Can I make this recipe without using canned soups?

Yes, you can substitute the canned soups with a homemade cheese sauce. Make a roux with 4 tablespoons each of butter and flour, then whisk in 2 cups of milk and 2 cups of shredded cheese until smooth. Add 1/2 cup of sautéed mushrooms if you want to replace the mushroom soup flavor.

Is there a way to make this recipe lower in calories?

Absolutely! Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, reduced-fat soups, and 2% milk cheese. You can also make your own biscuit topping with whole wheat flour to increase the fiber content. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

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

Yes! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it covered. When ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time since you're starting with a cold dish. Just wait to add the butter topping until after baking.

What if I can't find Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix at my grocery store?

If you can't find the specific biscuit mix, you can use regular biscuit mix and add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley to the dry mix before adding the milk. It won't be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious!

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, divided (1 cup for filling, 1 cup for topping); 1 box Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix (with seasoning packet); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 cups milk; 1/4 cup butter, melted; Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

This Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler is the ultimate comfort food mashup you never knew you needed! Imagine juicy seasoned ground beef swimming in a rich, cheesy sauce, topped with fluffy cheddar biscuits that crisp up beautifully in the oven. It’s like a shepherd’s pie met Red Lobster’s famous biscuits and created the most delicious dinner ever. Ready in just over an hour, this hearty dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Comfort Food: The combination of savory beef, creamy cheese sauce, and buttery biscuit topping creates the perfect comfort meal that everyone will love.
One-Dish Wonder: Everything bakes together in a single baking dish, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.
Family Friendly: This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will devour. The familiar flavors come together in a new, exciting way.
Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare components ahead of time, making this perfect for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: The star protein that provides a hearty base. Lean ground beef works best to avoid excess grease, but you can use whatever you have on hand.
Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when cooked with the beef.
Garlic: Brings essential aromatic flavor that enhances the entire dish.
Cheddar Soup: Creates a rich, cheesy base for the filling without any fuss.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds creaminess and umami flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
Milk: Helps thin the filling to the perfect consistency while adding richness.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that let the other flavors shine.
Cheddar Cheese: Use a good quality sharp cheddar for the best flavor punch in both the filling and topping.
Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: The secret weapon that takes this cobbler to the next level with minimal effort.
Butter: Brushed on top for that authentic Cheddar Bay biscuit flavor and gorgeous golden finish.
Fresh Parsley: Optional but adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.

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 ground lamb for a shepherd’s pie twist. Vegetarians can substitute a plant-based ground meat alternative or use a mixture of mushrooms and lentils.

Soup Substitutions

If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of celery or another condensed soup. For a spicy kick, try using nacho cheese soup instead of cheddar.

Veggie Boost

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

Flavor Enhancements

Mix in some taco seasoning or Italian herbs to give the beef filling a different flavor profile. A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a tablespoon of tomato paste can add depth as well.

How to Make Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Brown the ground beef in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, adding the diced onions at the same time. Break up the beef well as it cooks until it’s fully browned and the onions are soft and translucent. Add the chopped garlic in the last minute of cooking.

Step 2: Create the Sauce

Once the beef is browned, add the cheddar soup, mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything thoroughly until well combined. Then fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted. Remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Base

Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Transfer the beef mixture to the baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle another cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the beef mixture.

Step 4: Prepare the Biscuit Topping

Pour the Cheddar Bay biscuit mix into a large mixing bowl, setting aside the seasoning packet for later. Add the remaining cup of shredded cheddar and milk to the bowl. Stir until the mixture is well combined with no large lumps. Pour this batter over the beef mixture in the baking dish, spreading it to cover completely.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

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

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch

While the cobbler is baking, mix the melted butter with the reserved seasoning packet from the biscuit mix. Once the cobbler is done, remove it from the oven and immediately brush this seasoned butter mixture over the top. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow the butter to soak in and the filling to thicken slightly. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix the Biscuit Topping: Mix just until combined for the fluffiest results.
Watch the Browning: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the biscuit topping during the last 10 minutes of baking. If it’s browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil.
Cheese Selection: Sharp or extra-sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but you can mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby for variety.
Let It Rest: Don’t skip the 5-minute rest after baking. This allows the filling to set up properly and makes serving much easier.
Season to Taste: Always taste your beef mixture before assembling and adjust seasonings if needed.

How to Serve

This hearty cobbler is practically a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to round out your dinner:

Simple Sides

Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cobbler.

Veggie Companions

Steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or glazed carrots make excellent vegetable sides that complement the flavors of the dish.

Dinner Party Worthy

For a more elegant presentation, serve individual portions in ramekins with a small side salad for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and improve overnight, making this an excellent choice for planned leftovers.

Freezing

This cobbler freezes beautifully! You can freeze the entire assembled but unbaked cobbler (minus the butter topping) for up to 3 months. Alternatively, freeze baked leftovers in individual portions for quick meals later.

For best results when freezing unbaked, thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until heated through. For a crispier top, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes. You can add a little sprinkle of fresh cheese on top before reheating for extra indulgence.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without using canned soups?

Yes, you can substitute the canned soups with a homemade cheese sauce. Make a roux with 4 tablespoons each of butter and flour, then whisk in 2 cups of milk and 2 cups of shredded cheese until smooth. Add 1/2 cup of sautéed mushrooms if you want to replace the mushroom soup flavor.
Is there a way to make this recipe lower in calories?

Absolutely! Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, reduced-fat soups, and 2% milk cheese. You can also make your own biscuit topping with whole wheat flour to increase the fiber content. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and bake it later?

Yes! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it covered. When ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time since you’re starting with a cold dish. Just wait to add the butter topping until after baking.
What if I can’t find Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix at my grocery store?

If you can’t find the specific biscuit mix, you can use regular biscuit mix and add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley to the dry mix before adding the milk. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

This Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler brings together simple ingredients to create something truly special. The combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and that famous biscuit topping creates a dish that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. Don’t be surprised when your family requests this weekly! It’s the kind of recipe that becomes part of your regular rotation because it’s delicious, satisfying, and brings everyone to the table with smiles on their faces. Give it a try tonight, and watch how quickly it disappears!