Is there anything more comforting than a warm, hearty casserole on a chilly evening? But let’s be honest, we’ve all experienced the disappointment of a beef biscuit bake where the biscuits end up a soggy, unappetizing mess. Fear not! This recipe is your secret weapon for achieving the perfect beef biscuit bake every single time. The secret lies in a simple technique that ensures your biscuits are golden brown, fluffy, and delightfully crisp – never soggy!
Why You’ll Love This Beef Biscuit Bake
This recipe is a true winner for several reasons:
- Comfort Food Perfection: It’s warm, savory, and incredibly satisfying. A true crowd-pleaser!
- Say Goodbye to Soggy Biscuits: Our unique method guarantees perfectly cooked biscuits, light and fluffy on top, and never mushy underneath.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your liking with different cheeses, spices, or vegetables.
- Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will enjoy this delicious and comforting meal.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Beef Biscuit Bake
The beauty of this beef biscuit bake lies in its simplicity, using readily available ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. We’re building layers of flavor and texture, from the savory beef base to the cheesy biscuit topping. Let’s talk about what you’ll need.
- The Hearty Base: You’ll need 1 pound of ground beef. I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and moisture, but you can use leaner ground beef if you prefer. Remember to drain off any excess grease after browning! We also need aromatics to build flavour: one medium onion, chopped and 2 cloves of garlic, minced. These create a foundation of savory goodness.
- The Tomato Trio: A combination of one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes, undrained and one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce will give the bake that classic comforting tomato flavor. Using diced tomatoes undrained keeps the mixture nice and moist. Also, make sure you are using good quality diced tomatoes to have a great bake.
- Herbs and Spices: Don’t underestimate the power of herbs and spices! We’re using 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and ½ teaspoon of dried basil for a touch of Italian flair. Of course, salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the beef mixture to perfection.
- The Biscuit Topping: The star of the show! You’ll need one 16-ounce can of refrigerated biscuit dough. I prefer the flaky layers variety for extra flakiness, but any type of refrigerated biscuit dough will work. We’re also using 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for that irresistible cheesy goodness. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella.
- The Finishing Touches: A little milk (about 2 tablespoons) brushed on top of the biscuits will help them brown beautifully. We’ll also use 1 tablespoon of melted butter, brushed on before baking, to give them a rich, golden color. And finally, some chopped parsley for garnish (optional, but it adds a nice pop of color and freshness).
Crafting Your Beef Biscuit Bake: Step-by-Step
Ready to create a beef biscuit bake that will have everyone asking for seconds? This recipe is designed to be simple and foolproof, with one key trick to prevent those dreaded soggy bottoms. Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a warm, comforting casserole in no time!
- Preheat and Prep: First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Getting the oven to the right temperature is crucial for ensuring even baking and perfectly cooked biscuits. While the oven is heating, grab your favorite 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef over medium-high heat. Be sure to break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy bake!
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook until the onions are softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step infuses the beef with delicious flavor.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Assemble the Base: Pour the beef mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly to create a consistent base for the biscuits.
- The Secret Step (No More Soggy Bottoms!): This is the game-changer! Place a metal baking rack on top of the baking dish. Arrange the biscuits on the rack, leaving a little space between each. This allows air to circulate around the biscuits, preventing them from getting soggy from the beef mixture. Make sure the rack sits securely on the edges of the dish.
- Brush with Butter: Brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter. This will help them brown beautifully and add a touch of richness.
- First Bake: Bake for 15 minutes. This initial bake sets the biscuits and gives them a head start on browning.
- Add the Cheese: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Carefully remove the baking rack with the biscuits. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture. Don’t be shy with the cheese!
- Return the Biscuits: Place the biscuits back onto the dish, arranging them on top of the cheese. This allows the cheese to melt into the beef mixture and hold the biscuits in place.
- Milk Wash: Brush the tops of the biscuits with milk. This final touch will help them achieve a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Final Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through. The biscuits should be puffy and cooked all the way through, test using a toothpick.
- Garnish and Rest: Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness. Let the bake stand for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the biscuits to cool slightly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Dig in and savor every bite of your perfectly baked, non-soggy beef biscuit bake!
Tips for a Perfect Beef Biscuit Bake Every Time
Want to ensure your beef biscuit bake is a resounding success? Here are a few extra tips and tricks to help you achieve perfection every time.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When browning the ground beef, don’t overcrowd the skillet. Brown the beef in batches if necessary to ensure it browns evenly and doesn’t steam.
- Properly Drain the Beef: Thoroughly drain off any excess grease after browning the beef. This will prevent the bake from becoming greasy and heavy.
- Use a Good Quality Baking Dish: A good quality baking dish will distribute heat evenly, ensuring that your bake cooks properly.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check the biscuits for doneness. If the toothpick comes out clean, the biscuits are cooked through.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the bake to rest for 5 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld and the biscuits to cool slightly, making it easier to serve.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a touch of heat. You could also add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor.
What to Serve With Beef Biscuit Bake
While this beef biscuit bake is delicious on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. For a simple and refreshing side, consider a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. A side of steamed green beans or roasted broccoli would also complement the bake nicely. For a heartier meal, you could serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes. If you are looking for another side, consider this creamy cauliflower broccoli salad with smoked paprika dressing.
Your Beef Biscuit Bake Questions Answered (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for ground beef, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey or ground chicken. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is cooked through. For a vegetarian option, consider using a plant-based ground meat substitute. To add more vegetables, consider this savory zucchini fritters recipe.
Can I use homemade biscuits instead of refrigerated biscuit dough?
Yes, you can definitely use homemade biscuits! Just be sure to use a recipe that yields biscuits that are similar in size and thickness to refrigerated biscuits. You may also need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on them. You can also use a simple cloud nine doughnuts with secret butterscotch drizzle.
Can I make this beef biscuit bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the beef biscuit bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through. You can check out this golden garlic parsley fries recipe.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover beef biscuit bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Enjoy Your Homemade Beef Biscuit Bake!
There you have it – a foolproof recipe for a beef biscuit bake that’s guaranteed to be a hit! With its savory beef filling and perfectly cooked biscuits, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Now that you know how easy it is to make, why not give it a try tonight? Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. And if you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends and family!
Beef Biscuit Bake (Stops Soggy Bottoms!)
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (16 ounces) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour the beef mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- *The Secret Step (Stops Soggy Bottoms!):* Place a metal baking rack on top of the baking dish. Arrange the biscuits on the rack, leaving a little space between each. This allows air to circulate around the biscuits, preventing them from getting soggy from the beef mixture.
- Brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven, carefully remove the baking rack with the biscuits, and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
- Return the biscuits to the dish, placing them on top of the cheese.
- Brush the biscuit tops with milk.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.