Cheddar Bay Hamburger Casserole Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve the ultimate crispy exterior on the biscuits, make sure the oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature before sliding the skillet inside.

If the oven is not hot enough, the biscuits will spread instead of rising, resulting in a flatter, denser topping. Additionally, keeping the biscuit batter cold before baking helps create tiny steam pockets as they bake, which is the secret to a flaky, tender crumb.

If the biscuit tops are browning too quickly before the center is fully cooked, loosely tent a sheet of aluminum foil over the skillet for the final few minutes of baking.

This protects the crust from burning while allowing the heat to penetrate deep into the casserole. Always let the casserole rest for about ten minutes after baking; this allows the creamy beef sauce to thicken slightly, making it much easier to scoop and serve.

Variations

• Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar: Add diced fresh jalapeños to the beef filling while browning, and mix chopped pickled jalapeños into the biscuit batter for a spicy kick.
• Bacon and Mushroom: Stir chopped cooked bacon and sautéed sliced mushrooms into the beef mixture before adding the biscuit topping to add smoky depth.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze the baked casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat portions in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 minutes to restore the crispy biscuit texture, or microwave until hot.

Allow any leftovers to cool completely at room temperature for no more than two hours before storing. Place the remaining casserole in an airtight container, or cover the skillet tightly with plastic wrap or foil.

Keep it in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. To maintain the texture of the biscuits, avoid stacking heavy items on top of the container, which could crush the delicate crust.

The savory beef filling can easily be prepared up to a day in advance. Cook the beef and cheeses as directed, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the beef filling in the skillet on the stovetop until warm, then prepare the fresh biscuit batter, drop it on top, and bake as directed. Do not mix the biscuit batter ahead of time.

Serving ideas

Serve this comforting casserole hot, straight from the skillet, using a large spoon to scoop deep into the dish to capture both the creamy beef filling and a whole golden biscuit.

A side of roasted green vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, provides a wonderful contrast to the rich, cheesy flavors of the main dish. A crisp, simple garden salad dressed with a light vinaigrette also cuts through the richness beautifully.

For a complete family dinner, pair this skillet meal with a side of sweet corn or a warm bowl of tomato soup. The garlic-herb biscuits are perfect for dipping into soups or soaking up any extra savory gravy on the plate. To enhance the presentation, garnish the entire skillet with a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs or a few extra shreds of sharp cheddar cheese just before bringing it to the table.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Cheddar Bay Hamburger Casserole

Prep 20 minCook 25 minRest 10 minTotal 55 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb ground beef
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
• 1 package Cheddar Bay biscuit mix
• 1/2 cup butter, melted and divided
• 1 tsp garlic powder, divided
• 1 tsp dried herbs

Instructions

1. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef. Cook, stirring frequently to break the meat into small crumbles, until the beef is fully browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet.
2. Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the softened cream cheese, beef broth, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and a thick, creamy sauce coats the beef. Ensure the ground beef reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the Cheddar Bay biscuit mix, the seasoning packet from the mix, and 1/4 cup of the melted butter. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until a thick, sticky batter forms, then fold in the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Drop spoonfuls of the cheddar biscuit batter evenly over the hot, bubbling beef mixture in the skillet. Space the drops out so they partially cover the top of the beef, leaving small gaps for the steam to escape during baking.
5. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the biscuit tops are puffed, firm, and a deep golden brown, and the beef filling is bubbling vigorously around the edges of the skillet.
6. While the casserole bakes, mix the remaining 1/4 cup of melted butter, garlic powder, and dried herbs in a small bowl. Remove the skillet from the oven and immediately brush the hot biscuit tops generously with this garlic herb butter. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Contains: milk, gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

660

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

38 g

Fat

42 g

Fiber

1.5 g

Sugar

2 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.