Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler
You know those nights when you want something super comforting for dinner, but you’re tired of the same old thing? You’re staring into the fridge, hoping an idea will just appear.
Well, this recipe is the answer. We’re taking the savory, beefy goodness of a classic casserole and topping it with a cheesy, garlicky biscuit that tastes just like those famous restaurant ones. It’s a one-pan meal that will make everyone at the table happy.
What You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple stuff you might already have. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything, I’ll give you some swap ideas later on.
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cheddar Biscuit Topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
For the Garlic Butter:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
Required Tools
You won’t need any fancy gadgets for this. Just the basics will do the job.
- Large skillet
- 9×9 inch baking dish or a similar sized oven-safe pan
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler
This is where the magic happens. Just follow these simple steps.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned. Drain off the extra fat.
Step 3: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until it gets soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute.
Step 4: Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir it all together. Let it cook for a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste.
Step 5: Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly. Add the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Let it bubble and thicken up.
Step 6: Stir in the frozen vegetables, salt, and pepper. Pour this beef filling into your baking dish.
Step 7: Now for the topping. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder.
Step 8: Add the cold butter cubes to the flour. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix it in until it looks like coarse crumbs. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 9: Pour in the milk and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix it!
Step 10: Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough evenly over the beef filling.
Step 11: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Step 12: While it’s baking, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley together in a small bowl.
Step 13: As soon as the cobbler comes out of the oven, brush the garlic butter all over the hot biscuit topping. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips
After years in the kitchen, I’ve learned a few things that make a big difference.
- Keep Your Butter Cold: For the biscuit topping, your butter must be cold. This creates little pockets of steam as it bakes, making the biscuits light and flaky instead of dense.
- Don’t Overmix Dough: When you add the milk to the flour mixture, stir it only until the flour is gone. If you mix it too much, the biscuits will be tough. Lumps are okay!
- Thicken the Filling Right: Make sure your beef filling is nicely thickened before you put the topping on. This prevents the bottom of the biscuits from getting soggy while baking.
Substitutions and Variations
Feel free to play around with this recipe. Cooking should be fun, so make it your own.
| Original Ingredient | Substitution Idea | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef | Ground turkey, chicken, or pork | A simple swap that works great. You might need a little extra seasoning. |
| Cheddar Cheese | Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend | Any good melting cheese will give you that gooey, cheesy top. |
| Mixed Vegetables | Diced mushrooms, green beans, or any leftover cooked veggies | Use what you have! It’s a great way to clean out the fridge. |
Make-Ahead Tips
You can get a head start on this meal to make dinner time easier.
- Prep the Filling: The beef filling can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just warm it up, pour it in the dish, and add the fresh biscuit topping.
- Freeze It: You can freeze the baked cobbler. Let it cool completely, then cover it tightly. It will last for up to 2 months. Reheat it in the oven.
Meal Pairing & Diet Swaps
This is a full meal in one dish, but a simple side can complete it.
| Serving Suggestion | Diet Swap |
|---|---|
| A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. | For a keto-friendly version, swap the biscuit topping for a cauliflower mash with cheese. |
| Steamed green beans or broccoli. | For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the biscuits. |
Leftovers and Storage
If you have any leftovers, they are great for lunch the next day.
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave, but warming it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) will help the biscuit topping crisp up again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I use a pre-made biscuit mix like Bisquick?
Ans: Yes, you can. Prepare the biscuit mix according to the package directions, but add the shredded cheddar and garlic powder before you add the liquid. Then drop it on top of the filling and bake as directed.
Q2. My biscuit topping was dense and not fluffy. What did I do wrong?
Ans: This usually happens for two reasons. Either your butter wasn’t cold enough, or you overmixed the dough. Be gentle with the dough and work quickly to keep the butter from melting.
Q3. Can I make this in a cast iron skillet?
Ans: Absolutely. You can make the filling directly in a large, oven-safe cast iron skillet and then add the topping right on top. It saves you a dish and gives the edges a nice crust.
Wrapping Up
This Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler is a real winner for a cozy night in. It’s simple, full of flavor, and is pure comfort food.
Give it a try and see how easy it is to make a dinner that feels special without a lot of fuss. When you make it, drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out! I love hearing about your kitchen wins.
