Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe
If there’s a dish that brings irresistible comfort to the dinner table, it’s the Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler. Imagine tender ground beef simmered with savory aromatics and vegetables, all topped with the iconic cheesy Cheddar Bay biscuit topping. Golden-crusted and bubbling, this cobbler is the kind of meal that warms the soul and makes any night feel like a special occasion. If you’re looking for a crave-worthy, hearty bake that satisfies every craving (and just might get you requests for seconds), you’ll want to save this recipe. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses everyday, flavorful ingredients that come together for an unforgettable bite every time. Each one has a delicious role to play—don’t skip any for the best possible Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler!
- Ground Beef: Opt for 80/20 or 85/15 for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture.
- Onion: Diced small, onions melt into the beef and provide a subtle sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: Minced for a punch of garlicky goodness that shines alongside the beef.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the beef and drawing out all the savory flavors.
- Black Pepper: Fresh cracked pepper gives a mild heat and richness in every bite.
- Paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness and an inviting color to the base.
- Dried Thyme: A pinch brings a subtle herbal note that complements the richness of the meat.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Just a tablespoon brings umami and depth you can’t get from anything else.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Forms the creamy, comforting binder for the beef layer.
- Sour Cream: Contributes tang and smoothness for a luscious texture.
- Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Adds color, nutrients, and a pop of sweetness—no need to thaw!
- Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix (11 oz): Use your favorite brand (like Red Lobster) for that unbeatable cheddar-garlic biscuit finish.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts right into the biscuit topping for extra cheesy flavor.
- Milk: Helps create a tender, fluffy biscuit topping—don’t skip it!
- Butter: Drizzled on top for a golden, crave-worthy finish.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler
Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Aromatics
Set your oven to preheat at 375°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Let them cook together until the beef is nicely browned and the onions are soft and fragrant, stirring occasionally to break up any large chunks. You want the beef to be in small crumbles, evenly cooked for the perfect bite in every scoop.
Step 2: Season and Build Flavor
Add minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce to your cooked beef mixture. Give everything a really good stir so all those seasonings get to know each other. The fragrances wafting up at this point are amazing—and the flavors are building a deliciously savory base.
Step 3: Stir in Creamy Components and Veggies
Now, add in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Stir until the mixture looks rich and thoroughly combined. Fold in the frozen mixed vegetables (no need to defrost!) and let the entire mixture cook for 2–3 minutes, just until everything is heated through, creamy, and inviting. Remove from the heat.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×9-inch (or similarly sized) baking dish. Pour the hot, creamy beef and veggie mixture right in and spread it out evenly. This is the hearty, savory foundation for your Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler, ready for its crowning touch.
Step 5: Mix Up the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping
In a mixing bowl, combine the Cheddar Bay biscuit mix, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese, following the package directions. Once you have a sticky, cheesy dough, use large spoonfuls to dollop the biscuit mixture over the beef in even mounds. These will puff up and bake into those signature biscuits.
Step 6: Finish with Butter and Bake
Take that glorious melted butter and drizzle it evenly over the biscuit topping. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. When the biscuits turn golden brown and you see the edges bubbling, you know it’s ready. Let your cobbler rest for about five minutes before diving in so everything sets up beautifully.
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions brings a punch of color and a fresh, herby aroma to each serving. If you love a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes on top is also a fun finishing touch. And don’t forget a small extra handful of shredded cheddar right as it comes out of the oven—melted cheese lovers will thank you!
Side Dishes
This cobbler is hearty enough to stand on its own, but a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or some simply steamed green beans make beautiful, fresh complements. For a comfort food feast, serve it up with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or even buttered corn on the cob.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking the cobbler in individual ramekins for adorable, personal-sized portions at a dinner party or family gathering. Or, for a crowd, double the recipe and bake in a large casserole dish for a real showstopper on the buffet table. You can also dress it up with a drizzle of garlic butter or a dollop of sour cream right before serving—no one will be able to resist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler tastes just as good the next day. Transfer cooled leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, keeping its creamy texture and that delicious, cheesy biscuit topping.
Freezing
This is a fantastic freezer-friendly dish. To freeze, let the cobbler cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to 2 months. For best biscuit texture, freeze the baked casserole rather than preparing it unbaked.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the cobbler loosely with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 15–20 minutes if reheating the whole pan, less for individual servings). If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave single portions, but for the best biscuit topping, oven reheating is the way to go.
FAQs
Can I make Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef and vegetable base and refrigerate it a day ahead. When you’re ready to bake, just mix up the biscuit topping and bake as directed. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights or entertaining.
Do I have to use Cheddar Bay biscuit mix?
The biscuit mix is what gives this cobbler its iconic cheesy, garlicky taste. However, if you’re in a pinch, you can use your favorite biscuit dough and mix in some cheddar cheese and garlic powder for a similar effect.
Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! While the classic mixed veggies are great, you can toss in mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even spinach. Just make sure whatever you add isn’t too watery so the cobbler stays rich and creamy underneath.
What protein can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey, ground chicken, or even cooked lentils for a vegetarian version all work beautifully in Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler. Adjust your seasoning to match the protein you choose for best results.
How do I know when the biscuit topping is done?
The biscuits should be golden brown and firm to the touch. Stick a toothpick in the center of one—it should come out mostly clean with just a few crumbs of cheesy goodness attached.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and utterly satisfying, you’ve just found your new favorite comfort food. Gather your ingredients and give this Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler a try—your kitchen will smell amazing, your family will be thrilled, and you might just make it a regular tradition!
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Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler is a hearty and comforting dish that combines seasoned ground beef, mixed vegetables, and a cheesy biscuit topping. It’s a delicious twist on a classic cobbler, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
For the Biscuit Topping:
- 1 (11 oz) package Cheddar Bay biscuit mix (such as Red Lobster brand)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in the soup, sour cream, and vegetables. Cook until heated.
- Assemble the Cobbler: Spread the beef mixture in a baking dish. Prepare the biscuit mix with milk and cheese. Drop spoonfuls of dough over the beef. Drizzle with melted butter.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Let rest before serving.
Notes
- You can use cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- This dish is great for meal prep and reheats well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 910 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
