If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug, this Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe is exactly what you need. With its rich, savory ground beef filling enveloped under a golden, cheesy Biscuit topping inspired by those beloved Cheddar Bay Biscuits, every bite delivers layers of indulgent flavors and textures. This dish is not only satisfying and crowd-pleasing but also surprisingly straightforward to whip up, making it a perfect go-to for weeknight dinners or family gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. From the melted cheddar melting throughout the filling to the buttery biscuit topping, each element works together for one delicious result.
- 1.5 lbs lean ground beef: Provides a hearty and flavorful base for the filling without too much grease.
- 1 yellow onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when cooked with the beef.
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic: Infuses savory aroma and flavor.
- 10.5 oz can condensed cheddar cheese soup: Brings creamy cheddar richness instantly.
- 10.5 oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup: Adds smoothness and an earthy note.
- ½ cup milk: Balances the soups and keeps the filling silky.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all flavors without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and warmth.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Provides sharp, melty cheesiness both inside and on top.
- 1 box Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix: The star of the topping, lending that iconic flavor and flakiness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Folded into the biscuit batter for gooey pockets of cheese.
- 2 cups milk (for biscuit mix): Ensures the biscuit topping has a tender crumb.
- ¼ cup butter, melted: Mixed with seasoning to brush over the finished topping for brilliant flavor and shine.
- Fresh chopped parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous finish.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Brown Beef
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (177°C) so it’s nicely heated by the time you’re ready to bake. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the lean ground beef along with the diced yellow onion. Brown the beef thoroughly until no pink remains, stirring occasionally. Drain any excess grease to keep the filling from becoming too oily, but leave those delicious browned bits behind—they’re flavor gold.
Step 2: Make Filling
Once the beef and onions are cooked, stir in the chopped garlic and let it soften briefly to release its aroma. Then add the condensed cheddar cheese soup, cream of mushroom soup, and ½ cup milk. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook everything together until smooth and well combined. Take the pan off the heat and fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This creates a creamy, cheesy filling that’s utterly irresistible.
Step 3: Assemble in Baking Dish
Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and generously coat it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the beef mixture evenly into the dish and spread it out. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top to ramp up the cheesy goodness before the biscuit topping goes on.
Step 4: Make Biscuit Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix (omit the seasoning packet for now), 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 2 cups milk. Stir everything gently until the mixture forms a thick batter packed with cheesy flavor. This topping is what makes the cobbler shine, giving you that iconic Cheddar Bay Biscuit taste in every bite.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Carefully spoon the biscuit batter evenly over the beef mixture in your baking dish. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the biscuit topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and the filling bubbles around the edges, signaling a perfectly cooked cobbler.
Step 6: Make Butter Topping
While the cobbler is baking, melt ¼ cup of butter and mix it with the seasoning packet that came with your biscuit mix. This buttery, garlicky mixture is what takes the topping from delicious to downright heavenly at the end.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Once your cobbler is out of the oven, immediately brush the top with the melted butter and seasoning blend to soak in all that flavor and shine. Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes—it helps everything settle and makes it easier to serve. Finally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant burst of color that invites everyone to dig in.
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just pretty—it adds a light herbal brightness that perfectly contrasts the rich, cheesy filling. You can also try sprinkling a little extra sharp cheddar on top right before serving or adding a few thin slices of green onion for a mild zing.
Side Dishes
This cobbler is quite rich and filling, so simple green salads with tangy vinaigrettes are a perfect pairing to balance the creaminess. Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans add freshness and complement the heaviness nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, portion the cobbler into individual ramekins. This makes for an elegant presentation and lets everyone enjoy their own personal serving. You can also top with a dollop of sour cream or some hot sauce if you like a little extra kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your cobbler tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for up to 3 days—perfect for quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
This cobbler freezes wonderfully! After baking and cooling completely, wrap tightly with foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat portions in the microwave for a quick fix, or better yet, warm reheated cobbler in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through and the biscuit topping crisps back up to golden perfection.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of biscuit mix for this cobbler?
While the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix gives this recipe its unique flavor, you can experiment with other biscuit mixes, but the distinctive cheesy garlic taste might be less pronounced. Adding your own cheddar cheese to other mixes can help mimic the flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free biscuit mix and ensure your soups and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The dish will still be comforting and delicious, just be sure to check labels carefully.
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef?
Yes, lean ground turkey or chicken can be swapped in for the ground beef for a lighter option. Keep in mind the flavor will be milder, so you might want to add extra seasoning to boost the taste.
What other cheeses can I use besides cheddar?
Sharp white cheddar is ideal, but you can mix things up with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a bit of mozzarella for a different melt and flavor profile. Just keep the cheese quantities the same to maintain the right balance.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
You can brown the beef and prepare the filling a day ahead, then just assemble and bake when ready. The biscuit topping batter should be mixed fresh for best texture, but you can prep other components early to save time.
Final Thoughts
This Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe is pure comfort food magic, blending cheesy, savory, and buttery flavors into a dish that feels like a celebration with every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, it’s sure to become a beloved favorite. Give it a try, and prepare to watch everyone come back for seconds with happy smiles!
Print
Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler is a comforting, hearty dish featuring browned ground beef simmered in a creamy cheddar and mushroom soup sauce, topped with a cheesy biscuit batter baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy, satisfying casserole perfect for family dinners, combining savory flavors with a buttery biscuit crust reminiscent of restaurant-style Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
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
Butter Topping
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- Seasoning packet from biscuit mix
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Brown Beef: Preheat your 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 fully cooked and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Make Filling: To the browned beef and onion, stir in the chopped garlic, condensed cheddar cheese soup, condensed cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup of milk, salt, and black pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until all ingredients are well combined and heated through. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Pour the ground beef mixture evenly into the dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
- Make Biscuit Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix (discard the seasoning packet for now), 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 2 cups milk. Stir everything together until a uniform batter forms.
- Top and Bake: Pour the biscuit batter evenly over the ground 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 is baking, melt the ¼ cup of butter and mix it with the seasoning packet that came with the biscuit mix.
- Finish and Serve: Once the cobbler is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately brush the buttery seasoning mixture over the biscuit topping. Let the cobbler rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and make the dish less oily.
- Be sure to drain the beef after browning to avoid a greasy filling.
- The biscuit mix seasoning packet adds signature flavor when mixed with melted butter for brushing on top.
- Letting the cobbler rest before serving helps the filling set for easier slicing.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds color and a hint of freshness to the rich dish.
