Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of the mix?

Absolutely! You can substitute your favorite biscuit recipe, just add about 1 cup of shredded cheddar to the dough and some garlic powder and dried herbs to mimic the Cheddar Bay flavor. Spread or drop the dough on top of the beef mixture and bake until golden brown.

My family doesn't like mushrooms. Can I skip the cream of mushroom soup?

Yes, you can substitute cream of chicken or another cream soup of your choice. The mushroom soup adds richness without a strong mushroom flavor, but if it's a concern, feel free to swap it out.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and bake it later?

You can prepare the beef mixture up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. I recommend making the biscuit topping just before baking for the best texture, as the baking powder activates when mixed with liquid.

The biscuit topping seems soggy in the middle. What went wrong?

This usually happens when the oven temperature is too low or the cobbler isn't baked long enough. Make sure your oven is fully preheated and don't be afraid to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if the center still seems underdone.

Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe

Name: Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs lean ground beef; 1 yellow onion, diced; 1 tablespoon chopped garlic; 10.5 oz condensed cheddar soup; 10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 box Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 cups milk; 1/4 cup butter, melted; Fresh chopped parsley (optional)

This Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler combines savory ground beef with creamy soups under a blanket of cheesy, buttery biscuits for a comforting dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite. Ready in just over an hour, this hearty casserole delivers the perfect blend of flavors and textures – juicy beef, gooey cheese, and fluffy biscuits that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s the ultimate weeknight comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Comfort Food: This cobbler combines the savory goodness of seasoned ground beef with the beloved flavors of Cheddar Bay Biscuits for a meal that’s pure comfort on a plate.
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and convenient items like condensed soups and biscuit mix, making it easy to throw together without a special shopping trip.
Family-Friendly: The familiar flavors appeal to everyone, including picky eaters who will be won over by the cheesy biscuit topping.
Complete Meal: With protein, dairy, and bread components all in one dish, you need only add a simple vegetable side to create a complete meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: Provides the hearty base for our cobbler. Lean beef works best to prevent excess grease, but you can use what you have on hand.
Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when cooked with the beef. Dice it finely if you have picky eaters.
Garlic: Brings essential aromatic flavor to the meat mixture. Fresh is best, but pre-minced works in a pinch.
Condensed Soups: Both cheddar and mushroom soups create a rich, creamy sauce without any fuss. They’re the secret to this recipe’s quick prep time.
Milk: Thins the soup mixture slightly while adding creaminess. Use whole milk for the richest results.
Seasonings: Simple salt and pepper let the cheese and biscuit flavors shine through. Don’t skimp here!
Cheddar Cheese: Used in both the filling and the topping for maximum cheesy goodness. Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor.
Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: The star ingredient that makes this cobbler special with its distinctive savory-cheesy flavor profile.
Butter: Brushed on the baked biscuit topping for that authentic Cheddar Bay Biscuit finish and extra flavor.
Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to the finished dish. It’s optional but highly recommended.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or mix in Italian sausage for an extra flavor boost.

Vegetable Additions

Add diced bell peppers, corn, or peas to the beef mixture for more color, nutrition, and texture.

Spice It Up

For a kick, include diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the beef mixture, or sprinkle some cayenne into the biscuit topping.

Soup Alternatives

Try cream of bacon or cream of chicken soup for a different flavor profile, or substitute a jar of cheese sauce for the cheddar soup.

How to Make Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef along with the diced onions, breaking the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. When fully browned, add the chopped garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Base

Add both condensed soups, milk, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the meat. Stir everything together until well combined and smooth. The mixture should be creamy but not too thin. Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Cobbler

Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the beef mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese over the beef layer.

Step 4: Prepare the Biscuit Topping

In a large mixing bowl, combine the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 2 cups of milk. Set aside the seasoning packet for later use. Stir the mixture until just combined with no large lumps. Pour this batter evenly over the beef and cheese layers.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, until the biscuit topping is nicely browned across the entire surface and cooked through.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch

While the cobbler is still hot, mix the melted butter with the reserved seasoning packet from the biscuit mix. Brush this flavorful butter mixture over the entire biscuit topping. Let the cobbler rest for about 5 minutes to allow the filling to thicken and the butter to soak in. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix the Biscuits: Mix the biscuit topping just until combined – overmixing will result in tough, dense biscuits.
Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the biscuit topping – if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cobbler is ready.
Brown the Meat Well: Take time to properly brown the beef for maximum flavor – those caramelized bits make a difference!
Let It Rest: The 5-minute rest after baking is crucial for the filling to set up properly, so resist the urge to serve immediately.
Even Layer: Spread the biscuit mixture evenly over the beef for consistent cooking and the perfect topping-to-filling ratio.

How to Serve

Main Course Pairings

Serve this hearty cobbler with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness, or alongside steamed broccoli or green beans.

Presentation Ideas

Scoop generous portions into bowls or onto plates, making sure each serving gets plenty of the biscuit topping. Sprinkle with additional fresh parsley or a few dashes of hot sauce for those who like heat.

Make It a Feast

For larger gatherings, pair with additional sides like corn on the cob, coleslaw, or a fresh cucumber salad to create a complete comfort food feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve after a day, making this a great make-ahead meal.

Freezing

This cobbler freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. You can freeze it either before or after baking:

Before baking: Prepare through Step 3, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze. Thaw completely before adding the biscuit topping and baking.
After baking: Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. For a whole cobbler, reheat covered in a 325°F oven for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. Remove the cover for the last 5 minutes to re-crisp the topping.

FAQs

Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of the mix?

Absolutely! You can substitute your favorite biscuit recipe, just add about 1 cup of shredded cheddar to the dough and some garlic powder and dried herbs to mimic the Cheddar Bay flavor. Spread or drop the dough on top of the beef mixture and bake until golden brown.
My family doesn’t like mushrooms. Can I skip the cream of mushroom soup?

Yes, you can substitute cream of chicken or another cream soup of your choice. The mushroom soup adds richness without a strong mushroom flavor, but if it’s a concern, feel free to swap it out.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and bake it later?

You can prepare the beef mixture up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. I recommend making the biscuit topping just before baking for the best texture, as the baking powder activates when mixed with liquid.
The biscuit topping seems soggy in the middle. What went wrong?

This usually happens when the oven temperature is too low or the cobbler isn’t baked long enough. Make sure your oven is fully preheated and don’t be afraid to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if the center still seems underdone.

Final Thoughts

This Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler transforms ordinary ingredients into something truly special. With its creamy, cheesy beef filling and that iconic biscuit topping, it’s the kind of meal that creates memories around the dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for guests, this cobbler delivers comfort food at its finest. Give it a try – I’m confident it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection!