unique preferences or whatever ingredients you happen to have on hand, leading to endless delicious variations.
• Minimal Cleanup: While you’ll need a skillet for browning the meat and a single baking dish for the casserole, the overall assembly and baking process are incredibly straightforward. This significantly minimizes cleanup compared to the extensive pot-and-pan collection often associated with traditional lasagna, giving you more time to enjoy your meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bubble Up Lasagna

Essential Ingredients for Your Easy Bubble Up Lasagna

This recipe calls for a handful of accessible, everyday ingredients that come together to create a symphony of comforting Italian flavors. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips for selection and substitutions:

• Italian Sausage: We highly recommend using a quality Italian sausage for its robust flavor profile and aromatic spices, which truly elevate the entire dish. You can choose mild Italian sausage for a classic taste, or opt for hot Italian sausage if you prefer a bit of a kick. As mentioned, lean ground beef, ground turkey, or a combination of meats also work wonderfully.
• Spaghetti Sauce (Marinara): A good quality jarred spaghetti sauce is your secret weapon for speed and convenience here. Brands like Rao’s marinara or a roasted garlic flavored sauce can add incredible depth and gourmet taste without any extra effort. However, any marinara or classic spaghetti sauce that your family regularly enjoys will be perfectly suitable. For those who love to cook from scratch and have a little extra time, a homemade marinara sauce will undoubtedly make this dish even more special and flavorful.
• Ricotta Cheese: This creamy, slightly sweet, and mild cheese is absolutely essential for that signature lasagna texture and moisture. Its delicate flavor balances the savory elements perfectly. If ricotta isn’t readily available in your area or you prefer a different texture, small-curd cottage cheese can be used as a substitute. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid from the cottage cheese before mixing to prevent your casserole from becoming too watery.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or pre-grated for convenience) offers a sharper, saltier, and nutty kick that beautifully complements the other flavors in the dish. It adds a crucial layer of umami. If you have it on hand, grated Romano cheese can also be used for a more pungent, slightly saltier, and more assertive cheesy profile.
• Canned Biscuit Dough: The ingenious star of the “bubble up” effect! We typically use classic Buttermilk Homestyle biscuits for their familiar flavor and fluffy texture as they bake. Flaky layers or other varieties of refrigerated biscuit dough will also work, each offering a slightly different texture to the finished dish. The standard 12-ounce can (often Pillsbury Grands! Jr.) is ideal, but if you can’t find it, two 6-ounce cans will easily do the trick.
• Mozzarella Cheese: The quintessential lasagna cheese, providing that irresistible gooey, stretchy melt and a beautiful golden-brown crust. For best results, consider freshly shredding your mozzarella, as it often melts more smoothly and avoids the anti-caking agents found in some pre-shredded varieties. However, store-bought pre-shredded mozzarella is perfectly convenient and will still deliver delicious results.
• Optional: Parsley Flakes: A small sprinkle of dried parsley flakes over the top before baking adds a lovely pop of vibrant green color, making the dish visually appealing and inviting. While it doesn’t significantly alter the flavor profile, it contributes a fresh aesthetic touch. If you don’t have it, don’t worry, it’s completely optional!

Step-by-Step: How to Make Irresistible Bubble Up Lasagna

Making this Bubble Up Lasagna is incredibly simple and straightforward. Follow these easy, detailed steps to create a show-stopping and comforting dinner that your entire family will rave about:

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish & Preheat Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to a precise 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking as soon as your casserole is ready. Next, lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. A non-stick spray is crucial here to prevent the biscuits and cheese from sticking, ensuring easy serving and minimizing cleanup later. Once prepared, set the dish aside while you assemble the delicious layers.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Biscuit Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of your chosen high-quality spaghetti sauce with the creamy ricotta cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir these ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and smooth, creating a rich and savory base. Now, open your can of refrigerated biscuit dough and carefully cut each biscuit into eight equal, bite-sized pieces. For those who prefer larger, more prominent biscuit pieces in their final dish, you can opt to cut them into quarters instead. Remember, these biscuits will puff up considerably during baking, so smaller pieces ensure a more even distribution and a delightful texture throughout the casserole. Add all the cut biscuit pieces to the cheese and sauce mixture, stirring gently but thoroughly until every biscuit piece is evenly coated. Finally, spread this entire mixture evenly into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, forming the bottom layer of your lasagna.

