The Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler is your new weeknight dinner hero. With juicy seasoned beef smothered in a creamy sauce and topped with golden, cheesy Cheddar Bay biscuits, it’s a mouthwatering mix of savory layers and buttery biscuit bliss.
This comfort food classic comes together quickly and bakes in one dish, making cleanup a breeze. The garlic butter brushed over the biscuits after baking adds a final hit of flavor that takes it over the top. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this cobbler satisfies on every level.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Beef Layer:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 small onion, diced
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1/2 tsp salt
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For the Biscuit Topping:
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1 package Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix (like Red Lobster brand)
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1/2 cup cold water (or as package directs)
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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2 tbsp melted butter
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
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Add diced onion and garlic to the beef. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
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Stir in Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix in the cream of mushroom soup and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
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Pour the beef mixture into a greased 9-inch pie dish or baking dish.
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In a separate bowl, prepare the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix according to package instructions. Fold in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
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Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough evenly over the beef mixture.
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Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until biscuits are golden brown.
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While baking, combine melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley (if using). Brush over baked biscuits immediately after removing from oven.
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Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 425 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Ultimate Comfort Dish: Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler
When it comes to hearty, soul-warming meals that bring the family together, casseroles and cobblers stand tall. But when you merge the best of both worlds rich, seasoned ground beef and golden Cheddar Bay biscuits you get something truly magical: the Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler. This savory bake has gained popularity for its cozy, down-home flavors paired with modern ease and bold taste. It’s a dish that pays homage to the traditions of Southern cooking while offering the convenience today’s home cooks crave.
At first glance, this cobbler might seem like just another casserole, but don’t be fooled. It’s an elevated version of the traditional ground beef bake. What sets it apart is its biscuit topping, inspired by the famous Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuits. These aren’t your typical drop biscuits they’re loaded with cheddar cheese, seasoned perfectly, and finished with a rich garlic butter glaze that bakes to golden perfection.
Why It’s So Popular
There’s something deeply nostalgic and comforting about ground beef casseroles. They’re a staple in households across North America because they’re affordable, easy to make, and versatile. But add a biscuit topping, and the dish becomes something a little more indulgent a little more luxurious without becoming complicated or expensive.
Cheddar Bay biscuits, in particular, have a cult-like following. People love their flaky texture, garlicky aroma, and rich cheddar bite. Pairing them with a savory, creamy ground beef base introduces contrast in the best way possible. You get the tender, juicy texture of the beef layered under the buttery crispness of biscuit dough flavorful and filling without being overly heavy.
A Harmony of Textures and Flavors
One of the reasons the Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler is so beloved is the way it balances contrasting textures. On the bottom, you’ve got seasoned beef sautéed with onions, garlic, and sometimes a touch of Worcestershire sauce or cream of mushroom soup. It’s rich, savory, and just saucy enough to keep things moist without turning the base into a stew.
Above that sits the biscuit topping a mix of fluffy, cheesy dough that bakes to a golden, lightly crisp finish. The biscuits soak up just enough of the beefy goodness underneath while still holding their own structure and crunch. Every bite gives you layers: hearty meat, creamy sauce, and warm, cheesy biscuit all in one.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights or Casual Gatherings
Another reason this cobbler has made its way into modern recipe rotations is its practicality. It’s a one-dish meal that requires minimal cleanup, takes around 30–35 minutes from start to finish, and doesn’t call for a long list of exotic ingredients. Everything can be found at your local grocery store, and if you keep biscuit mix on hand, it’s a great last-minute dinner idea.
It’s also extremely scalable. Feeding a crowd? Double the recipe and bake it in a larger casserole dish. Cooking for two? Halve the ingredients and enjoy leftovers that reheat beautifully. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal, meal prepping for the weekend, or serving it at a potluck, it’s a dish that consistently gets praise and empty plates.
Customizing the Cobbler
While the classic version is plenty delicious, this recipe lends itself beautifully to customization:
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Add Veggies: You can easily toss in frozen peas, carrots, green beans, or corn to add color and nutrients. Just mix them into the beef layer before baking.
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Use Different Proteins: Don’t have ground beef? Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute works well here. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly.
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Spice It Up: For a bit of heat, try adding diced jalapeños to the biscuit dough or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
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Make It Creamier: Some variations include adding cream cheese or sour cream to the beef base for an ultra-rich texture.
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Play with Cheese: Swap the cheddar for Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a smoky gouda for a twist in flavor.
Because this recipe is so forgiving, it invites creativity while still delivering that “wow” factor of a well-balanced, comforting meal.
Pairing Suggestions
Although the Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler is a complete meal on its own, you can elevate the experience by pairing it with the right sides and beverages:
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Fresh Green Salad: A crisp romaine or arugula salad with a zesty vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the cobbler and adds a fresh contrast.
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Roasted Vegetables: Lightly roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus are great accompaniments.
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Pickled Veggies or Slaw: A vinegar-based slaw or quick pickles add tanginess and help cleanse the palate between bites.
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Wine or Beverage Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or a hoppy IPA works well with the deep umami flavor of the beef. For non-alcoholic options, a cold sparkling lemonade or unsweetened iced tea makes a refreshing counterbalance.
Storage and Leftovers
This dish is ideal for meal prepping or enjoying over several days. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop a serving in the oven at 350°F until warm, or microwave it in short intervals. The biscuits might lose a bit of their crispness but will remain flavorful and satisfying.
You can also freeze this dish before or after baking. If freezing before, prepare everything up until the biscuit layer, then wrap and freeze. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed. If already baked, wrap portions tightly and freeze individually for quick meals on demand.
Conclusion:
The Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler is more than just a recipe it’s a celebration of comfort food at its best. With bold flavors, indulgent textures, and easy customization, it’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. From busy weeknights to lazy Sundays, this cobbler brings people together with its rustic charm and irresistible taste.
What makes this recipe truly shine is its balance between classic and creative, convenience and quality, hearty and indulgent. It’s proof that a few humble ingredients can come together to create something truly memorable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, satisfying a craving, or just looking for your next go-to dinner, this dish deserves a permanent place in your recipe rotation.