Imagine fluffy, cheesy biscuits baked to golden perfection atop a savory, saucy beef and veggie mixture—this is comfort food dialed up to eleven. Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler has all the flavors you crave from your favorite biscuits, combined with hearty ground beef and sneakily simple mixed vegetables, making it a weeknight dinner that instantly feels special. If you’re after a meal that packs big flavor, feeds a crowd, and comes together with zero fuss, this recipe is about to become your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler lies in its straightforward ingredients, each one playing a crucial role in taste, texture, or irresistible color. Gather these kitchen staples, and a cozy, bubbling casserole will be yours before you know it!
- Ground beef (1 pound): Use 80/20 for maximum flavor, or swap for turkey if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Chopped onion (1/2 cup): This adds sweetness and depth to the savory base.
- Chopped bell pepper (1/2 cup): For brightness and a gentle crunch—red, green, or yellow all work beautifully.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Delivers that unmistakable back note of savory goodness without the hassle of mincing fresh garlic.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): For a pop of color and subtle smokiness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances and balances all the other flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds mild heat that keeps things interesting.
- Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Richness and a touch of tang—don’t skip this ingredient!
- Beef broth (1/2 cup): Creates a luscious sauce that keeps the cobbler moist.
- Frozen mixed vegetables (1 cup, optional): Toss in for a hit of color, extra fiber, and a sneaky way to get more veggies in.
- Biscuit mix (2 cups, like Bisquick): Shortcut to fluffy, foolproof biscuits—no rolling pin needed.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup): Makes the biscuit topping rich and dreamy (go for sharp for maximum cheesy flavor).
- Milk (2/3 cup): The key liquid for tender biscuit dough.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the biscuits with garlicky charm reminiscent of your favorite restaurant treat.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): For brushing on top, giving the biscuits irresistible sheen and flavor.
- Dried parsley (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gorgeous green speckles and a fresh finish.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Veggies
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and bell pepper, breaking up the meat as you go. Sauté everything together until the beef is deeply browned and the vegetables are nice and soft, about 6 to 8 minutes. If there’s any excess grease, go ahead and drain it—this will keep your cobbler from getting soggy.
Step 2: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, then stir in the tomato paste and beef broth. Give everything a good mix so the meat is coated in the savory, tomatoey sauce. Let it simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until the mixture is thickened and fragrant. If you’re adding the frozen mixed vegetables, now’s the time! Stir them in and transfer the mixture to a greased 9×9-inch (or similar size) baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 3: Mix Up the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping
In a mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix, shredded cheddar, milk, and garlic powder. You just want to mix until everything is incorporated—don’t overmix, or your biscuits could turn tough instead of fluffy. Drop big spoonfuls of this dough all over the beef mixture, covering the top but leaving a few little gaps for steam to escape.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Slide your casserole into a preheated 400°F oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly, aromatic dish with a biscuit topping that’s golden brown and cooked through. If you like extra color, you can give it a quick broil at the end (just keep a close eye!).
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches and Serve
As soon as the cobbler comes out of the oven, mix together the melted butter and dried parsley in a small bowl. Brush this glorious mixture all over the tops of the biscuits while they’re still piping hot. Serve up generous scoops directly from the dish—Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler is best enjoyed warm, with ooey gooey cheese and plenty of crust in every bite.
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar and fresh chopped parsley over the top for a vibrant finish. Some folks love a dash of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream on each serving, adding a zippy, creamy boost that complements the rich flavors underneath. Don’t be shy—a little chopped green onion also brings a pop of fresh color and mild zing.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler with crisp green salads, classic coleslaw, or simply-steamed green beans to round out the meal. If you love dipping, a bowl of creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side works wonders for scooping up stray cheesy biscuit bits. This dish has it all, but a tangy, crunchy accompaniment brings it to the finish line.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn individual servings into mini-pot pies by using ramekins, or go for a rustic family-style approach right from one big dish. For casual gatherings, try scooping portions onto plates and adding a wedge of lemon for brightness. Leftovers, if you have any, make fantastic sliders—just sandwich a scoop between two buttermilk biscuits.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler stays delicious for up to three days in the fridge. If you’re planning for lunches or busy weeknights, simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer servings to airtight containers. This keeps the biscuits from drying out while letting the flavors continue to meld.
Freezing
For longer storage, let the cobbler cool completely, then wrap portions or the whole dish tightly with plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil. Label and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready for a comforting dinner, there’s nothing better than pulling a batch of this homemade goodness from the freezer!
Reheating
To reheat, place leftover Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to prevent over-browning, for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Microwave reheating works for individual portions, but you may want to add a splash of beef broth over the meat to help keep things moist. Brushing the biscuits with a little melted butter after reheating returns them to their full, tender glory.
FAQs
Can I make Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook the beef filling a day in advance, refrigerate it, and assemble with biscuit topping right before baking. This is a huge help for busy weeknight dinners or make-ahead meal prep.
Is there a way to make Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute plant-based ground meat or lentils for the beef, use vegetable broth, and proceed as directed. Veggie lovers will still get that savory, cheesy comfort in every bite.
What’s the best pan size for this recipe?
A 9×9-inch baking dish is perfect, but anything close to that will work (like an 8×8 or similar oval casserole). If you double the recipe for a crowd, use a 9×13 and adjust baking time as needed.
Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of a mix?
Definitely! If you have a favorite biscuit recipe, use it—just fold in the cheddar and garlic powder before dolloping over the beef. The charm of Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler is its flexibility and flavor.
How can I add more spice?
If you love heat, toss in some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the beef mixture. You can also add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the biscuit dough for a zingy twist.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving cozy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying comfort food, Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler is ready to make your dinner table the happiest place at home. Each layer offers flavor and nostalgia in every forkful. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself doubling the recipe—one bite, and it’ll be in the regular rotation!
Print
Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines seasoned ground beef with a savory cheddar bay biscuit topping. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)
For the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping:
- 2 cups biscuit mix (like Bisquick)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with onion and bell pepper until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, tomato paste, and beef broth. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in frozen vegetables if using, then transfer the beef mixture to a greased baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix biscuit mix, cheese, milk, and garlic powder. Spoon the biscuit dough over the beef mixture.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until the biscuit topping is golden.
- Mix melted butter and parsley, then brush over the hot biscuits. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or sausage for the beef.
- For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
