Hey there, my lovely cooking friends! Today, I’m thrilled to share with you one of my all-time favorite comfort dishes: **Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler**. This recipe isn’t just delicious – it’s an absolute hug in a casserole dish that reminds me of cozy family dinners spent around the table. You know those evenings when you’ve had a long day, and the thought of cooking feels like climbing a mountain? Well, this dish comes to the rescue with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
I still remember the first time I made this gem. It was a chilly, rainy evening, and I wanted something hearty and warm to brighten the mood. I threw together a melange of ingredients I had lying around, and voilà – the entire house smelled divine! My partner came home, took one whiff, and couldn’t get to the table fast enough. This Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler has been a staple in our home ever since. It’s got the comforting richness of ground beef, the creamy goodness of mushroom soup, and a cheesy biscuit topping that might just make your heart sing. Let’s dive into how to whip up this warm embrace in a dish!
What’s in Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler?
Ground Beef: The star of the show! I usually opt for lean ground beef to keep things a bit lighter without sacrificing flavor.
Onion: Diced finely, it adds a lovely sweetness and aroma to our filling.
Garlic: Because let’s be honest, garlic makes everything better! Minced fresh garlic is my go-to here.
Mushrooms: I love using fresh mushrooms, which bring an earthiness to the dish. But, if you have canned or dried mushrooms, those work too!
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is the creamy backbone of our dish. I like to use a reduced-sodium version to keep things healthier.
Beef Broth: Adds depth and richness. A homemade broth is fantastic, but store-bought works wonders too when you’re short on time.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: The convenience factor! It’s a colorful way to sneak in some veggies. I often grab a mix of peas, carrots, and corn.
Worcestershire Sauce: This tangy condiment adds a beautiful umami kick that elevates the whole dish.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheesy goodness is what makes this cobbler special! I like sharp cheddar for that extra zing.
Buttermilk Biscuit Mix: The easy way to get that flaky topping without spending hours making biscuits from scratch.
Milk: Needed for the biscuit mix to create that beautiful, fluffy topping.
Melted Butter: This adds richness and helps create that golden crust.
Garlic Powder: An easy way to impart garlic flavor into the biscuit topping without any extra chopping.
Dried Parsley: Just a sprinkle on top for freshness and color!
Is Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler Good for You?
Absolutely, but like all things, moderation is key!
Ground Beef: It’s a fantastic source of protein, providing essential amino acids. Stick with lean options to keep your meal lower in saturated fat.
Onions and Garlic: Packed with antioxidants and great for heart health. They also add flavor without extra calories – win-win!
Mushrooms: Low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals, mushrooms are a great addition for umami flavor and nutrition.
Mixed Vegetables: Total powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and fiber! You’re sneaking in some necessary greens here, which is always a plus.
However, beware of the sodium content if you’re watching your salt intake, especially with the soup and broth. I recommend low-sodium versions when available. So yes, it can be a comforting, delicious, and nutritious meal when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet!
Ingredients for Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler (Serves 6)
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 cup onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 2 cups buttermilk biscuit mix
– 1 cup milk
– 1/4 cup melted butter
– 1 tbsp garlic powder
– 1 tbsp dried parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Don’t forget to drain the excess grease to keep it from being too greasy.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion means business and turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and let them soften for an additional 2-3 minutes. Trust me; they’ll soak up all that beefy goodness.
5. Add the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, frozen mixed veggies, Worcestershire sauce, and season generously with salt and pepper. Mix everything up and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
6. Pour that fragrant beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. I promise it smells divine at this point!
7. In a separate bowl, combine the biscuit mix, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, and half of that lovely shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until just combined – we don’t want to overwork it!
8. Spoon the biscuit batter over the beef mixture in the baking dish. Spread it out evenly, but hey, don’t stress if it doesn’t cover every inch.
9. Top it off by generously sprinkling the remaining cheddar cheese over the biscuit layer. Because more cheese is always a good idea!
10. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the biscuit topping turns a glorious golden brown and is cooked through.
11. Once baked, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes – I know it’s tough, but your taste buds will thank you! Garnish with dried parsley before digging in.
Comforting Variations and Serving Suggestions
This dish is great because you can customize it to your heart’s content! Here are a few ideas to keep the creativity flowing:
– If you’re a fan of spice, throw in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for that extra kick.
– Add a layer of cooked bacon for an unapologetically delicious twist!
– Switch up the veggies based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. Broccoli and bell peppers are fantastic substitutes.
– Serve with a simple side salad or some fresh greens to balance the richness of the dish.
And there you have it! A delightful, cozy meal that’ll have your family asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds). I promise you’ll love every cheesy, meaty bite of this Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler. So don’t hold back; give it a try and let me know how it goes! Happy cooking!
