If you have a hankering for comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you are going to adore this Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe! It’s a fantastic twist on a classic cobbler, swapping sweet fruit for a savory, rich filling of ground beef and hearty vegetables, all topped with fluffy, cheesy biscuits that boast that irresistible garlic-parsley kick. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each element is essential, contributing layers of flavor, texture, or color that come together seamlessly to create a comforting, family-friendly dish.
- Ground beef: The hearty base that brings rich, savory flavor and protein to the dish.
- Onion and garlic: Aromatics that build depth and a warm, inviting fragrance.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: A colorful medley that adds sweetness and texture.
- Beef broth: Keeps the filling moist and enhances the umami.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds a touch of acidity and juiciness for balance.
- Worcestershire sauce: A subtle boost of tangy, savory complexity.
- Dried thyme: Herbal notes that lift the savory flavor profile.
- Flour, baking powder, and spices: The building blocks for the fluffy biscuit topping with a savory twist.
- Butter: Adds richness both in the dough and as a flavorful finishing brush.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: The star ingredient in the topping that melts into cheesy, golden goodness.
- Milk: Binds the biscuit dough into a tender, moist topping.
- Garlic powder and dried parsley for topping: A final flourish that gives the biscuits that signature Cheddar Bay flavor.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), so it’s perfectly ready when you finish your filling. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial as it builds the fundamental savory flavor for the dish.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. This gentle sauté adds a sweet and aromatic base that complements the beef.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Seasonings
Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, beef broth, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the whole mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This simmering melds the flavors perfectly and makes the filling juicy yet thick enough to hold under the biscuit topping.
Step 4: Make the Biscuit Topping
While the filling simmers, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bowl. Cut in the cold cubed butter until the texture resembles coarse crumbs—this will create delightful flakiness. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, then gradually mix in milk until a soft dough forms. This cheesy topping will bake into golden, tender biscuits that crown the cobbler delightfully.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spread the savory beef and vegetable mixture evenly in a 9×9-inch baking dish. Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough over the top, covering as much surface as you can. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the biscuits are puffed and golden brown—a sure sign your cobbler is ready.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch
While the cobbler bakes, mix melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley. As soon as it comes out of the oven, brush this fragrant buttery mixture generously over the hot biscuits. This step seals in moisture and delivers that classic Cheddar Bay Biscuit flavor everyone loves.
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of shredded cheddar cheese over the top just before serving adds a pop of color and extra cheesiness that visually and flavor-wise elevates this comforting dish.
Side Dishes
This cobbler shines on its own, but pairing it with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables adds a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, steamed broccoli or a crisp coleslaw can brighten the plate and balance the richness of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the cobbler in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. It also makes portion control easier and keeps the biscuit topping fluffy and warm until the last bite. Alternatively, this recipe is fantastic for potlucks—baked in a large dish and served straight from the oven.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy nights.
Freezing
This dish also freezes beautifully. For best results, assemble the cobbler but do not bake it. Wrap the entire unbaked dish tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed until the topping is golden and the filling bubbly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, to keep the biscuit topping moist and tender. Microwaving is quicker but may soften the biscuits, so it’s best reserved for last-minute bites.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe for a lighter twist. Just be mindful that turkey can cook faster and might need a bit less cooking time initially.
What if I don’t have frozen mixed vegetables?
No problem! Fresh vegetables like peas, carrots, corn, or even green beans can be chopped and added. Just make sure to soften them slightly before assembling to maintain the right texture in the filling.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
You can swap out the ground beef for your favorite plant-based crumbles or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a satisfying vegetarian version.
Can I prepare the biscuit topping in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the biscuit dough a few hours ahead and keep it chilled in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before assembling so it’s easier to drop over the filling.
How do I ensure the biscuit topping cooks through without burning?
Make sure your biscuit dough pieces are evenly sized and not too thick. Baking at 375°F ensures a golden color while thoroughly cooking the topping, but if it browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil partway through baking.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say the Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe is an absolute game-changer in the world of cozy meals. It brings together beloved flavors in a dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a family or wanting a hearty comfort food fix, this cobbler is an absolute must-try. So, roll up your sleeves, gather those simple ingredients, and let this dish become your new favorite weeknight hero!
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Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler is a comforting and hearty casserole featuring a savory ground beef and vegetable filling topped with cheesy, fluffy biscuits inspired by the classic Cheddar Bay Biscuit flavors. Baked to golden perfection, it makes a perfect weeknight meal that combines protein, vegetables, and a delicious biscuit crust all in one dish.
Ingredients
Beef Filling
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Biscuit Topping
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
Topping Finish
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Filling: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until it browns, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking them until softened, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
- Simmer the Filling: Add the frozen mixed vegetables, beef broth, drained diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors, then remove it from the heat.
- Make the Biscuit Topping: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold cubed butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Gradually add the milk, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Assemble the Cobbler: Spread the beef filling evenly in a 9×9-inch baking dish. Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough over the top, covering the filling as best as possible.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley. Brush this mixture over the hot biscuits as soon as they come out of the oven. Allow the cobbler to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the butter for the biscuit topping is very cold to achieve a flaky texture.
- Feel free to use fresh vegetables instead of frozen if preferred, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef filling.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain the biscuit crispiness.
- This recipe is easily doubled for a larger crowd—just use a bigger baking dish and adjust baking time accordingly.
