Bisquick and ground beef are a classic pairing for quick, hearty dinners that satisfy the whole family. The versatility of Bisquick makes it easy to whip up comforting casseroles, savory pies, and creative skillet bakes—all with minimal prep. This recipe for a Bisquick Ground Beef Bake is a perfect weeknight solution, with rich flavors, a golden biscuit topping, and plenty of room for customization.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, or your choice)
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed tomato soup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup Bisquick baking mix
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar 2-quart casserole.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft—about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, tomato soup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes, just until the vegetables are heated through and the flavors meld.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and evenly distributed.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the Bisquick baking mix, milk, and egg until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy.
- Pour or spoon the Bisquick batter evenly over the beef mixture. Use a spatula to spread it gently to the edges.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and cooked through. If desired, brush the top with melted butter during the last 5 minutes of baking for extra flavor and shine.
- Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to portion.
Tips
- Substitutions: You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter dish. For a vegetarian version, use a plant-based ground meat substitute and vegetable soup.
- Cheese Choices: Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or Pepper Jack all work well. Try mixing cheeses for extra flavor.
- Vegetable Options: Use any combination of frozen or fresh vegetables you like. Bell peppers, green beans, or mushrooms are great additions.
- Don’t Overmix: When making the Bisquick batter, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the topping tough instead of tender and fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
This Bisquick ground beef bake is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for added freshness. Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a restaurant-style touch. For a heartier dinner, serve with a side of garlic bread or roasted potatoes.
Variations
- Mexican-Style: Replace the Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, use salsa instead of tomato soup, and add black beans and corn. Top with Mexican blend cheese and serve with avocado and cilantro.
- Cheeseburger Pie: Skip the vegetables, use ketchup and mustard in place of tomato soup, and add chopped pickles. Top with extra cheddar and a sprinkle of sesame seeds on the biscuit topping.
- Breakfast Casserole: Substitute half the ground beef with cooked breakfast sausage, add diced bell peppers, and use a mix of cheddar and Swiss cheeses. Serve with hot sauce.
- Shepherd’s Pie-Inspired: Add more vegetables (like peas and carrots), and use brown gravy or beef broth thickened with a little flour instead of tomato soup. Top with Bisquick batter as usual.
Storage and Reheating
Let leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat refrigerated leftovers, place a serving on a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. For the whole casserole, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, until hot in the center. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use homemade biscuit mix instead of Bisquick?
- Yes, you can use any homemade biscuit mix that contains flour, baking powder, salt, and fat (such as butter or shortening). The proportions should be similar to Bisquick’s, and you may need to adjust the liquid slightly if your mix is drier or wetter.
- Do I need to cook the ground beef before baking?
- Yes, always cook the ground beef fully before adding it to the casserole. This ensures it is safe to eat and helps render out excess fat, which could make the dish greasy if left uncooked.
- Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
- Absolutely. Simply double all ingredients and assemble in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Baking time may increase by about 5-10 minutes; check that the biscuit topping is golden and cooked through before serving.
- What can I use instead of tomato soup?
- If you’re out of tomato soup, substitute with an equal amount of marinara sauce, pizza sauce, or even a homemade mixture of tomato paste and broth. For a creamier casserole, cream of mushroom soup is a tasty alternative.
- How do I know when the biscuit topping is done?
- The topping should be golden brown and firm to the touch. Insert a toothpick into the center of the biscuit layer; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready. If it’s still wet, bake for a few more minutes and check again.
- Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the beef and vegetable filling up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add the biscuit topping and cheese just before baking. This helps keep the topping light and fluffy instead of soggy.
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