Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler: A Savory Comfort Food Delight

Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler is the epitome of comfort food—a hearty, flavorful dish that combines rich ground beef, creamy sauces, and a cheesy biscuit topping inspired by the famous Cheddar Bay biscuits. This casserole-style dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a warm and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.

Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler

Origins and Why You’ll Love It

The cobbler concept originated in British cuisine, where savory or sweet fillings are topped with a biscuit or scone-like crust. The Cheddar Bay variation draws inspiration from the iconic Cheddar Bay biscuits served at Red Lobster, adding a cheesy and garlicky twist to the traditional beef cobbler. Its combination of creamy textures and bold flavors makes it irresistible to all ages.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish:

For the Beef Mixture:

1.5 pounds ground beef
1 onion, diced
1 can (10.5 oz) cheddar cheese soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For the Biscuit Topping:

1 box Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups milk
1/4 cup melted butter
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Fresh parsley (optional)

Preparation Method

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned. Add diced onions and cook until softened. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in cheddar cheese soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and spread the beef mixture evenly in the dish.
Add Cheese: Mix in 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese with the beef mixture and sprinkle an additional 1/4 cup on top.
Make Biscuit Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk. Stir until smooth.
Layer Topping: Pour the biscuit batter over the beef mixture evenly.
Bake: Bake for 35–45 minutes or until the biscuit topping is golden brown.
Finish with Butter: Combine melted butter with garlic powder and parsley flakes. Brush this mixture over the baked cobbler.
Rest and Serve: Let the cobbler rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Cooking Tips

Avoid Overmixing: When preparing the biscuit batter, stir just until combined to keep it fluffy.
Drain Fat Properly: Ensure you drain excess fat from the cooked beef to prevent a greasy texture.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the biscuit topping; it should be golden brown but not overly dark.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using too much liquid in the beef mixture can make the dish runny.
Forgetting to grease the baking dish may lead to sticking.
Skipping the resting time after baking can result in a runny filling instead of a thickened sauce.

Serving Tips

Serve this cobbler warm with:

A side salad for freshness.
Steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli for added nutrition.
A dollop of sour cream or hot sauce for extra flavor.

Health Benefits of Ingredients

Ground Beef: A great source of protein and iron.
Cheddar Cheese: Rich in calcium and vitamin D for strong bones.
Onions and Garlic: Packed with antioxidants that boost immunity.
Milk: Provides essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin B12.

Interesting Facts

The term “cobbler” refers to its cobblestone-like appearance from unevenly spread toppings.
Cheddar Bay biscuits were first introduced by Red Lobster in the 1990s and have since become iconic comfort food.