Comfort food reaches new heights with this Cheddar Bay beef cobbler recipe. Imagine savory, tender beef filling, rich with onions, garlic, and herbs, topped with a golden, cheesy biscuit crust reminiscent of Cheddar Bay biscuits. Every bite is warm, satisfying, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or family gathering.
This dish combines the heartiness of a classic beef cobbler with the irresistible flavor of cheddar cheese and buttery biscuits. It’s the kind of recipe that keeps everyone asking for seconds a true “worth repeating” meal. Preparing it fills the kitchen with inviting aromas and guarantees smiles at the dinner table.
Ingredients List
For the Beef Filling
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef or stew beef, cubed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
For the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup buttermilk
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Substitution Suggestions
- Beef alternative: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Cheese alternative: Use mozzarella or pepper jack for variation.
- Dairy free: Replace butter with vegan butter and buttermilk with almond milk + lemon juice.
Dietary Swaps
- Gluten free: Use a gluten free flour blend for topping.
- Lower sodium: Use low sodium broth and reduce added salt.
Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Quick enough for weeknights but comforting and rich like a weekend meal.
How to Make It
Step 1. Prepare the Beef Filling
In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add onions and garlic; sauté until softened. Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in frozen peas and carrots.
Step 2. Prepare Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in cheddar cheese. Add buttermilk gradually until dough forms.
Step 3. Assemble Cobbler
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour beef filling into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Drop biscuit dough by spoonfuls over filling, covering most of the surface.
Step 4. Bake
Bake for 25 30 minutes until biscuits are golden and cooked through, and beef filling is bubbling.
Step 5. Serve
Let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm for a hearty, comforting meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approx.)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
This dish is rich in protein and flavor, perfect for a satisfying dinner that warms the heart.
Healthier Alternatives
- Use lean beef or turkey for lower fat.
- Reduce butter in topping slightly and increase whole-grain flour.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for more nutrients.
- Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the rich filling.
- Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday meals.
- Leftovers can be reheated and enjoyed the next day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing biscuit dough, which makes topping tough.
- Dropping biscuits too far apart, leaving filling exposed.
- Underbaking, which leaves biscuits doughy.
- Not letting cobbler rest for a few minutes before serving.
Storing Tips
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to three days.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to maintain biscuit crispness.
Make-Ahead
Prepare filling ahead and store in fridge; assemble and bake when ready.
Freezing
Freeze unbaked cobbler for up to one month; thaw overnight before baking.
Conclusion
This Cheddar Bay beef cobbler recipe is a family pleasing, comforting dish that combines hearty beef filling with a cheesy biscuit topping. Every bite is warm, flavorful, and utterly satisfying, making it a recipe you’ll want to repeat again and again.
Bring this dish to your table for a memorable, comforting dinner that everyone will love.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use stew beef instead of ground beef?
Yes, cut into small cubes and cook until tender before adding to filling.
2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, use plant based meat or mushrooms instead of beef.
3. Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate before baking.
4. Can I freeze baked cobbler?
It’s best to freeze unbaked baked biscuit topping may lose texture.
5. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded melts more smoothly.
6. Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms are excellent additions.
7. Can I make it spicy?
Yes, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the beef filling.