
This Cheddar Bay Hamburger Casserole brings together juicy beef, cheddar cheese, and golden garlic butter biscuits in one comforting dish. It is a weeknight lifesaver that feels like indulgent comfort food but requires only a few steps and one pan. A creamy, cheesy beef base meets fluffy cheddar biscuits for a crowd-pleasing dinner everyone loves.
I stumbled on this combo while craving both cheeseburgers and biscuits one rainy evening. My family devoured it and now it is our go-to for cozy nights and gatherings.
Ingredients
- Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: creates the fluffy buttery topping that makes this casserole unique. Choose a mix with real cheddar chunks if possible
- Water: helps bring the biscuit mixture together and keeps it tender
- Cheddar cheese: adds sharp cheesy pop throughout. Shred from a block for best melt and flavor
- Ground beef: forms the savory base. Select 80 or 85 percent lean for juiciness
- Yellow onion diced: enhances sweetness and backbone of the filling. Look for firm onions with shiny skins
- Onion powder: adds a gentle savor that supports the actual diced onion
- Garlic powder: brings warmth and depth that make this taste like garlicky restaurant biscuits
- Salt and pepper: heighten all the other flavors. Taste and adjust as you go
- Cream of mushroom soup: creates a creamy binding sauce that holds the casserole together. Low sodium is a good choice to control the overall salt
- Sour cream: gives tang and extra richness. Full fat for best texture
- Butter melted for brushing on top: brings out bakery-style golden biscuits. Use real butter for the best flavor
- Cheddar Bay Garlic Herb Blend: finishes with that signature garlicky herby flavor. You can use dried parsley and a bit of garlic powder as a backup
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Biscuit Topping:
- Combine biscuit mix water and one cup of shredded cheese in a large mixing bowl. Do not overwork the dough. Mix just to combine then set aside to rest while you make the filling
- Brown the Beef and Onions:
- Heat a large skillet over medium high. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Break up the meat as it cooks for even browning. Keep cooking until no pink is left in the beef and onions are softened. Drain off as much grease as possible for a less greasy casserole
- Season and Blend in Creamy Elements:
- Sprinkle cooked meat with onion powder garlic powder salt and pepper. Stir in both cans of cream of mushroom soup sour cream and the remaining cup of cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is fully incorporated then use a spatula to smooth the top
- Add and Shape the Biscuit Topping:
- With a large spoon or ice cream scoop drop the biscuit mixture onto the filling in about five or six even blobs. The biscuits will expand as they bake so leave a little space between each
- Bake Until Golden:
- Place the whole pan in a preheated oven at four hundred twenty-five degrees. Bake for twenty to thirty minutes. You want the biscuits to be deeply golden and fully cooked through. If unsure check with a toothpick in the center
- Brush with Garlic Butter:
- Mix melted butter with the Cheddar Bay Garlic Herb Blend. Immediately after baking brush this mixture over the tops of the hot biscuits for irresistible shine and flavor

When I first used the Cheddar Bay mix on a casserole my son declared it better than any drive thru burger. Every time I make this I think of how it quickly became our cozy Sunday night tradition
Storage Tips
Let the casserole cool completely before covering tightly to store in the fridge. It will keep fresh for up to three days. To reheat bake uncovered at three hundred fifty degrees until warmed through or use a microwave for individual portions. For longer storage freeze tightly wrapped portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating
Ingredient Substitutions
Lean ground turkey or chicken works beautifully if you prefer to lighten things up. Any sharp cheese like Colby or Monterey Jack can stand in for cheddar. If you are out of sour cream use plain Greek yogurt. For the soup base you can swap in cream of chicken or even a can of cheddar soup for extra cheese pull

Serving Suggestions
This casserole needs just a crisp salad or simple green veggies on the side. Steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts work especially well. If you want to stretch it further serve with mashed potatoes or a scoop of coleslaw. For a bit of heat try a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top
Cultural Inspiration
Cheddar Bay biscuits became famous in American casual dining culture as a savory garlicky treat. Casseroles like this borrow that nostalgia and comfort combining it with everyday hamburger casserole sensibilities that go back generations. This dish feels familiar but just a bit more special thanks to the garlicky biscuit twist
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different biscuit mix?
Yes, but Cheddar Bay biscuit mix adds a unique flavor. Substitute with your favorite savory biscuit mix if preferred.
- → Do I need to pre-cook the beef?
Yes, brown the ground beef with onions before layering in the baking dish. This ensures proper texture and flavor.
- → How do I know the biscuits are cooked through?
Bake until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into a biscuit comes out clean, typically 20-30 minutes.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
You can assemble the meat mixture in advance, but add the biscuit topping and bake just before serving for best results.
- → What sides go well with this dish?
Fresh green salads, steamed vegetables, or sautéed greens balance the richness of this casserole.
- → Can leftovers be reheated?
Yes, store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.