If you are craving a cozy, unforgettable comfort food that brings together rich flavors and a golden, cheesy crust, the Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe is a must-try. This dish takes the classic warmth of a hearty ground beef casserole and elevates it with the moist, cheesy goodness inspired by those famous Cheddar Bay biscuits, creating layers of flavor and texture that will have everyone asking for seconds. Each bite bursts with savory beef, creamy cheddar, and a fluffy biscuit topping that’s perfectly buttery and irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe means gathering simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the lean ground beef that offers hearty protein and savory flavor, to the cheddar cheese soups that add creaminess and depth. The Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix and extra shredded cheddar cheese ensure your topping is indulgently cheesy and golden brown, making every spoonful a delight.
- 1.5 lbs lean ground beef: The base of your filling, providing rich meaty flavor without excess fat.
- 1 yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and texture that balance the savory beef perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic: Infuses the filling with fragrant, aromatic warmth.
- 10.5 oz can condensed cheddar cheese soup: Brings creamy, cheesy richness that binds the flavors.
- 10.5 oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup: Adds savory, umami depth and smooth texture.
- ½ cup milk: Loosens the mixture for a luscious filling and keeps the biscuit batter moist.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the vibrant flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick to balance richness.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Provides layers of gooey, melt-in-your-mouth cheese throughout.
- 1 box Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix: The star ingredient for that signature biscuit topping with cheesy undertones.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for biscuit mix): Adds extra sharpness and texture to the biscuit crust.
- 2 cups milk (for biscuit mix): Creates a smooth, fluffy biscuit batter.
- ¼ cup butter, melted: For brushing the top, sealing in moisture and infusing richness.
- Fresh chopped parsley: A bright garnish that adds freshness and color.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add your lean ground beef and diced yellow onion. Cook them together until the beef is nicely browned and the onions have softened, making sure to drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming oily. This step builds a flavorful foundation for the filling.
Step 2: Stir in Soups and Seasonings
Once your beef and onions are ready, stir in the chopped garlic along with the condensed cheddar cheese soup and cream of mushroom soup. Add the milk, salt, and black pepper, then cook everything together until fully combined and heated through. This mixture should be thick and creamy, providing a rich sauce that ties all elements of the cobbler together.
Step 3: Add Cheese to the Filling
Remove the skillet from heat and fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and evenly distributed. This step amps up the cheesiness of the filling layer, creating gooey pockets that make every bite luscious.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the hearty ground beef mixture into the dish and spread it out in an even layer. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top to prepare for the biscuit topping.
Step 5: Make the Biscuit Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix (without the seasoning packet), 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 2 cups of milk. Stir this mixture well until you have a thick, spoonable batter that will become the golden crust for your cobbler.
Step 6: Bake the Cobbler
Pour the biscuit batter evenly over the beef and cheese filling in the baking dish. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping has turned a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the biscuit topping comes out clean.
Step 7: Add the Finishing Touch
While the cobbler bakes, melt your butter and mix it with the seasoning packet from the biscuit mix. When the cobbler comes out of the oven, brush the top generously with this buttery seasoning mixture. Let your creation rest for about 5 minutes to settle, then sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving. This finishing step adds a shiny, flavorful finish that makes the dish irresistible.
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of green and a hint of freshness that balances the rich flavors in the cobbler. You could also sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or a few finely sliced green onions to add a little color and an extra layer of savory taste.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, serve with a crisp green salad dressed with tangy vinaigrette or some steamed green beans lightly tossed with lemon and garlic. These lighter, fresh sides complement the rich and cheesy cobbler perfectly without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe by serving individual portions in small oven-safe ramekins—you get a personal, lovely presentation that’s great for dinner parties. Alternatively, plate each serving with a drizzle of a tangy barbecue sauce or a sprinkle of pickled jalapeños to add a little zing and contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cobbler stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled preserves the freshness of the beef mixture and the biscuit topping’s texture, making it perfect for next-day meals or snacks.
Freezing
This dish also freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the cobbler in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through, which revives the crust’s crispiness without drying out the beef mixture. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the texture perfect, but it will work in a pinch if you’re short on time.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a lighter alternative to beef. Keep in mind that turkey and chicken are leaner, so you might want to add a little extra seasoning or a splash of broth to keep the filling moist and flavorful.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
You can make a gluten-free version by substituting the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix with a gluten-free biscuit or biscuit-style topping mix. Just ensure the seasoning packet or any soups used are also gluten-free.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, you can cook the ground beef mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply prepare your biscuit topping and assemble the cobbler as directed.
What can I use instead of the condensed soups?
If you prefer to avoid canned soups, you can make your own creamy base using a roux of butter, flour, and milk, then stir in shredded cheddar cheese and sautéed mushrooms to mimic the flavor and texture of the condensed soups.
How do I get the biscuit topping extra fluffy?
Be sure not to overmix your biscuit batter and use cold milk for the mix. Gently folding the ingredients together will help create light, fluffy biscuits that beautifully crown your cobbler.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about the Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe that makes it a go-to comfort meal year-round. It’s hearty but has layers of cheesy goodness and buttery biscuit topping that feel like a warm hug from the inside. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or treating yourself, this dish promises to bring smiles all around the table. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite recipe to make on cozy nights!
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Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler is a comforting, cheesy casserole combining savory ground beef in a creamy cheddar mushroom sauce topped with a cheesy biscuit crust inspired by Cheddar Bay Biscuits. This hearty dish bakes to golden perfection, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 10.5 oz can condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 10.5 oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Biscuit Topping
- 1 box Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix (seasoning packet reserved)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
Finishing Butter
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- Seasoning packet from biscuit mix
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Brown Beef: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the lean ground beef along with the diced yellow onion until the beef is cooked through and the onions are soft. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Mix in Flavors: Stir in the chopped garlic, condensed cheddar cheese soup, condensed cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup milk, salt, and black pepper into the beef mixture. Cook and stir until all ingredients are well combined and heated through. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Assemble the Base Layer: Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Pour the beef and cheese mixture evenly into the dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the beef mixture.
- Prepare Biscuit Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix (omit the seasoning packet), 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 2 cups milk. Stir until the biscuit batter is well combined.
- Top and Bake: Pour the prepared biscuit batter evenly over the beef and cheese layer in the baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Butter Topping: While the cobbler bakes, melt ¼ cup of butter and stir in the seasoning packet from the biscuit mix until combined to create the butter seasoning mixture.
- Finishing Touches: Remove the cobbler from the oven and immediately brush the top of the biscuit crust generously with the melted butter seasoning mixture. Let the cobbler rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for added color and flavor.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease in the dish.
- Do not include the seasoning packet in the biscuit batter to avoid overly salty or overpowering flavor; it’s reserved for the butter topping.
- Allow the cobbler to rest after baking for easier slicing and to let flavors meld.
- Fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness and color, but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
