If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that combines the savory richness of ground beef with the irresistible flavors of Cheddar Bay biscuits, you’ve got to try this Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe. It’s a cozy dish that marries a flavorful beef and vegetable filling with fluffy, cheesy biscuit topping that’s golden, garlicky, and utterly delicious. Whether for a family dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe delivers warmth, satisfaction, and those beloved cheddar bay biscuit vibes in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients that each play an essential role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the juicy ground beef to the cheesy biscuit topping, every item contributes to making this cobbler a crowd-pleaser.
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef: The hearty protein base that soaks up all the spices and juices.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a sweet, savory depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives an aromatic punch that enhances the beef’s flavor.
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.): Brings color, texture, and a fresh contrast to the richness.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: Keeps the filling moist and perfectly savory.
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained: Adds acidity and juiciness to balance flavors.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Infuses a complex umami kick.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a subtle, fragrant herbiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste): Adds a gentle warmth and spice.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for the biscuit topping, creating that tender crumb.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Gives the biscuits their fluffy lift.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the dough seasoning.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic background to the biscuits.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Delivers gentle savory notes.
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed: Crucial for flaky, buttery biscuit layers.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that brings cheesy goodness directly into the biscuit dough.
- 1/2 cup milk: Hydrates the dough for softness.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping): Ensures a golden, glossy finish atop the biscuits.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for topping): Reinforces the signature garlicky flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (for topping): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the perfect baking environment. Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef for about 5 to 7 minutes. This browning step builds savory depth as the meat caramelizes slightly. Then, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook them together until softened and fragrant, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in your frozen mixed vegetables, beef broth, drained diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Allow everything to simmer gently for 5 minutes so the flavors meld harmoniously. Once done, remove the skillet from heat to prepare the biscuit topping.
Step 2: Make the Biscuit Topping
While the beef mixture simmers, it’s time to whip up the biscuit dough that transforms this dish. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly combined. Then, use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs — this step is key for a flaky biscuit texture. Next, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, which is the real game-changer here. Gradually add the milk while mixing gently until you form a soft dough that’s easy to drop.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Spoon the savory beef filling evenly into a 9×9-inch baking dish. Then, drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough over the top, covering the beef in little mounds. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the biscuit topping turns a gorgeous golden brown. This is the magic moment when the biscuit rising meets the bubbly beef filling underneath.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touch
When your cobbler comes out of the oven, don’t forget the final flourish. Mix the melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley, then brush this fragrant, buttery glaze over the biscuit tops. It adds an irresistible shine and an extra layer of garlicky flavor. Let the cobbler cool just a bit before diving in, so everything sets perfectly.
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your serving experience. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top brings a burst of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors. If you like a touch of heat, some crushed red pepper flakes sprinkled on just before serving add a nice contrast to the creamy cheese and beef.
Side Dishes
This Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe shines as a one-dish meal but pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness, while steamed green beans or roasted asparagus add a satisfying crunch and lightness. For a heartier side, creamy coleslaw or garlic buttered broccoli are excellent companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the cobbler in individual ramekins for personalized portions that look charming and inviting. You can also try layering the beef filling and biscuit dough in a deep cast-iron skillet and serving straight from the skillet for a rustic, cozy vibe. Another playful idea is to top the biscuits with a little extra shredded cheddar during the last 5 minutes of baking for an extra cheesy crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your cobbler, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. Before refrigerating, allow the dish to cool completely to maintain the biscuit’s texture as much as possible.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish if you want to save it for another day. Assemble the cobbler but do not bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake it straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This is a perfect way to prep meals in advance without sacrificing taste or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave or gently reheat the entire dish covered with foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. To keep the biscuit topping from getting soggy, uncover for the last 5 minutes to crisp it back up. This method brings back that fresh-from-the-oven feeling you want!
FAQs
Can I use different vegetables in the Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the frozen mixed vegetables for your favorites, like green beans, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Just make sure any fresh vegetables you add are cut small and cooked through during the simmering step.
Is it possible to make the biscuit topping gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious, cheesy, and tender.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey works as a leaner alternative and pairs nicely with the cheddar biscuit topping. Just be mindful that turkey cooks faster and is less fatty, so adding a bit more broth or fat (like olive oil) can help maintain juiciness.
How can I make the biscuits more golden and crispy?
Brushing the biscuit topping with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and parsley after baking helps with color and flavor. For extra crispness, you can sprinkle a bit more cheddar cheese on the tops before baking or bake uncovered for the last few minutes.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
This cobbler is quite convenient to prepare in stages. You can make the beef filling and biscuit dough a day ahead. Store the beef filling refrigerated and the biscuit dough wrapped tightly. Assemble and bake just before serving for the freshest taste.
Final Thoughts
This Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe is truly a soul-warming classic updated with the irresistible charm of cheddar biscuits. It’s the perfect dish to gather loved ones around, sharing comfort and joy with every cheesy, savory spoonful. I promise, once you make this, it will quickly become one of your all-time favorites to revisit again and again. So grab your ingredients and start cooking—delicious memories await!
Print
Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A hearty and comforting Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler featuring a savory beef and vegetable filling topped with cheesy, buttery biscuit crust baked to golden perfection. This one-dish meal combines the flavors of classic cheddar bay biscuits with a warm, satisfying ground beef cobbler perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Beef Filling
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Biscuit Topping
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
Topping Finish
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Filling: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, around 5 to 7 minutes. This locks in flavor and provides a rich base for your cobbler.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes more, until the onions soften and the garlic is fragrant, enhancing the filling’s depth.
- Add Vegetables and Season: Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, beef broth, drained diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors together, then remove from heat.
- Make the Biscuit Topping: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs – this will ensure a flaky biscuit topping. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, then gradually add the milk, mixing just until a dough forms.
- Assemble the Cobbler: Spread the prepared ground beef mixture evenly in a 9×9-inch baking dish. Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough over the top in an even layer to cover the filling.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the biscuit topping is puffed up and golden brown, signaling that your cobbler is ready.
- Finish and Serve: While the cobbler bakes, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley. Once out of the oven, brush this flavorful butter over the biscuits for an extra burst of savory goodness. Let the dish cool slightly before serving to enjoy the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Notes
- You can substitute the frozen mixed vegetables with any of your preferred fresh or frozen veggies.
- If you like a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- For a richer biscuit topping, substitute half of the milk with buttermilk.
- Make sure the butter is cold when mixing the biscuit dough for a flaky texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