Step 3: Prepare the Savory Meat Sauce

In a large skillet placed over medium-high heat, cook your Italian sausage (or ground beef if preferred). As it cooks, make sure to vigorously break it up into small, even crumbles with a spoon or spatula until no pink remains and it is thoroughly browned and cooked through. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet. This is an important step to prevent your lasagna from becoming oily or heavy. Turn off the heat, then pour in the remaining spaghetti sauce and stir it well with the cooked sausage, ensuring the meat is fully coated in the rich, flavorful sauce. This creates the hearty and aromatic meat layer for your casserole.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers and Bake to Perfection

Carefully spread the prepared meat mixture evenly over the biscuit layer in your baking dish, creating a robust middle layer. Next, generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire top surface of the casserole. This will melt down to form a luscious, gooey, and irresistible golden-brown cheese crust during baking. For an optional but beautiful touch of color and freshness, sprinkle a bit of dried parsley flakes over the mozzarella – this step is entirely aesthetic and won’t significantly alter the flavor, but it adds a lovely visual appeal. Place the uncovered baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. The lasagna is ready when the biscuits are completely cooked through and boast a beautiful golden-brown color, and the cheese is bubbly, melted, and slightly browned around the edges. In most ovens, this will typically be closer to the 30-minute mark, but keep an eye on it as oven temperatures can vary.

Once baked to perfection, remove the Bubble Up Lasagna from the oven. Allow it to cool for a few minutes (about 5-10 minutes) before serving. This brief resting period helps the layers set and makes it much easier to scoop out clean, delicious portions. Enjoy your incredibly easy, comforting, and homemade lasagna that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen!

Expert Tips for the Perfect Bubble Up Lasagna

Achieving the best Bubble Up Lasagna is simple with a few helpful pointers:

• Avoid Overmixing the Biscuits: When you combine the cut biscuit pieces with the sauce and cheese mixture, mix just enough to coat them evenly. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the biscuits too much, leading to a tougher texture in the final dish.
• Drain Meat Thoroughly: After cooking your Italian sausage or ground beef, it’s crucial to drain any excess grease completely. Too much grease can make the final casserole oily and heavy, detracting from the overall deliciousness.
• Ensure Even Biscuit Distribution: Try your best to spread the biscuit mixture as evenly as possible across the bottom of the baking dish. This ensures that every single bite you take will get a delightful piece of that fluffy, savory biscuit goodness.
• Monitor for Doneness: The biscuits are the key indicator of when your lasagna is ready. They should be beautifully golden brown on top and thoroughly cooked through. If you notice the top browning too quickly before the biscuits are fully cooked, you can loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil for the last few minutes of baking.
• Allow to Rest Before Serving: It might be tempting to dig in immediately, but allowing the lasagna to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven is a vital step. This brief resting period allows the cheese and sauce to set, making it much easier to serve clean, intact portions without everything falling apart.

Creative Variations and Customizations

One of the greatest joys of this Bubble Up Lasagna recipe is how easily you can customize it to fit your taste buds or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

• Amp Up the Cheese: For an even richer cheesy twist, consider adding a layer of provolone cheese, smoked gouda, or creamy fontina cheese along with the mozzarella. A sprinkle of sharp cheddar can also introduce a unique, tangy flavor profile.
• Boost with Vegetables: Incorporate finely chopped vegetables for added nutrition, texture, and flavor. Well-drained cooked spinach, sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, shredded zucchini, or even finely chopped onions can be folded into the meat sauce or layered with the biscuit mixture.
• Bring on the Heat: If your family loves a spicy kick, add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes to your meat sauce while it cooks, or choose a hot Italian sausage for a more pronounced heat.
• Herbaceous Enhancements: Fresh herbs can brighten the flavors immensely. Stir in freshly chopped basil or oregano into the sauce, or sprinkle them on top before baking for a burst of fresh aroma and taste.
• Explore Different Sauces: While classic marinara is delicious, don’t limit yourself! Try an arrabbiata sauce for an inherent spicy kick, a roasted vegetable sauce for a deeper, earthier flavor, or even a creamy rosé sauce for a different profile.

