Easy Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe
If you’re craving a warm, cheesy, and satisfying meal, this Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler recipe is absolutely what you need. Combining tender ground beef with the iconic flavors of Cheddar Bay biscuit topping, this dish is simple to make yet packed with comforting richness and delicious layers of texture. Whether you’re cooking for a quick family dinner or impressing friends with something homey and indulgent, this Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler serves up hearty goodness that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort food classic: It brings together two beloved favorites—ground beef and cheesy biscuits—for a delightfully nostalgic dish.
- Quick and easy: Ready from start to finish in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute plans.
- Customizable: Easily adapt with different veggies or cheeses to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
- Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, making dinner time a breeze with minimal fuss.
- One-dish wonder: No separate side dishes required, this cobbler covers all the bases in a single pan.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward with pantry staples and fresh components, each adding its own punch of flavor and texture. The combination of ground beef, seasonings, and that famous Cheddar Bay biscuit topping creates a melody of savory and cheesy notes that’s simply irresistible.
- Ground beef: Use lean ground beef to keep the dish hearty yet not greasy.
- Onion and garlic: These aromatics build a flavorful base for your beef filling.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: Adds color, texture, and a veggie boost.
- Beef broth: Enhances the filling with rich, savory depth.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar packs bold cheesy goodness in both filling and topping.
- Puffy biscuit mix: The shortcut for your Cheddar Bay-style topping, delivering fluffy and buttery results.
- Butter and garlic powder: Essential for replicating that iconic Bay seasoning flavor.
- Milk: Keeps the biscuit dough moist and tender.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a bright contrast to the richness.
- Worcestershire sauce: A small dash adds umami depth to the beef filling.
Variations for Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler
This recipe is incredibly flexible, so feel free to switch up ingredients to match your preferences or dietary needs. Experimenting with these variations can make your Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler feel brand new every time you make it.
- Vegetarian swap: Use a plant-based ground beef alternative for a meatless casserole.
- Spicy kick: Add chili powder or diced jalapeños for some heat in the filling.
- Cheese variations: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend for different cheesy flavors.
- Fresh biscuits: Instead of biscuit mix, make your own biscuit dough for an even fresher topping.
- Extra veggies: Fold in mushrooms, bell peppers, or corn for more vibrant texture.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, crumbling it as it cooks. Once nearly done, add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant. Stir in the frozen mixed veggies and cook until they’re warmed through.
Step 2: Create the Savory Base
Pour in beef broth along with Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to marry the flavors and thicken slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Cobbler
Transfer the beef mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the top, creating a cheesy layer right under your biscuit topping.
Step 4: Make the Biscuit Topping
In a bowl, mix the biscuit baking mix with milk and melted butter, then fold in a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese and garlic powder. Drop spoonfuls of this dough across the beef layer to cover the surface in small mounds.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the cobbler in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden and cooked through. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler
- Use lean beef: Helps avoid excess grease that can make the cobbler soggy.
- Don’t overmix biscuit dough: Keeps your topping fluffy and tender rather than dense.
- Even biscuit spacing: Leave small gaps between biscuit dollops so heat circulates evenly during baking.
- Fresh cheese is key: Grate your own cheddar for best melt and flavor rather than pre-shredded cheese.
- Rest before serving: Let the cobbler sit for 10 minutes post-baking for easier slicing and better flavor melding.
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a burst of color and fresh flavor that beautifully contrasts the rich, cheesy topping.
Side Dishes
This hearty cobbler pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, steamed veggies, or even simple coleslaw to balance the richness with a refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in small cast iron skillets or ramekins to give it that cozy, rustic feel—perfect for impressing guests or feeding the family with style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling, cover any leftovers tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; leftovers reheat beautifully while maintaining their cheesy, comforting texture.
Freezing
This cobbler freezes well without losing flavor or texture. Assemble and bake it partially before freezing, then finish baking when ready to enjoy for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to preserve the biscuit topping’s crispy, golden texture rather than microwaving.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative and will still pair perfectly with the Cheddar Bay biscuit topping.
Is biscuit mix necessary for the topping?
You can substitute with homemade biscuit dough if you prefer, which gives you complete control over ingredients and flavor.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, feel free to mix in extra veggies like corn, mushrooms, or diced peppers to boost nutrition and texture.
How spicy is this recipe?
This dish is naturally mild but can be easily spiced up with additions like chili flakes or jalapeños according to your preference.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free biscuit mix and ensure any broth or Worcestershire sauce used is gluten-free for a safe and delicious version.
Final Thoughts
If you’re seeking a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner with minimal effort but maximum flavor, this Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. The perfect blend of savory beef, cheesy goodness, and fluffy biscuit topping will keep you coming back for more, making it a staple for every occasion. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate!
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PrintCheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler
Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler is a comforting and hearty one-dish meal combining savory lean ground beef, a flavorful vegetable medley, and a signature cheesy Cheddar Bay biscuit topping. Quick and easy to prepare, this casserole delivers nostalgic, cheesy goodness with a fluffy, golden biscuit crust perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
Biscuit Topping
- 2 cups puffy biscuit mix
- 2/3 cup milk
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Filling: Brown the lean ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. When nearly cooked through, add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant. Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook until warmed throughout.
- Create the Savory Base: Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the filling thicken slightly.
- Assemble the Cobbler: Transfer the beef mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top to create a rich, cheesy layer beneath the biscuit topping.
- Make the Biscuit Topping: In a bowl, combine the puffy biscuit mix with milk and melted butter. Fold in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and garlic powder until just incorporated. Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough across the beef mixture, spacing evenly to cover the surface with small mounds.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use lean beef to avoid excess grease and sogginess.
- Do not overmix the biscuit dough to keep topping fluffy and tender.
- Leave small gaps between biscuit dollops to allow even heat circulation during baking.
- Grate fresh cheddar cheese for best melting and flavor; avoid pre-shredded cheese.
- Allow the cobbler to rest for 10 minutes after baking for easier slicing and enhanced flavor melding.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: cheddar bay, ground beef cobbler, cheesy casserole, one-dish meal, family dinner, comfort food, biscuit topping