Cheddar Bay Beef Cobbler is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender seasoned beef, a rich savory gravy, and a fluffy cheddar biscuit topping baked until golden. It’s a satisfying meal that feels cozy and indulgent while still being simple enough for a family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers bold, comforting flavors in one pan. The beef filling is deeply savory, the sauce is rich and warming, and the cheesy biscuit topping adds the perfect contrast in texture. It’s easy to prepare, filling, and ideal for nights when you want a comforting homemade meal without complicated steps.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the beef filling:
500 g ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the cheddar biscuit topping:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3/4 cup whole milk
For brushing:
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions
Preheat the oven to 190°C.
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir well. Add tomato paste, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Gradually pour in the beef broth and milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a smooth gravy. Remove from heat.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, then add the milk and mix just until combined.
Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough evenly over the beef filling.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is cooked through and golden.
Mix melted butter with garlic powder and brush over the biscuits immediately after baking.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time is about 20 minutes, baking time is 30 minutes, and total time is approximately 50 minutes.
Variations
You can add vegetables such as peas, carrots, or corn to the beef filling for extra texture and flavor. For a slightly spicy version, add a pinch of chili powder or crushed red pepper to the gravy. A blend of cheddar and mozzarella can also be used for a milder cheese topping.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 170°C until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. For best texture, cover loosely when reheating to prevent the biscuits from drying out.
FAQs
Can I make this cobbler ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef filling in advance and add the biscuit topping just before baking.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, any good melting cheese can work, but cheddar gives the best flavor.
Can I make this dish without an oven-safe skillet?
Yes, transfer the beef filling to a baking dish before adding the biscuit topping.
How do I know when the biscuits are fully cooked?
The biscuits should be golden on top and firm in the center when gently pressed.
Can I freeze Cheddar Bay Beef Cobbler?
It’s best frozen after baking and cooling completely. Thaw overnight before reheating.
What can I serve with this dish?
A simple green salad or steamed vegetables pair well with this cobbler.
Can I use ground chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground chicken works, but the flavor will be slightly lighter.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s mild, comforting, and usually enjoyed by all ages.
Can I make the biscuit topping by hand?
Yes, mixing by hand is recommended to avoid overworking the dough.
Why is my filling too thick?
If the filling thickens too much, stir in a small amount of warm milk or broth before baking.
Conclusion
Cheddar Bay Beef Cobbler is the ultimate comfort dish, combining savory beef and fluffy cheesy biscuits in one satisfying bake. It’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or whenever you’re craving something warm, filling, and homemade.
A cozy, one-pan comfort food classic featuring seasoned ground beef in savory gravy, topped with fluffy cheddar biscuits brushed with garlic butter. Perfect for family dinners and chilly nights.
Ingredients
For the beef filling:
500 g ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the cheddar biscuit topping:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3/4 cup whole milk
For brushing:
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Sprinkle flour over beef mixture. Stir in tomato paste, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Gradually add beef broth and milk, stirring constantly until thickened into a gravy. Remove from heat.
In a mixing bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in shredded cheddar. Add milk and stir until just combined.
Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough over the beef filling in the skillet.
Bake for 25–30 minutes until biscuit topping is golden and cooked through.
Mix melted butter with garlic powder and brush over hot biscuits. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Add peas, carrots, or corn for a veggie-packed variation.
Use chili powder for a spicy twist.
Swap in ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
Use a baking dish if your skillet isn’t oven-safe.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze after baking.
