Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole with Biscuit Top

This Cheddar Bay Ground Beef Cobbler transforms humble ground beef into a luxurious casserole, crowned with Red Lobster's iconic Cheddar Bay Biscuits. The dish combines two comfort food favorites - rich, cheesy ground beef and buttery, garlic-kissed biscuits - creating layers of flavor and texture that make this far more than just another casserole. Last week, I served this to guests who immediately asked for the recipe. The secret? Taking time to properly brown the meat and develop flavors at each stage.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

• Ground Beef: Choose 80/20 for best flavor and moisture. Lean beef can make the filling dry
• Onions: Yellow onions caramelize beautifully; dice them uniformly for even cooking
• Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for the filling and medium for the biscuits
• Soups: Both condensed soups provide body and creaminess. Don't dilute them
• Biscuit Mix: Red Lobster brand specifically; others won't give you that signature flavor

Through countless test batches, I've learned that layering different types of cheese creates the most complex flavor profile.

Detailed Cooking Instructions

1. Ground Beef Development (15-20 minutes)

Heat your pan until a drop of water sizzles and evaporates instantly. Add beef in sections, allowing space between pieces. Let it develop a deep brown crust before breaking apart. Cook onions in the beef fat until they're golden and translucent. Add garlic only in the final minute to prevent burning.

2. Sauce Creation (10 minutes)

Incorporate soups gradually, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Let each addition integrate fully before adding more. The mixture should bubble gently - watch for a slight reduction in volume and thickening. Add cheese in three stages, allowing each addition to melt completely.

3. Biscuit Topping Technique (10 minutes)

Mix biscuit batter with a light hand - overmixing creates tough biscuits. The batter should be slightly lumpy, similar to pancake batter. Pour in a spiral pattern from outside to inside for even coverage.

4. Layering and Assembly Process (15 minutes)

Spread beef mixture evenly, pressing slightly into corners. Add middle cheese layer while filling is hot to ensure melting. Pour biscuit batter in stages, allowing it to settle naturally.

5. Baking Environment

Position rack in center of oven. Bake at 350°F, rotating pan halfway through. Watch for golden brown biscuit tops and bubbling edges. The butter-seasoning finish should be applied the moment it comes out of the oven.

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Temperature and Heat Management

Maintain consistent 350°F throughout baking. The beef filling should gently bubble at the edges - rapid bubbling indicates too high heat. If biscuits brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil. Internal temperature should reach 165°F in the center, but test multiple spots as cheese pockets can give false readings.

Make-Ahead and Storage Strategies

Prepare filling up to 48 hours ahead, storing in an airtight container. Bring to room temperature before adding biscuit topping. For leftovers, cool completely before refrigerating. When reheating, cover with foil first, then uncover for final 5-10 minutes to re-crisp biscuits. Add a splash of cream if filling seems dry.

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Freezing Protocol

• Assemble without biscuit topping
• Freeze filling for up to 3 months
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator
• Make fresh biscuit topping when ready to bake
• Add 10-15 minutes to baking time if filling is cold

Advanced Troubleshooting

• Texture Problems:
  • If filling is too loose, simmer uncovered an extra 5-10 minutes before assembling.
  • For soupy filling, incorporate 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with cold milk.
  • If biscuits are dense, check milk temperature - too cold inhibits rising.

Variation Suggestions

Replace ground beef with Italian sausage for extra flavor depth. Add roasted mushrooms to filling for umami boost. Incorporate caramelized onions for sweetness. Experiment with cheese combinations - smoked gouda adds complexity.

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Final Professional Tips

Season at every stage - filling needs salt and pepper adjustments after cheese addition. Let casserole rest 15-20 minutes before serving; this allows filling to set and flavors to meld. For extra richness, brush biscuits twice with butter mixture, once immediately after baking and again after 5 minutes. Consider finishing with flaky sea salt for texture contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead?

You can prepare the beef mixture ahead, but add the biscuit topping just before baking for best results.

→ What if I can't find Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix?

You can use regular biscuit mix with added cheddar cheese and garlic seasoning.

→ Can I use ground turkey?

Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for a lighter version.

→ How do I know when it's done?

The biscuit topping should be nicely browned across the top after 50-55 minutes.

→ Why let it rest?

The 5-minute rest allows the butter to soak in and the filling to thicken.