It was a chilly evening, the kind where comfort food feels like the only answer. I’d just come in from running errands, craving something warm, filling, and just a little nostalgic. I remembered my grandmother’s old-school casserole—simple ingredients layered with love, baked until golden and bubbly.
So I pulled out the basics: ground beef, canned biscuits, some cheese, and a few pantry staples. Within the hour, the kitchen smelled like dinner at grandma’s—rich and savory, with that unmistakable warmth that only comes from a dish made to gather people around the table.
This Old-Fashioned Ground Beef and Biscuit Casserole brings back memories with every bite: golden biscuits soaking up a hearty beef filling, melted cheese stretching from the spoon, and that perfect balance of simplicity and flavor.
Short Description
This Old-Fashioned Ground Beef and Biscuit Casserole is classic comfort food—savory beef in a rich tomato gravy, topped with golden, fluffy biscuits and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Key Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) can tomato soup (or use homemade)
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count or 16 oz total)
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Tools Needed
- Large skillet
- 9×13” baking dish
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Oven
- Cheese grater (if shredding cheese fresh)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13” baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned. Drain excess grease, then stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 3: Make the sauce
Add tomato soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Layer the casserole
Pour the beef mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cheese over the beef.
Step 5: Add the biscuits
Evenly place the uncooked biscuit dough on top of the beef and cheese layer.
Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 7: Top and serve
Remove from oven, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and return to the oven for 3–5 minutes to melt. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Simple ingredients, big flavor
– Family-friendly and budget-friendly
– Classic comfort food with nostalgic vibes
– One-dish meal—easy to make and clean up
– Great for weeknight dinners or meal prep
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
1. Undercooked biscuits
→ Solution: Make sure the beef filling is hot when you add the biscuits, and bake uncovered so the tops crisp up. If needed, cover loosely with foil for the last few minutes to prevent over-browning while the centers cook.
2. Watery filling
→ Solution: Simmer the beef mixture until thick before adding it to the dish.
3. Dry or overcooked beef
→ Solution: Don’t overcook during the skillet step—just enough to brown and mix in flavors.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
– Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans
– Add a side of applesauce or fruit salad for contrast
– Perfect with iced tea or a glass of cold milk
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave or in a 350°F oven until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade biscuit dough?
Absolutely! Use your favorite biscuit recipe or even drop biscuits—just adjust the baking time as needed.
2. Can I swap the beef for another protein?
Yes—ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles work well too.
3. What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or a blend works great too.
4. Can I add veggies?
Yes! Sautéed mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers blend in beautifully.
Tips & Tricks
– Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor
– Lightly press biscuits into the filling for better texture
– Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat
– Spray foil with cooking spray if covering to prevent cheese from sticking
Recipe Variations
1. Tex-Mex Style
Add taco seasoning to the beef, swap tomato soup for salsa, and top with pepper jack.
2. Cheesy Veggie Version
Add sautéed spinach, zucchini, or corn to the beef mix and go heavy on the cheese.
3. BBQ Twist
Mix in BBQ sauce instead of tomato soup for a smoky flavor.
4. Sloppy Joe-Inspired
Use a Sloppy Joe mix or sauce with beef and top with biscuits and cheddar.
Final Thoughts
Old-Fashioned Ground Beef and Biscuit Casserole is the kind of dish that never goes out of style. It’s warm, hearty, and made with ingredients you probably already have. It reminds you of childhood dinners and Sunday suppers, bringing everyone to the table without a fuss.
One bite and you’ll see—it’s old-fashioned in the best way.