Ground Beef Cobbler: A Comforting One-Pot Meal

Looking for a hearty and comforting dish that combines savory beef, vegetables, and cheesy biscuit topping? Ground Beef Cobbler is a perfect choice! This dish features ground beef cooked in a rich broth with mixed vegetables, all topped with a golden, fluffy biscuit crust. It’s an easy, flavorful meal that brings the warmth and satisfaction of comfort food to your table in no time.

Ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners, this dish is sure to please everyone. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make! In this article, we’ll walk you through the ingredients and instructions for making Ground Beef Cobbler, provide some advanced tips for perfecting it, and share storage, maintenance, and substitution ideas. You’ll also find answers to some frequently asked questions.

For more cozy, one-pot meals, check out this classic Shepherd’s Pie or this easy beef stew.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Ground Beef Cobbler: A Hearty, Comforting One-Pot Meal

Author: Jennifer Mitchell
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Ground Beef Cobbler is a savory, comforting dish that combines seasoned ground beef, mixed vegetables, and a creamy base, all topped with a buttery, cheesy biscuit crust. It’s a one-pan meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner, offering a great balance of flavors and textures. This hearty casserole is sure to be a family favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

1½ pounds lean ground beef
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 box cheddar bay biscuit mix (11.36 ounces)
2 cups milk
12 ounces frozen mixed vegetables
1 cup chicken broth (or beef broth)
10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup (1 can)

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and return the beef to the skillet.
Prepare the Sauce:
To the browned ground beef, add the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth (or beef broth), and frozen mixed vegetables. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Prepare the Biscuit Topping:
In a separate bowl, prepare the cheddar bay biscuit mix according to the package instructions, using 2 cups of milk. Stir until just combined (do not overmix).
Assemble the Cobbler:
Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Spoon the biscuit batter on top of the beef mixture, spreading it into an even layer. It doesn’t need to cover the entire surface perfectly, as the biscuits will spread as they bake.
Bake the Cobbler:
Drizzle the melted butter over the biscuit topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and cooked through.
Serve:
Let the Ground Beef Cobbler cool for a few minutes before serving. Spoon the savory filling and biscuit topping onto plates and enjoy!

Notes

Vegetable Options: Feel free to swap the mixed vegetables for your favorite frozen or fresh veggies like peas, carrots, or corn.
Biscuit Mix Substitution: If you don’t have cheddar bay biscuit mix, you can use regular biscuit mix and add shredded cheddar cheese for a similar flavor.
Make-Ahead Option: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Ground Beef Cobbler

Instructions:

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Prepare the Vegetable Mixture: To the cooked beef, add the frozen mixed vegetables and stir. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
Make the Sauce: Stir in the cream of chicken soup and chicken (or beef) broth. Add the milk and stir everything together. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Prepare the Biscuit Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the cheddar bay biscuit mix with the melted butter and the remaining milk. Stir until a soft dough forms.
Assemble the Cobbler: Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly spoon the biscuit dough over the top of the beef mixture. Try to cover most of the surface but don’t worry if it’s not fully covered—some gaps are fine.
Bake: Place the dish in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and cooked through.
Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Scoop out portions and enjoy the comforting combination of savory beef, vegetables, and biscuit topping.

Advanced Techniques

To elevate your Ground Beef Cobbler and make it even more flavorful, try these advanced techniques:

1. Add Fresh Herbs and Spices

While the dish is simple, you can boost the flavor profile by adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley. A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder can also add depth to the beef mixture.

2. Use Homemade Biscuit Dough

If you want to take it a step further, consider making your own biscuit dough from scratch. This will give the cobbler a more personalized, flaky topping. Replace the cheddar bay biscuit mix with a simple biscuit dough recipe that uses flour, baking powder, butter, milk, and cheddar cheese.

3. Brown the Beef in Stages

For a deeper flavor, brown the beef in stages. After browning the first batch of beef, deglaze the skillet with a splash of beef broth or wine to lift the fond (browned bits). This will help create a richer, more robust flavor in the final dish.

4. Experiment with Broths

Though chicken broth is commonly used, you can substitute with beef broth for a richer flavor. You can even add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the broth for added umami.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Here’s how to store and maintain your Ground Beef Cobbler for later enjoyment:

Storage:

In the Refrigerator: Once the dish has cooled to room temperature, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in the oven for best results.
In the Freezer: To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating Tips:

Microwave: For a quick reheat, microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through.
Oven: To reheat the whole dish, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cobbler is hot all the way through.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

If you need to adjust the recipe for dietary preferences, here are some substitutions you can make:

Gluten-Free Version:

To make this dish gluten-free, swap the cheddar bay biscuit mix for a gluten-free biscuit mix. Be sure the soup and broth are gluten-free as well, as some canned products contain wheat.

Dairy-Free Version:

To make this recipe dairy-free, use non-dairy milk (such as almond milk or coconut milk) in place of regular milk, and replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine or olive oil. You can also use a dairy-free cream of chicken soup.

Low-Carb/Keto Version:

For a keto-friendly version, replace the cheddar bay biscuit mix with a low-carb alternative, like a cauliflower-based biscuit or almond flour biscuit dough. Additionally, use a low-carb cream of chicken soup or make a homemade version with heavy cream and chicken broth.

Vegetarian Version:

For a vegetarian adaptation, replace the ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or a meat substitute like crumbled tempeh or tofu. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini or eggplant to make it heartier.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork. If you prefer a plant-based option, try using a meat alternative or lentils for a similar texture.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the beef and vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to top it with the biscuit dough and bake. You can also assemble the entire dish in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it when needed.

What can I serve with Ground Beef Cobbler?

Ground Beef Cobbler is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a simple side salad, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables to round out the meal.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Ground Beef Cobbler is the perfect comfort food that combines savory beef, vegetables, and a fluffy, cheesy biscuit topping. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish is an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. You can customize it based on your dietary needs and preferences, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing meal.

Whether you choose to follow the classic recipe or make your own variations, Ground Beef Cobbler is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy this warm, satisfying dish and share it with your loved ones!