If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines rich, savory flavors with a golden, cheesy biscuit topping, the Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. This dish marries hearty ground beef simmered in creamy cheddar and mushroom soups with a fluffy, cheesy biscuit crust inspired by those irresistible Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Every bite is warm, satisfying, and packed with layers of flavor that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a family or want a cozy meal to impress friends, this cobbler’s a brilliant blend of easy prep, familiar ingredients, and downright deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, straightforward ingredients is the first step toward making this dish shine. Each element plays a special part in balancing the flavors, texture, and that signature cheesy goodness that defines the Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe.
- 1.5 lbs lean ground beef: Provides a hearty, savory base without excess grease.
- 1 yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked with the beef.
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic: Brings aromatic warmth that brightens the filling.
- 10.5 oz can condensed cheddar cheese soup: Gives creamy richness and sharp cheddar flavor.
- 10.5 oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup: Adds earthy undertones and creamy texture.
- ½ cup milk: Helps blend soups smoothly for a luscious filling.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and balances richness.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: One cup folds into the filling for cheesy goodness, one cup tops the beef layer for extra indulgence.
- 1 box Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix: The golden, garlicky biscuit flavor that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Mixed into the biscuit batter for an extra cheesy crust.
- 2 cups milk: Used in the biscuit dough for moisture and tender crumb.
- ¼ cup butter, melted: Combined with seasoning for brushing the finished crust, adding richness and a beautiful golden shine.
- Fresh chopped parsley: For a pop of color and a bright finishing touch.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Brown Beef
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). While that’s warming up, grab a large skillet and cook the lean ground beef over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced yellow onion too—this combo builds the base flavor by browning nicely together. Once the beef is cooked through and the onions have softened, drain off any excess grease to keep the cobbler from becoming too oily.
Step 2: Make Filling
Next, stir in the chopped garlic, cheddar cheese soup, cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup milk, salt, and black pepper right into the skillet. Cook this mixture gently until everything is well combined and heated through. Then, remove from heat and fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This step is the key to a luscious filling brimming with creamy, cheesy flavor that perfectly complements the savory beef.
Step 3: Assemble in Baking Dish
Lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the prepared ground beef mixture into the dish and spread it evenly like a flavorful blanket. Next, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top—this creates a gooey, golden layer beneath the biscuit topping.
Step 4: Make Biscuit Topping
In a separate bowl, mix the biscuit mix (make sure to exclude the seasoning packet) with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 2 cups milk. Stir this combination until it forms a smooth batter. This biscuit topping is what takes this cobbler from comforting to downright irresistible, with cheesy, tender bites on every spoonful.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Pour the cheesy biscuit batter evenly over the beef and cheese layers in your baking dish. Slide it into the oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is a gorgeous golden brown with some light crispness on the edges. Your kitchen will smell incredible by this point, trust me.
Step 6: Make Butter Topping and Finish
While the cobbler bakes, melt the ¼ cup butter and stir in the seasoning packet that came with the biscuit mix. Once the cobbler is out of the oven, brush this buttery, garlicky seasoning all over the biscuit crust. It’s the finishing touch that mimics those famous Cheddar Bay biscuits. Let the cobbler rest for about 5 minutes, then sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for that beautiful pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is perfect for brightening the rich, hearty dish visually and with a light herbal note. Feel free to add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of finely chopped green onions for an extra burst of flavor and texture contrast that pairs beautifully with the cheesy, savory cobbler layers.
Side Dishes
This cobbler is pretty much a complete meal on its own, but serving it alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables provides a fresh, crunchy balance. Roasted broccoli or a simple Caesar salad with lemony dressing are excellent complements that lighten up the plate and add variety.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, consider making individual cobblers in small ramekins or cast iron skillets. This method adds charm and makes serving effortless. Another fun idea is layering some caramelized onions on the bottom for a sweet-savory depth or topping with crispy fried onions for crunch before baking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure the cobbler is completely cooled before storing. This dish reheats beautifully, making it great for weekday lunches or easy dinners.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the cobbler but don’t bake it. Wrap the baking dish tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or transfer individual portions to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes covered with foil to prevent the biscuit topping from drying out. For quick reheats, the microwave works fine but doesn’t keep the topping crisp. You can always pop it under the broiler for a minute or two at the end to revive some crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat in this cobbler?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef for a lighter option. Just keep in mind the flavor and fat content will vary, so you might want to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe?
You can try replacing the ground beef with cooked lentils, mushrooms, or even a plant-based meat substitute. Using vegetable broth and mushroom soup makes a great base for a tasty vegetarian cobbler.
What if I don’t have condensed cheddar cheese soup?
If you can’t find cheddar cheese soup, try making a quick cheese sauce with cheddar cheese, milk, butter, and a little flour or cornstarch to thicken. It won’t be exactly the same but will add a creamy cheesy vibe to the filling.
Can I make the biscuit topping from scratch instead of using a mix?
Definitely. A homemade biscuit dough with cheddar cheese folded in will work beautifully. Just be sure to keep the flavors garlicky and cheesy to stay true to that signature Cheddar Bay taste.
How do I know when the cobbler is done baking?
The biscuit topping should be golden brown and cooked through, with no raw dough visible. You can test by inserting a toothpick into the biscuit layer; it should come out mostly clean. The filling should be bubbly around the edges as well.
Final Thoughts
If you want a delicious, hearty meal that feels both familiar and excitingly indulgent, the Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe is a must-try. It’s simple to make, uses approachable ingredients, and delivers those cozy, cheesy flavors everyone loves. I promise this dish will quickly become a cherished classic in your recipe rotation, perfect for sharing with friends and family on any night you crave something warm, cheesy, and totally comforting.
Print
Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler is a comforting and hearty casserole that combines a savory ground beef filling with a creamy cheese sauce and a golden, cheesy biscuit topping inspired by the famous Cheddar Bay biscuits. Baked to perfection, it’s a perfect family-friendly meal that’s rich, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Filling
- 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
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
Biscuit Topping
- 1 box Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix (seasoning packet reserved)
- 2 cups milk
Butter Topping
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- Seasoning packet from Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Brown Beef: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with the diced yellow onion until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Make Filling: Add the chopped garlic, condensed cheddar cheese soup, condensed cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup milk, salt, and black pepper to the browned beef and onions. Stir well and cook over medium heat until the mixture is fully combined and heated through. Remove from heat, then stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to add richness and extra cheesiness to the filling.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Pour the prepared ground beef mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture for a cheesy layer.
- Make Biscuit Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the biscuit mix (do not include the seasoning packet yet), shredded cheddar cheese, and 2 cups milk. Stir gently until the biscuit batter is well combined and slightly thickened.
- Top and Bake: Pour the biscuit batter evenly over the ground beef and cheese layer in the baking dish, spreading it gently if needed. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is puffed up and golden brown.
- Make Butter Topping: While the cobbler bakes, melt the ¼ cup butter in a small bowl. Stir in the seasoning packet from the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix until thoroughly combined to create a flavorful butter topping.
- Finish and Serve: After the baking time is complete, remove the cobbler from the oven. Using a pastry brush or spoon, gently brush the seasoned melted butter over the top of the biscuit crust for extra flavor and moisture. Let the cobbler rest for 5 minutes to set slightly, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a thicker filling, reduce the milk slightly or add another ½ cup of cheddar cheese.
- Drain the ground beef well to avoid excess grease making the casserole soggy.
- Feel free to swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of celery or cream of chicken if preferred.
- This dish reheats well – store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the filling.