Delightful Serving Suggestions for Your Lasagna

This Bubble Up Lasagna is undoubtedly a hearty, complete meal on its own, packed with satisfying flavors and textures. However, a few simple and complementary sides can perfectly balance its richness and elevate your dining experience. A light, crisp green salad, dressed with a zesty vinaigrette, provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory casserole. For an added boost of nutrients and color, consider serving steamed or roasted vegetables such as tender broccoli florets, vibrant green beans, or slender asparagus spears. And for those who simply can’t get enough cheesy goodness or a little extra carb comfort, a side of warm, crusty garlic bread or a slice of artisanal Italian bread is always a welcome addition, perfect for soaking up any lingering, delectable sauce.

Storage and Reheating Leftovers for Maximum Enjoyment

One of the best things about this Bubble Up Lasagna is how well it keeps, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen. To store leftovers, first, allow the casserole to cool completely to room temperature. This is crucial to prevent condensation buildup, which can make your leftovers soggy. Once cooled, transfer any remaining Bubble Up Lasagna to an airtight container, or if keeping it in the original baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Stored properly, it will stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

For longer-term storage, this lasagna freezes beautifully! You can freeze individual portions, which makes for convenient future meals, or freeze the entire casserole if you manage to have a large amount left (a rare occurrence!). To freeze, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil, or place them in freezer-safe containers. It will maintain its quality in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, it’s best to thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator. To reheat, cover the thawed lasagna with foil and warm it in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until it is thoroughly heated through. Alternatively, for individual slices, you can microwave them, covering lightly with a paper towel or microwave-safe lid to help retain moisture and ensure even heating.

More Family-Favorite Bubble Up and Lasagna Recipes to Try

• Cheeseburger Bubble Up
• Bubble Up Pizza
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Bubble Up
• Chicken Pot Pie Bubble Up
• Sloppy Joe Bubble Up
• Taco Bubble Up
• Apple Pie Bubble Up
• Peach Dumpling Bubble Up
• Blueberry Bubble Up
• Cinnamon Roll Bubble Up
• Blackberry Bubble Up
• Pecan Pie Bubble Up
• Cherry Pie Bubble Up
• Homemade Baked Lasagna
• Skillet Lasagna
• Lasagna Soup
• Crock Pot White Lasagna Soup

Bubble Up Lasagna Recipe Card

Get ready to whip up this incredibly easy and delicious Bubble Up Lasagna, perfect for a quick and satisfying family dinner!

Bubble Up Lasagna

This Bubble Up Lasagna recipe uses convenient refrigerated biscuits, rich pasta sauce, savory Italian sausage, and generous layers of gooey melted cheese to create the easiest and most satisfying 30-minute meal that the whole family will absolutely love!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings: 8 servings

Author: Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage (or ground beef)
• 24 ounce jar spaghetti sauce (divided use)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 12 ounce can refrigerated Pillsbury Grands Jr. Biscuits (or two 6-ounce cans)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella Cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cut biscuits into eighths (or quarters for larger pieces).
3. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of spaghetti sauce, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined.
4. Add the cut-up biscuits to the cheese and sauce mixture and stir gently until all biscuit pieces are evenly coated. Spread this mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. In a large skillet, cook Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks, until browned and thoroughly cooked. Drain any excess grease. Return the drained sausage to the pan.
6. Pour in the remainder of the spaghetti sauce with the cooked sausage and stir well to combine.
7. Spread the prepared meat mixture evenly on top of the biscuit layer in the baking dish.
8. Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Optionally, sprinkle with dried parsley flakes for a touch of color.
9. Bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are cooked through and golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly and melted. (Cooking time may vary slightly by oven, often closer to 30 minutes).
10. Let the lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Video Tutorial

Notes

• For more detailed information on substitutions, variations, and common questions, please refer to the “Frequently Asked Questions” and “Essential Ingredients” sections above.
• This comforting casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and your favorite steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Nutrition Facts (Estimated Per Serving)

• Calories: 536kcal
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Protein: 23g
• Fat: 36g
• Sodium: 1557mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 5g

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a certified dietician or nutritionist. All nutritional information shared is an estimate provided for convenience. If calorie count and specific nutritional values are critical for your dietary needs, we recommend independently calculating the values using your preferred online nutritional calculator and the specific brands of ingredients you use, as values can vary significantly.

Originally published: September 2013
Updated photos & republished: February 2024