Cheddar Bay Hamburger Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Cheddar Bay Hamburger Casserole is the perfect easy weeknight dinner that combines savory ground beef with the irresistible flavors of Cheddar Bay biscuits. Ready in under an hour, it’s a comforting, family-friendly meal that everyone will love. If you enjoy cheesy ground beef dishes, you might also like this Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers Recipe for another quick dinner option.

Ingredients

This savory Cheddar Bay Hamburger Casserole combines seasoned ground beef with a creamy mushroom base, all crowned with cheesy, golden-brown biscuits that bake up fluffy and fragrant.

• 1 (7.5 oz) package Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	30 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes

Context: This Cheddar Bay Hamburger Casserole comes together about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it a great choice for a busy weeknight.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2 — Cook the Ground Beef and Onions

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef with 1 diced onion until the beef is browned and the onions are tender. Drain any excess fat for a less greasy Cheddar Bay Hamburger Casserole.

Step 3 — Prepare the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping

In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of biscuit baking mix with ⅔ cup milk, ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder. Stir just until combined—overmixing can make the topping tough.

Step 4 — Mix the Casserole Filling

To the cooked beef, add one can of condensed cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup sour cream, and 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables. Stir until everything is evenly coated and heated through.

Step 5 — Assemble the Casserole Layers

Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Drop spoonfuls of the Cheddar Bay biscuit dough over the top, covering most of the surface.

Step 6 — Bake to Perfection

Bake the Cheddar Bay Hamburger Casserole for 25–30 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the topping comes out clean.

Step 7 — Add the Buttery Garlic Topping

While the casserole is baking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and mix with ¼ teaspoon garlic powder and 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley. Brush this over the hot biscuits as soon as the casserole comes out of the oven.

Step 8 — Rest and Serve

Let the Cheddar Bay Hamburger Casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to scoop and serve neat portions.

Nutritional Information

Calories	485
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	32g
Fat	26g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	980mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Ground Turkey or Chicken — Lighter protein option that still provides savory flavor while reducing fat content
• Cauliflower Rice Base — Lower-carb alternative to traditional rice that absorbs the cheesy sauce beautifully
• Nutritional Yeast Topping — Dairy-free option that delivers cheesy flavor without actual cheese
• Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs — Perfect for the Cheddar Bay-style topping while accommodating dietary restrictions
• Reduced-Sodium Broth — Maintains moisture and flavor while cutting back on salt content
• Greek Yogurt Sauce — Creamy, tangy alternative to heavy cream sauces with added protein benefits
• Zucchini Noodles Layer — Vegetable-based substitute for pasta that adds nutrients and reduces carbs
• Lean Ground Beef (90/10) — Lower-fat beef option that preserves the classic hamburger casserole taste

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Cheddar Bay Hamburger Casserole with a crisp garden salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy flavors.
• Serve alongside steamed green beans or roasted broccoli for a complete, comforting meal.
• Perfect for casual family dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings where a crowd-pleasing dish is needed.
• For a fun twist, scoop the casserole into individual ramekins for personalized portions.
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
• Leftovers reheat beautifully for easy lunches throughout the week.

This Cheddar Bay Hamburger Casserole is a versatile main course that brings the beloved flavors of Cheddar Bay biscuits to a hearty, family-friendly dinner.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using lean ground beef, which can make the dish dry. Fix: Opt for 80/20 ground beef to ensure a juicy, flavorful Cheddar Bay Hamburger Casserole.
• Mistake: Overcooking the pasta, leading to a mushy texture in the final bake. Fix: Cook pasta al dente so it holds its structure when mixed and baked.
• Mistake: Skipping the step of draining excess grease from the beef. Fix: Always drain the fat after browning to prevent a greasy, unappetizing casserole.
• Mistake: Not seasoning the meat mixture adequately during cooking. Fix: Season the beef and onions while browning to build a deep, foundational flavor.
• Mistake: Using pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that can hinder melting. Fix: Shred block cheese yourself for a smoother, creamier cheese sauce.
• Mistake: Adding cold ingredients to the casserole, which increases baking time unevenly. Fix: Bring components like sauce and cheese to room temperature before assembling.
• Mistake: Overbaking the casserole, resulting in dried-out edges and a tough top. Fix: Bake just until bubbly and golden to maintain a moist interior.
• Mistake: Forgetting to let the Cheddar Bay Hamburger Casserole rest before serving. Fix: Allow it to set for 10 minutes so the layers firm up for cleaner slices.
• Mistake: Using a thin, watery sauce that doesn’t coat the ingredients properly. Fix: Thicken your sauce with a roux or cornstarch slurry for a rich, cohesive dish.
• Mistake: Neglecting to taste and adjust seasoning before baking. Fix: Always do a final taste test and add salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Cheddar Bay Hamburger Casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, or bake the entire casserole covered at 350°F until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Always use a food thermometer to ensure your Cheddar Bay Hamburger Casserole reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F when reheating.

Conclusion

This Cheddar Bay Hamburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory ground beef with cheesy, garlicky biscuit topping. We hope you love this easy, family-friendly meal! Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments. For more delicious ideas like our Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs Recipe or Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole Recipe, be sure to subscribe for updates.

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FAQs

Can I make Cheddar Bay Hamburger Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble this Cheddar Bay Hamburger Casserole a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.

What can I use instead of Bisquick for the Cheddar Bay biscuit topping?

You can use a homemade baking mix or another complete pancake/biscuit mix. The key is to use a mix that will create a fluffy, cheesy biscuit layer to top your Cheddar Bay Hamburger Casserole.

How should I store and reheat leftovers of this casserole?

Store leftover Cheddar Bay Hamburger Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven until warmed through.