If you love hearty, comforting meals that come together with minimal effort, this Cheddar Bay Hamburger Casserole is going to be your new go-to dinner recipe. It’s a warm, savory bake filled with juicy ground beef, creamy sauce, melted cheese, and topped with fluffy, buttery Cheddar Bay biscuits. I made this recipe for a cozy family dinner, and everyone went back for seconds—the combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. It’s the perfect mix of a classic cheeseburger and a cheesy biscuit bake, all in one comforting dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cheddar Bay Hamburger Casserole takes the humble ground beef casserole to a whole new level of deliciousness. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of rich, savory flavor, thanks to a hearty beef base topped with Red Lobster-style Cheddar Bay biscuits. The biscuits bake up golden and buttery, soaking up just enough of the creamy sauce beneath. This casserole is easy enough for a busy weeknight but comforting enough for Sunday dinner. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal—no need for sides unless you want a fresh salad or green beans on the table.
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Cheddar Bay Hamburger Casserole – A Comforting, Cheesy Family Favorite
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Cheddar Bay Hamburger Casserole is a hearty, cheesy comfort food that combines juicy ground beef, a rich savory filling, and a golden, buttery Cheddar Bay biscuit topping. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner — easy to make, family-friendly, and full of flavor inspired by Red Lobster’s famous biscuits.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 (11 oz) box Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and onions are tender, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and combined.
- Pour beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, prepare the Cheddar Bay biscuit mix according to the package directions, using the included seasoning packet, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Spread or drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough evenly over the beef layer.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and cooked through.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter and garlic powder. Brush over the biscuit topping right after removing from the oven.
- Garnish with parsley or chives, let rest for 5 minutes, and serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or sausage for the beef for a different twist.
- Add frozen peas, green beans, or corn for extra texture and nutrition.
- For extra cheesiness, sprinkle more cheddar on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground Beef: The hearty base of the casserole. Use lean beef to avoid excess grease.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the beef mixture.
Garlic: Enhances the savory taste and adds aromatic depth.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates a creamy sauce that ties the casserole together.
Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and makes the filling rich and velvety.
Worcestershire Sauce: A splash deepens the meaty flavor and adds umami.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the casserole its gooey, cheesy goodness.
Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: The star topping—fluffy, cheesy, and buttery with a hint of garlic.
Milk: Combines with the biscuit mix for a light, tender texture.
Butter: Brushed on top of the baked biscuits for that signature Cheddar Bay flavor.
Parsley and Garlic Powder: For the buttery topping that completes the dish.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything together.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined, then stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the beef mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping
In a medium bowl, prepare the biscuit mix according to the package directions, using the recommended amount of milk and cheese. Spoon dollops of the biscuit dough evenly over the beef mixture.
Step 4: Bake
Bake the casserole uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Add the Buttery Topping
Melt butter in a small bowl and stir in garlic powder and chopped parsley. Brush the mixture over the hot biscuits as soon as the casserole comes out of the oven. Sprinkle with extra cheese if desired.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy the perfect bite of creamy beef, gooey cheese, and buttery biscuit in every forkful.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Perfect for serving 4–6 people as a hearty main course.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes. You can also freeze the casserole (baked or unbaked) for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the beef mixture for extra smokiness.
Spicy Version: Mix in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
Vegetable Boost: Add peas, corn, or mushrooms for more texture and nutrition.
BBQ Twist: Stir in a few tablespoons of BBQ sauce to the beef mixture for a sweet and smoky flavor.
Double Cheese Delight: Add a layer of mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese before topping with biscuits.
Tex-Mex Casserole: Add taco seasoning to the beef and top with a sprinkle of cilantro.
Turkey or Chicken Swap: Substitute the beef with ground turkey or shredded chicken for a lighter option.
Breakfast Casserole Version: Add scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage for a morning spin on this classic.
Loaded Potato Upgrade: Add a layer of mashed potatoes under the biscuits for a two-in-one comfort meal.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free biscuit mix and soup to make it celiac-friendly.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of Cheddar Bay mix?
Yes! Use your favorite biscuit recipe and add shredded cheddar and garlic powder.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole (without baking) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
3. Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
4. What sides go well with this dish?
A green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.
5. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, it works just as well and lightens up the dish.
6. Can I use other soups?
Cream of chicken or cream of cheddar soup also taste great.
7. How do I keep the biscuits from getting soggy?
Bake uncovered and ensure the beef mixture isn’t too watery before layering.
8. Can I make it spicier?
Yes—add hot sauce, chili flakes, or spicy cheese to the filling.
9. What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but you can mix with mozzarella or pepper jack.
10. Can I reheat it in the air fryer?
Yes, reheat slices at 350°F for 5–7 minutes for a crispy biscuit top.
Conclusion
This Cheddar Bay Hamburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every bite. It brings together the best parts of a juicy burger, creamy casserole, and buttery biscuits into one irresistible dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or potlucks, it’s hearty enough to satisfy everyone at the table. With its golden biscuit topping and creamy, savory filling, this casserole is bound to become a family favorite you’ll make again and again.
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