If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that combines the rich, savory flavor of seasoned ground beef with the irresistible cheesy, buttery goodness of biscuits, then this Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe is about to become your new weeknight favorite. Featuring a luscious beef filling spiced just right and topped with fluffy cheddar bay biscuits, this dish offers the perfect balance of textures and flavors that will warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re cooking for your family or guests, this cobbler is sure to impress and satisfy in every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and delightful texture. From the savory ground beef base to the sharp cheddar cheese in the biscuit topping, every component works together to create a mouthwatering dish that’s easier to prepare than you might expect.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the hearty, savory backbone of the cobbler’s filling.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a subtle punch of aroma and complexity.
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes: Brings juiciness and a slight tang that balances the richness.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Delivers a savory umami boost that ties everything together.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a fragrant, herbaceous note for warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Lends mild smokiness and color to the filling.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate all the other flavors.
- 1 box cheddar bay biscuit mix (such as Bisquick): The magic ingredient that creates the soft, cheesy biscuit topping.
- 1/2 cup milk: Moistens the biscuit mix, giving the topping a tender crumb.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sprinkled on top for that irresistible cheesy crust.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. This simple prep will make the assembly much easier and ensures your cobbler bakes evenly with a golden crust.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink, which usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Once it’s browned, drain any excess fat so your filling isn’t greasy, creating a more balanced flavor and texture.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef, cooking them for about 3 minutes until they soften and release their sweet, aromatic flavors. This step layers delicious savoriness right into the foundation of your filling.
Step 4: Add the Flavorful Mix-ins
Stir in the diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, paprika, as well as salt and pepper. Let this simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors together beautifully. Then transfer the rich beef mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping
In a separate bowl, prepare the cheddar bay biscuit mix according to the package directions using the milk. This will form a soft, slightly sticky dough that transforms into the signature biscuit topping once baked.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Spoon the biscuit dough evenly over the savory beef filling, gently spreading it to cover the entire surface. Next, generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top for that melty, golden crust everyone loves. Bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the biscuits are beautifully golden and fully cooked through.
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh, vibrant touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top of the cobbler just before serving. These bright herbs contrast wonderfully with the rich, cheesy topping and make every bite pop visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This cobbler shines as a hearty main, but you can elevate the meal further by pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies. A simple tossed salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance to the richness, while roasted green beans or asparagus add satisfying texture and color.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or oven-safe bowls to make the meal feel extra special—perfect for dinner parties or cozy family dinners. Another idea is to layer dollops of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce on top to customize each serving according to taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be hard to believe!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cobbler should stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy a comforting meal anytime without the hassle of cooking from scratch.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Just wrap the baked cobbler tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When thawed, it’s a fantastic ready-made meal waiting to be reheated on busy days.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, pop individual portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through and the biscuit topping regains a little of its original crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the cheese topping delightful and not soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is classic for this cobbler, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter version. Just adjust the seasoning to taste since these meats are milder.
Is it possible to make the biscuit topping from scratch instead of using a mix?
Definitely! A homemade cheddar bay biscuit dough with your favorite biscuit recipe plus sharp cheddar and garlic powder would work fantastic. The mix just simplifies the process and guarantees great results every time.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use a gluten-free biscuit mix as your topping and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free, this cobbler can fit into a gluten-free diet. It’s a delicious way to enjoy this comfort food without compromise.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe has a mild warmth from the paprika and seasonings but is not spicy. You can easily add chili flakes or cayenne pepper for extra kick if you prefer.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?
For sure! Simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger casserole dish, adjusting the baking time as needed until the biscuit topping is golden and the filling is bubbly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about the Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe that makes it perfect for any night you want to feel cozy and satisfied. Its wonderful mix of flavors and textures make it a standout dish that’s sure to become part of your regular dinner rotation. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and give this scrumptious cobbler a try—you won’t regret it!
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Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler is a comforting, savory casserole featuring seasoned ground beef topped with cheesy, fluffy cheddar bay biscuits. This one-dish meal combines robust flavors like Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and paprika with a rich biscuit topping for a crowd-pleasing family dinner that’s ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Biscuit Topping
- 1 box cheddar bay biscuit mix (such as Bisquick)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cook ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the browned beef in the skillet, cooking for about 3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Add seasonings and simmer: Stir in the diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes so the flavors meld. Then transfer this beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare biscuit dough: In a separate bowl, prepare the cheddar bay biscuit mix according to the package instructions using the 1/2 cup of milk to make a soft dough.
- Top beef with biscuit dough and cheese: Spoon the biscuit dough over the beef mixture in the baking dish, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the biscuit dough.
- Bake to finish: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from oven and let it sit briefly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use homemade cheddar bay biscuit dough if you prefer to avoid boxed mixes.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a spicier kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the beef mixture.
