If you’re craving comfort food that’s hearty, savory, and just a little bit nostalgic, Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler is about to become your new weeknight hero. Imagine juicy ground beef simmered with onions, garlic, and spices, layered with sweet vegetables, and tucked under a golden Cheddar Bay biscuit topping that’s loaded with melty cheddar cheese. Every bite delivers a cozy hug of flavor, and the best part is how effortlessly it all comes together. This is a dish you’ll make on repeat for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want to bring a little extra joy to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler is that the ingredient list is simple, but every component plays a starring role in delivering rich flavor and irresistible texture. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters.
- Ground Beef (1 pound): The hearty base of the cobbler, providing satisfying flavor and protein.
- Yellow Onion (1 small, diced): Adds sweetness and depth as it cooks down with the beef.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A savory essential that boosts the overall aroma and taste.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the dish’s flavors and brings balance to the savory notes.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick and warmth to the filling.
- Smoked Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a gentle smokiness and extra color to the beef mixture.
- Italian Seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the dish with herbal notes that complement the hearty filling.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings umami richness and a touch of tang.
- Tomato Paste (1 tablespoon): Adds depth, acidity, and helps thicken the filling.
- Beef Broth (1/4 cup): Keeps the filling juicy and flavorful without making it soupy.
- Frozen Mixed Vegetables (1 cup): Carrots, peas, and corn provide color, sweetness, and a veggie boost.
- Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix (1 package, such as Red Lobster brand): The secret shortcut to that famously cheesy, garlicky biscuit topping.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1/2 cup): Melts into the biscuit layer for gooey, cheesy perfection.
- Cold Water (1/2 cup): Helps bring the biscuit dough together for the perfect drop biscuit texture.
- Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Drizzled over the top for golden, flavorful biscuits.
- Chopped Parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, colorful finish that brightens the final dish.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Onion
Preheat your oven to 400°F to get things rolling. In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook them together, breaking up the beef as it browns and allowing the onion to soften and turn translucent. This usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. The goal is to develop lots of savory flavor as the foundation of your Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler.
Step 2: Build the Flavor
Once the beef is browned, add the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir and let everything cook together for another minute. This step unlocks the essential aromatics, infusing the meat with savory, smoky, and herbal notes.
Step 3: Add the Sauces and Broth
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth. Mix thoroughly until the tomato paste is well incorporated and the mixture is saucy but not soupy. This blend gives your filling its signature depth and just enough moisture to keep the cobbler tender underneath the biscuit topping.
Step 4: Incorporate the Vegetables
Add the frozen mixed vegetables right into the skillet. Stir to distribute them evenly through the beef mixture. Let everything simmer together for 3 to 4 minutes, just until the veggies are heated through. This step ensures you get a pop of color and sweetness in every forkful.
Step 5: Assemble the Cobbler
Transfer the beef and veggie mixture into a greased 9-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. In a medium bowl, prepare the Cheddar Bay biscuit mix according to the package directions: usually, you’ll mix the dry biscuit mix with cold water and fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. Drop generous spoonfuls of the biscuit batter over the beef filling. Don’t worry about covering every inch; some gaps are perfect for letting the filling bubble up!
Step 6: Top and Bake
Drizzle the melted butter (and the seasoning packet from the biscuit mix, if included) over the top of the biscuit batter for that signature Cheddar Bay flavor. Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. The biscuits should puff up and turn beautifully golden, and the filling will be bubbling at the edges. Let your Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler rest for 5 minutes before serving—this helps everything set and makes serving easier.
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brings a pop of green and a burst of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich, cheesy biscuits and savory beef. If you want to go all out, a little extra shredded cheddar or even a dash of smoked paprika over the top is a fun finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler is a meal in itself, but if you’re feeling fancy, pair it with a simple side salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, some steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli. You could also serve it with a crisp apple slaw for a sweet crunch that plays perfectly with the hearty cobbler.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this classic into individual servings by baking the cobbler in ramekins or oven-safe mugs—so cute for dinner parties or family nights! For a rustic potluck vibe, serve straight from the baking dish with a big serving spoon and let guests help themselves. You can even bake Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler in a cast-iron skillet for extra flair and a little Southern charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler stores beautifully. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The biscuit topping stays surprisingly tender and the filling keeps its flavor, making leftovers a lunchbox favorite.
Freezing
To freeze, let the cobbler cool completely, then wrap the dish tightly in a double layer of foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. For easier portions, you can also cut the cobbler into squares and freeze them individually. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the cobbler with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until hot throughout. Individual portions can also be microwaved for a quick, satisfying meal. If you like the biscuit topping extra crispy, uncover it for the last few minutes in the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both work well in Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler, and you’ll still get all the cozy, savory flavors. Just make sure to adjust your seasonings and check for doneness, as leaner meats may cook a bit faster.
What if I don’t have Cheddar Bay biscuit mix?
If you can’t find the Red Lobster brand mix, you can use any biscuit mix and add a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese, a pinch of garlic powder, and a little dried parsley to mimic the flavor. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious!
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in extra veggies like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a handful of spinach. Just remember that extra vegetables may release more moisture, so you might want to reduce the beef broth slightly to keep the filling thick.
Is this cobbler spicy?
Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler is mild and family-friendly as written, but you can easily kick up the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture if you like things spicy.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef filling and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before assembling and baking. Add the biscuit topping just before baking so it stays light and tender.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler enough—it’s one of those magical recipes that brings everyone running to the table. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or sharing at a potluck, it’s guaranteed to deliver comfort and smiles. Give it a try soon, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a regular request!
Print
Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler is a hearty and comforting casserole featuring a savory ground beef and vegetable filling topped with cheesy Cheddar Bay biscuit dough. Quick to prepare and bake, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, delivering a satisfying blend of rich flavors and a golden biscuit crust.
Ingredients
Meat Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
Biscuit Topping
- 1 package Cheddar Bay biscuit mix (such as Red Lobster brand)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Garnish
- Optional chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the cobbler.
- Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the onion is soft and translucent, about 6–8 minutes.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook for an additional 1 minute to let the spices become fragrant.
- Combine Sauces and Broth: Add Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth to the skillet. Mix everything well to incorporate the flavors.
- Add Vegetables and Simmer: Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9-inch baking dish lightly. Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Make Biscuit Topping: In a medium bowl, prepare the Cheddar Bay biscuit mix according to package instructions—usually by combining the biscuit mix with cold water and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Top Beef Mixture: Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit batter evenly over the beef filling, covering as much surface as possible.
- Apply Butter and Seasoning: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter (and any included seasoning packet) over the biscuit topping to enhance flavor and browning.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes until the biscuit topping is golden brown and cooked through.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for ground beef for a lighter version.
- For extra richness, add a splash of cream to the meat filling before baking.
- This dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s great for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to add a pop of color and freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
