Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that combines the cozy comfort of a savory casserole with the magic of cheesy, golden biscuits, this Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine a hearty base of seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and colorful vegetables, all bubbling beneath a blanket of fluffy, garlicky cheddar biscuits reminiscent of your favorite restaurant treat. Every bite is packed with flavor and warmth, making it the ultimate family meal or comforting weeknight dinner. The best part? It’s easy enough for busy evenings, yet impressive enough for sharing with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe brings its own magic, from the rich, savory notes of ground beef to the irresistible cheddar-studded biscuit topping. You won’t need anything fancy, but every item here plays a key role in building bold flavors, satisfying textures, and that signature golden finish.
- Ground beef: The heart of the cobbler, providing savory flavor and satisfying protein.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens and mingles with the beef.
- Garlic: Brings a punch of aromatic flavor that’s classic in any comfort dish.
- Worcestershire sauce: Gives a subtle tang and umami boost that elevates the filling.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer, so don’t skip them!
- Italian seasoning: Lends herby warmth and complexity to the beef mixture.
- Canned diced tomatoes: Add juiciness and a pop of acidity, balancing the richness.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: Offer color, sweetness, and a tender bite with zero prep.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the beef filling and shines in the biscuit topping for double the cheesy goodness.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base for tender, fluffy biscuits.
- Baking powder: Guarantees lift and lightness in every bite of biscuit.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the biscuit topping with irresistible garlicky flavor.
- Cold unsalted butter: Creates those signature flaky layers in the biscuits—just be sure it’s cold!
- Milk: Brings moisture and binds the biscuit dough together.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet set over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together. Stir occasionally, breaking up the meat, until the beef is browned and the onion turns soft and fragrant—this usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess grease to keep the filling flavorful but not greasy.
Step 2: Build the Savory Filling
Add the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning straight into the skillet. Give everything a good stir so the seasonings envelop every bite. Next, fold in the drained diced tomatoes and frozen mixed vegetables, then let the mixture cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and ensures the veggies are heated through.
Step 3: Add the Cheddar and Transfer
Sprinkle in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts into the beef and veggie mixture, creating a rich, creamy base. Transfer this savory filling to a greased 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar oven-safe dish, spreading it out evenly so every scoop will be loaded with flavor.
Step 4: Mix Up the Biscuit Topping
For the signature Cheddar Bay twist, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Cut in the cold, cubed butter with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture looks like coarse, buttery crumbs. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, then gently add the milk, mixing just until everything comes together into a soft, shaggy dough. Don’t overwork it—you want those biscuits to stay light and tender!
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Drop large spoonfuls of the biscuit dough over the beef mixture, spreading them slightly but leaving some gaps for steam to escape. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the biscuit topping is golden brown and cooked through. Let the cobbler cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving, giving the flavors time to settle and the filling to thicken.
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe
Garnishes
The crowning glory of this cobbler is a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives, which add a burst of color and a hint of freshness. For an extra-cheesy touch, grate a little more cheddar over the top while it’s still warm so it melts right in. A light dusting of black pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika can also make each serving pop.
Side Dishes
This Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe is a complete meal on its own, but a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some simple roasted broccoli or asparagus makes a perfect pairing. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or a bowl of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, bake the cobbler in individual ramekins for personalized servings—ideal for dinner parties or casual get-togethers. You can also scoop the piping hot cobbler into shallow bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra zest. If you’re hosting, try serving it family-style in a big, rustic dish at the center of the table for everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Stored this way, the cobbler stays fresh for up to three days, and the flavors only deepen as they mingle overnight.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for later, this cobbler freezes well before or after baking. Wrap the assembled (but unbaked) dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or freeze cooked portions in individual containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or baking as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the cobbler loosely with foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave individual servings on medium heat, but keep in mind the biscuit topping will stay crispier if reheated in the oven.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative and will pair beautifully with the other flavors in this Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe. You may want to add a splash of olive oil for extra moisture, as turkey tends to be a bit leaner than beef.
What vegetables work best in this recipe?
Frozen mixed vegetables are super convenient, but you can use any combination you like—think bell peppers, green beans, or even sweet potatoes. Just make sure to dice everything small so the veggies cook evenly with the filling.
Can I make the biscuit topping ahead of time?
You can prepare the biscuit dough a few hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Just be sure to keep it cold so the butter stays firm, which is key for fluffy, flaky biscuits.
What’s the best way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend in the biscuit topping. Everything else in the Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe should be naturally gluten-free, but double-check your Worcestershire sauce and seasonings to be sure.
Can I use a biscuit mix for the topping?
Definitely! If you’re short on time, a Cheddar Bay biscuit mix is a perfect shortcut. Just prepare the mix according to package directions and spoon it over the beef filling before baking for an extra-easy version of this cobbler.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about a bubbling casserole crowned with cheesy, garlicky biscuits that feels like a hug in a dish. With its simple steps and crowd-pleasing flavors, this Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe is sure to find a spot in your regular rotation. Gather your ingredients, invite some hungry friends or family over, and let this cozy classic work its magic in your kitchen!
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Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler that combines savory seasoned ground beef with a cheesy vegetable filling, topped with a fluffy, golden cheddar biscuit crust. Perfect for a family dinner, this dish blends classic American flavors with an easy-to-make biscuit topping reminiscent of popular Cheddar Bay biscuits.
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Biscuit Topping
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Brown Beef: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is browned and the onion becomes soft, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Seasonings and Vegetables: Stir in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Then fold in the drained diced tomatoes and frozen mixed vegetables. Cook the mixture for an additional 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Add Cheese and Transfer to Dish: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it melts slightly and combines. Transfer the beef mixture evenly into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish.
- Prepare Biscuit Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt. Cut in the cubed cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Add the milk and mix just until the dough comes together; avoid overmixing.
- Top and Bake: Drop large spoonfuls of the biscuit dough over the beef mixture, spreading slightly but leaving gaps so steam can escape and the biscuit cooks evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the cobbler cool for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set and the dish to be enjoyed warm.
Notes
- You can use a Cheddar Bay biscuit mix as a shortcut for the topping; just prepare according to package directions and spoon over the beef mixture before baking.
- This dish reheats exceptionally well, making it an excellent option for next-day lunches or meal prep.
- Feel free to swap frozen mixed vegetables with your favorite seasonal veggies or leftovers for personalized flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
