Lazy Biscuits & Gravy Breakfast Casserole

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Some mornings call for a big southern-style breakfast, but not the fuss. That’s exactly why I love this Lazy Biscuits & Gravy Breakfast Casserole. It gives you all the cozy, comforting flavors of classic biscuits and gravy—without having to make biscuits from scratch or stand over the stove whisking a roux. It’s hearty, warm, and ridiculously easy to throw together, even when you’re barely awake.

I first tried this method on a rushed weekend morning, and it was a hit with everyone at the table. Now, it’s become a go-to for holidays, potlucks, or any time I want that savory sausage gravy flavor baked into every fluffy bite. The biscuits bake right into the creamy sausage mixture, soaking up just enough gravy while staying golden on top. It’s comfort food at its finest.

Why You’ll Love This Lazy Biscuits & Gravy Breakfast Casserole

This casserole is perfect for when you want something indulgent, filling, and satisfying, but don’t want to spend your entire morning cooking. It’s a one-dish wonder that can feed a crowd or be sliced up for easy reheating throughout the week. Plus, it uses simple, accessible ingredients like canned biscuits and breakfast sausage—no fancy prep required.

Whether you need a quick weekend brunch idea or a reliable breakfast-for-dinner plan, this dish delivers every time.

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What Kind of Biscuits Should I Use?

I prefer using canned buttermilk biscuits for this recipe—they’re soft, fluffy, and bake beautifully over the sausage gravy. Look for the larger “Grands” style biscuits for extra height and texture. Just chop them into quarters so they bake evenly.

You could also use smaller biscuits or even biscuit dough scraps if you have homemade dough on hand, but the convenience of the canned variety is what makes this recipe so quick and effortless.

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Options for Substitutions

• Sausage: Use spicy breakfast sausage for a little kick, or substitute with turkey sausage for a leaner option. Even plant-based sausage crumbles work well.
• Biscuits: If you can’t find canned biscuits, you can substitute with frozen biscuit dough or even torn-up croissants for a buttery twist.
• Gravy: Prefer a different base? Try using a packaged country gravy mix in a pinch—just make sure to keep it thick enough so the biscuits don’t sink.
• Add-ins: Want to bulk it up? Add scrambled eggs, cheese, or sautéed peppers and onions between the gravy and biscuit layers.

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Ingredients for this Lazy Biscuits & Gravy Breakfast Casserole

• Canned Buttermilk Biscuits – These are the base of the casserole, creating fluffy, golden tops while soaking up the gravy underneath. I recommend the larger, flaky style biscuits.
• Breakfast Sausage – Provides the rich, savory flavor and classic taste of traditional sausage gravy. Use pork or turkey sausage, depending on your preference.
• All-Purpose Flour – Helps to thicken the gravy when combined with the sausage drippings. It creates a creamy base.
• Whole Milk – Adds the necessary creaminess and volume to your gravy. Whole milk yields the best results, but 2% works too.
• Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning the gravy. Black pepper adds a little kick, so don’t be shy with it.
• Optional: Garlic Powder, Crushed Red Pepper, or Thyme – Adds a layer of depth to the gravy if you want to go beyond the basic version.

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Step 1: Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Don’t drain all the fat—you’ll need some to make the gravy.

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Step 2: Make the Gravy

Sprinkle flour over the cooked sausage in the skillet. Stir well to coat the sausage in flour, letting it cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly. Keep stirring until the gravy thickens and bubbles gently. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add optional spices if desired.

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Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Pour the sausage gravy into the dish and spread it evenly across the bottom.

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Step 4: Cut and Layer the Biscuits

Open the can of biscuits and cut each one into quarters. Evenly place the biscuit pieces on top of the sausage gravy. They should cover most of the surface but leave small gaps for even baking.

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Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown and fully cooked through. If the tops brown too quickly, cover with foil halfway through baking.

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Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the gravy set and makes it easier to slice. Serve warm, and enjoy every creamy, savory bite.

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How Long to Prepare the Lazy Biscuits & Gravy Breakfast Casserole

Prep Time: You’ll need about 15 minutes to prep this dish. That includes cooking the sausage, making the gravy, and cutting the biscuits. Since everything comes together in one pan before baking, it’s a very efficient breakfast recipe.

Cook Time: The casserole bakes in the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. During this time, the biscuits rise and turn golden while the sausage gravy thickens further and melds into the biscuit layer. Add a few extra minutes if your oven runs cool or the biscuits aren’t browning evenly.

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Tips for Perfect Lazy Biscuits & Gravy Breakfast Casserole

• Make sure your gravy is thick before pouring it into the baking dish—runny gravy can make the biscuits soggy.
• Cut the biscuits into even pieces so they bake uniformly.
• Don’t overcrowd the top with biscuit pieces; a little space helps them cook through.
• If the tops are browning too fast, loosely tent the casserole with foil around the 20-minute mark.
• Let it rest after baking for clean slices and better texture.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the gravy thickening step: Thin gravy won’t hold up under the biscuits.
• Undercooking the sausage: Make sure it’s fully browned to build rich flavor and avoid sogginess.
• Not preheating the oven: Cold oven starts can ruin the rise of the biscuits.
• Using low-fat milk: It can result in a less creamy, more watery gravy.
• Overloading with add-ins: Too many extras can overwhelm the dish and change the cooking time.

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What to Serve With Lazy Biscuits & Gravy Breakfast Casserole?

1. Scrambled Eggs

A fluffy, protein-packed side that keeps things classic and filling.

2. Fresh Fruit Salad

Bright and refreshing, fruit helps balance out the richness of the casserole.

3. Crispy Hash Browns

Add a crunchy, golden side to complement the creamy texture of the casserole.

4. Sautéed Greens

Lightly cooked spinach or kale with garlic adds a savory, nutritious counterpoint.

5. Freshly Brewed Coffee or Orange Juice

A warm or cold drink to complete your breakfast spread and cut through the richness.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Let the casserole cool completely before covering and refrigerating. Store in an airtight container or cover the baking dish with foil or plastic wrap. It will keep well for up to 4 days.

Freezer: You can freeze individual portions wrapped in foil and stored in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave single portions for 1–2 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of milk over the top before reheating to restore moisture if needed.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: ~420 kcal
• Protein: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Sodium: 810mg
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of sausage works best?

Mild or hot breakfast sausage both work great. Choose based on your spice preference. Pork gives the richest flavor, but turkey or plant-based versions are great too.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble everything the night before and refrigerate it. Just bake it in the morning straight from the fridge, adding 5–10 extra minutes.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Use a larger baking dish or two 9×13 pans and double all ingredients. Perfect for brunch parties.

What if I don’t have canned biscuits?

You can use frozen biscuits or even make drop biscuits from scratch. Croissant dough also works in a pinch.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The biscuits should be golden on top and cooked through the center. You can insert a toothpick into the center of a biscuit piece to check for doneness.

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Conclusion

This Lazy Biscuits & Gravy Breakfast Casserole is the definition of comfort made easy. With minimal prep and big flavor, it’s a winning dish for any breakfast or brunch table. Whether you’re serving a hungry crowd or just need something cozy and hearty, this casserole hits all the right notes—flaky biscuits, rich gravy, and all-around goodness in every bite.

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