If you are craving a comforting, homey dish that brings the best of cheesy goodness and hearty flavors together, this Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Combining tender ground beef simmered with aromatic herbs and tangy tomatoes, then topped with fluffy cheddar bay biscuits and melty cheddar cheese, every bite feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s straightforward to make yet incredibly satisfying, perfect for a family dinner or when you want to impress guests without stressing out in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, everyday ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the rich, savory ground beef to the flavorful cheddar bay biscuit topping, every element lends something special to this cobbler.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The hearty, meaty base that carries all the flavors beautifully.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses a subtle, aromatic kick essential for rich taste.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 10 oz): Provides moisture and tangy brightness to balance the beef.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Deepens umami notes for a savory boost.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Delivers earthy and slightly minty undertones that marry well with beef.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a mild smoky flavor and vibrant color.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to bring all flavors into harmony.
- Cheddar bay biscuit mix (1 box): The secret to those fluffy, buttery biscuits packed with cheesy, garlicky goodness.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Moistens the biscuit mix to create the perfect dough consistency.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Sprinkled on top for that irresistible golden melt and sharp tang.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish. This step ensures your cobbler cooks evenly and doesn’t stick, making every serving easy to scoop out later.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s beautifully browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Browning adds rich flavor and texture, so take your time here. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cooking these for about 3 minutes until softened releases their sweetness and creates a savory foundation for the cobbler filling.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in the diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors meld, then transfer it evenly into your prepared baking dish.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Dough
In a separate bowl, follow the instructions on your cheddar bay biscuit mix box, adding milk to make a soft dough. This cheesy, garlicky topping will add the signature fluffy texture you’re aiming for.
Step 6: Assemble the Cobbler
Spoon the biscuit dough over the beef mixture and gently spread it to cover the entire surface. Be generous with your spreading — this layer is where the magic happens! Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top for that irresistible golden crust.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop your cobbler into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the biscuit topping is golden brown and cooked through. As it bakes, the cheese melts and the biscuits rise, creating an inviting aroma that’s hard to resist.
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top add a pop of color and a bit of brightness that complements the rich, cheesy layers of the cobbler beautifully.
Side Dishes
This cobbler pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed green beans, a crisp garden salad, or creamy mashed potatoes that soak up any extra juices. The contrast of fresh veggies balances out the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the cobbler in individual ramekins for personalized portions. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce to add an unexpected kick that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your meal, transfer any leftover cobbler to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to three days, making a delicious lunch or dinner option for the next few days.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to prep in advance. Freeze in a freezer-safe container without baking the biscuit topping, then bake directly from frozen by adding extra baking time, or freeze fully baked cobbler and reheat gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15 minutes. This method keeps the biscuit topping crispier compared to microwaving, preserving that fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative and will still taste fantastic with the cheddar bay biscuit topping. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and season well.
Is the cheddar bay biscuit mix the same as Bisquick?
Cheddar bay biscuit mix is similar to Bisquick but includes cheddar cheese and seasonings like garlic and herbs that traditionally flavor cheddar bay biscuits. Using Bisquick alone would need extra seasoning to mimic the authentic taste.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
You can try a gluten-free biscuit mix in place of the cheddar bay biscuit mix and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free. The texture might vary a bit, but it will still be delicious.
How can I make the biscuit topping fluffier?
Make sure not to overmix the biscuit dough—stir just until combined. Also, avoid pressing the dough down too much when spreading over the beef; gentle spreading helps it rise beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing and reheating?
Yes, this Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe freezes very well. Freeze before or after baking, but reheating from frozen baked cobbler takes a bit longer—just be patient and enjoy a near-fresh taste later!
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the comfort of a warm, cheesy, and satisfying dinner like this Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles, filled with all the hearty flavors that feel like home. Give this recipe a try soon—you might just find it becoming your go-to cozy meal!
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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, hearty casserole combining savory ground beef simmered with tomatoes, herbs, and spices, topped with a cheesy cheddar bay biscuit crust. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner and delivers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures baked to golden perfection.
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 oven and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef, cooking for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add seasonings and simmer: Stir in diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors, then transfer it evenly to the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare biscuit topping: In a separate bowl, prepare the cheddar bay biscuit mix according to package instructions, using the 1/2 cup milk to form the dough.
- Assemble the cobbler: Spoon the biscuit dough evenly over the beef mixture in the baking dish. Then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the biscuit layer.
- Bake to finish: Place the assembled cobbler in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the biscuit topping is golden brown and fully cooked through.
Notes
- You can substitute the cheddar bay biscuit mix with homemade biscuit dough if preferred.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Serving this dish with a simple green salad complements the richness of the cobbler.
- Ensure the beef is well-drained after browning to prevent soggy topping.
