One-Pan Cheddar Bay Hamburger Casserole Step-by-step instructions

Before you start

Before you begin cooking, ensure all your ingredients are measured and ready. If you are using a block of cheddar cheese, shred it manually to ensure it melts smoothly. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it is ready once the assembly phase is complete.

Clear your workspace to allow for easy movement between the stove and the oven, and keep your oven mitts within reach, as the skillet handle will become extremely hot during the cooking process.

Instructions

Browning the beef

1. 1Prepare the beef base
   Place the cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until no longer pink and fully browned. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to guarantee it is safely cooked through.
   Look for The beef should be deeply browned and no longer pink.
   Safe temperature 160°F (71°C) internal temperature (ground meat)
   Tip Drain excess fat if the beef is particularly fatty before proceeding to the next step.

At the end of this phase, the beef should be uniformly browned with no visible pink sections. The fat should be rendered and the pan should smell savory. If there is an excessive amount of liquid, briefly simmer it to reduce the volume before adding the biscuits, as this ensures the base is thick and flavorful rather than watery.

Assembling the topping

2. 2Assemble the casserole
   Reduce the heat to low. Gently arrange the biscuit dough pieces evenly over the cooked ground beef mixture in the skillet. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the biscuits.
   Look for The cheese should cover the biscuits completely to create a melted crust.
   Tip Ensure the biscuits are spaced slightly apart to allow room for them to rise during the cooking process.

Once assembled, the biscuits should be arranged in a single layer, touching the beef base but not overlapping significantly. The cheese should be distributed evenly, covering both the biscuits and any exposed beef. Check that the edges of the biscuits are not pushed too hard against the sides of the skillet, which allows them to expand naturally as they bake.

Baking until golden

3. 3Bake until golden
   Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted throughout, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
   Look for The biscuit tops will be golden brown and the cheese will look bubbly.
   Tip Use a heavy-duty oven mitt when handling the hot cast-iron skillet.

The final phase is complete when the entire surface of the casserole is golden and the aroma of toasted bread and melted cheese fills the kitchen. The biscuits should look puffed and feel firm to the touch.

Let the skillet rest for five minutes, which allows the juices to settle and makes it much easier to scoop out portions without the casserole falling apart.

Common mistakes

A common mistake is overcrowding the skillet with too many biscuits, which prevents them from cooking evenly and rising properly. Ensure there is enough space for the air to circulate.

Another error is using cheese that has been treated with anti-caking agents, which can lead to a grainy texture rather than a smooth melt. Finally, avoid rushing the browning process of the beef, as this step is responsible for the majority of the dish's savory flavor profile.

How to tell it’s done

The casserole is finished when the biscuit tops are a deep golden brown and the cheese has melted into a cohesive, bubbling layer. Use a toothpick to check the center of a biscuit; it should come out clean, indicating the dough is fully cooked through.

The ground beef should be fully browned throughout the process, reaching an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) to ensure it is safe to consume.

• Ground meat: 160°F (71°C) in the thickest part