Cheeseburger Biscuit Bake

This Cheeseburger Biscuit Bake is the ultimate answer for a weeknight dinner when you want pure comfort food without the fuss. It captures all the savory, cheesy goodness of a classic cheeseburger and transforms it into a hearty, scoopable casserole that brings everyone to the table in a hurry. It’s a fun and incredibly satisfying meal that feels both nostalgic and new all at once.

I first threw this together on a hectic Tuesday when I was short on time but wanted to make something special. The kids absolutely devoured it, and now it’s one of their most requested meals, which is a huge win in my book.

Ingredients

• One pound ground beef: an 80/20 blend provides the best flavor and juiciness for this dish
• One medium onion: a yellow or white onion works perfectly to build a sweet and savory flavor base
• One teaspoon garlic powder: a convenient way to add that essential robust flavor without any chopping
• One teaspoon onion powder: this deepens the overall savory notes of the meat mixture
• One half teaspoon salt: use fine sea salt or kosher salt to enhance all the other flavors
• One quarter teaspoon black pepper: freshly ground is always best for a little pop of spice
• One can refrigerated biscuit dough: look for a 16 ounce can of the classic buttermilk variety for the fluffiest topping
• Two cups shredded cheddar cheese: for that signature gooey cheeseburger melt, I highly recommend shredding a block of sharp cheddar yourself for superior results
• One quarter cup milk: whole milk adds the most richness and helps the biscuits steam to perfection

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Dish:

First things first, get your oven preheating to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While it comes to temperature, grab your 9x13 inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray or a light wipe with butter. This simple prep step is a lifesaver for easy serving and cleanup later.

Brown the Beef:

Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat apart as it cooks. Continue cooking until it's browned all the way through, which should take about 7 to 8 minutes. Carefully tilt the pan and spoon out any excess grease to keep the bake from becoming oily.

Cook the Aromatics:

Add the chopped onion, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper directly into the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir everything together well and let it cook for another 5 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the onions have softened and become translucent, which means they've released their flavor into the beef.

Assemble the Base Layer:

Spoon the entire beef and onion mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use your spatula to spread it out into a nice, even layer across the bottom. This creates the savory foundation for the whole casserole.

Add the First Cheese Layer:

Sprinkle one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the ground beef. This middle layer of cheese is what creates that incredible, gooey cheeseburger experience in every single bite.

Arrange the Biscuit Topping:

Pop open your can of biscuit dough. Take each biscuit and, using a knife or your hands, cut it into four equal pieces, or quarters. Arrange these biscuit pieces over the cheese, covering the entire surface. Don't worry about them being perfect; they will puff up and connect as they bake.

Add Moisture and the Final Cheese Layer:

Now, gently pour the milk all over the biscuit pieces. This might seem like an unusual step, but trust me, it’s the secret to keeping the biscuits incredibly soft and tender. Finish by sprinkling the remaining one cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the biscuits.

Bake Until Golden:

Carefully place the baking dish into your hot oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The bake is done when the biscuits are beautifully golden brown and puffed up, and the cheese is melted and bubbling deliciously around the edges.

Rest and Serve:

Remove the dish from the oven and let it stand on a cooling rack for at least 5 minutes. This is important as it allows the casserole to set, making it much easier to scoop. Serve warm with all your favorite burger toppings on the side.

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My favorite ingredient has to be the refrigerated biscuit dough. It’s such a clever shortcut that creates a perfect, fluffy topping with zero effort. I’ll never forget the first time I served this to a group of my son’s friends for a sleepover; there was complete silence as they ate, followed by a chorus of "Can we have more?"

Storing and Reheating

If you have any leftovers, they are fantastic the next day. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or place the entire dish back in a 350 degree oven until warmed through, which usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

This recipe is incredibly flexible. You can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option. Feel free to play with the cheese as well; Monterey Jack, a Colby blend, or even some pepper jack for a spicy kick would all be delicious. If you want to sneak in some extra veggies, adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture is a great idea.

How to Serve Your Bake

The best way to serve this dish is to set up a small toppings bar, just like you would for actual cheeseburgers. Put out bowls of shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped pickles, and onions. Don't forget the condiments like ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise. This lets everyone customize their own serving and makes the meal feel interactive and fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work perfectly as substitutes for ground beef. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked.

→ What's the best way to prevent the biscuits from being soggy?

Be sure to drain any excess grease from the ground beef after browning. Also, avoid over-pouring the milk; a light drizzle is all you need to help the biscuits bake properly.

→ Can I prepare this bake ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the milk just before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

→ What are some good topping suggestions?

Go classic with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickles, ketchup, and mustard. You could also try adding some sauteed onions or a drizzle of ranch dressing.

→ Can I add vegetables to the ground beef mixture?

Definitely! Diced tomatoes, green peppers, or even some chopped mushrooms would be great additions to the ground beef mixture. Saute them along with the onion until softened.

→ What's the best way to store leftovers?

Allow the bake to cool completely, then cover and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.