If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, mouthwatering dish that’s as fun to say as it is to eat, look no further than the Beef and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe. This hearty casserole combines juicy, seasoned ground beef with gooey cheddar and mozzarella cheeses all wrapped up in tender, buttery biscuits that swim in rich melted butter. It’s the kind of recipe that brings warmth to your table and smiles to your dinner guests, blending classic flavors with simple ingredients to create something truly spectacular. Whether you’re after a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, these buttery, cheesy biscuits with savory beef filling deliver every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting the perfect Beef and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe is all about balancing simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a vital role in taste, texture, and that glorious buttery richness. From perfectly seasoned beef to the fluffy biscuit dough and irresistible cheese layers, every element comes together beautifully.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The hearty protein base that’s perfectly seasoned to bring savory depth.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a gentle spice and warmth.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Gives aromatic richness to the beef.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup + ½ cup optional): For that classic sharp cheesiness that melts wonderfully.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (½ cup optional): Adds creamy, gooey texture to the filling.
- Chopped green onions or chives (1 tablespoon optional): A fresh pop of flavor to brighten the beef mixture.
- All-purpose flour (2½ cups): The foundation of the biscuit dough, creating fluffy layers.
- Baking powder (1 tablespoon): Helps the biscuits rise perfectly soft and tender.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon): A subtle touch to balance the savory.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning the biscuit dough just right.
- Buttermilk (1¾ cups): Adds moisture and tang for tender, flavorful biscuits.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): The star of the butter swim, infusing richness and crispiness.
How to Make Beef and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Cheese Filling
Start by cooking your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and garlic powder as it cooks, letting those flavors soak in while you brown the meat perfectly. Once it’s fully cooked and browned, drain the excess grease for a cleaner bite. Then, stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and chopped green onions or chives if you’re using them. This filling is rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor — the heart of the dish.
Step 2: Make the Biscuit Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt to build the biscuit base. Slowly stir in the buttermilk until the dough just comes together, being careful not to overmix to keep it light and tender. If you’re craving extra cheesiness, fold in the optional ½ cup of cheddar at this stage. This dough will rise beautifully and encase the beef filling in soft, fluffy goodness.
Step 3: Assemble the Biscuits in the Butter Bath
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the melted butter into the bottom—this is the buttery swim your biscuits will take! Spoon half of the biscuit dough into the dish, gently spreading it into an even layer. Next, spread your luscious beef and cheese filling right over the dough, making sure it reaches the edges. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough on top and spread carefully to cover the beef layer, but don’t worry if it’s not perfect; it will spread and bake into a gorgeous topping.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your assembled dish into a preheated 450°F oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for golden brown biscuit tops that are cooked through, bursting with buttery crispness on the edges. Once out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes to allow the layers to settle and the flavors to meld beautifully before slicing.
How to Serve Beef and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, green onions, or even a drizzle of tangy sour cream can brighten the hearty richness of the Beef and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe. A dash of hot sauce or a flurry of crushed red pepper also adds a fun kick for spice lovers, perfectly complementing the savory layers.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, pair these biscuits with crisp green salads, roasted seasonal vegetables, or even a simple tomato soup for dipping. The fresh, light sides balance the buttery richness, creating a well-rounded and satisfying dinner experience everyone will adore.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress friends and family by serving the bake in rustic cast iron skillets for a charming, homestyle feel or use pretty ramekins to offer individual portions. You can also top each slice with a fried egg for a brunch twist or sprinkle with a little extra shredded cheese and broil just before serving for an irresistible crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (and usually there are), store them tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making each reheated serving even tastier.
Freezing
You can freeze the entire assembled dish before baking for up to 2 months. Just tightly cover the dish with foil and plastic wrap. When you’re ready, bake it from frozen at 375°F for about 45 minutes, checking to ensure it’s heated through and golden.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your Beef and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe is in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes to maintain that buttery crisp edge and keep the filling warm and melty. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the texture, but in a pinch, a quick zap is fine too.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella provide a classic combination of sharpness and creaminess, feel free to experiment with pepper jack for spice, gouda for smokiness, or even Swiss for a nutty touch. Just make sure the cheese melts well.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Beef and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Season them just like you would the beef for that savory depth, and you’ll have a delicious meat-free option.
Can I make the biscuit dough ahead of time?
You can prepare the biscuit dough up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready, bring it to room temperature before assembling to ensure even baking.
What’s the best way to add a spicy kick?
Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef while cooking or substituting pepper jack cheese for cheddar amps up the heat perfectly. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side for those who like it extra fiery.
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk in the biscuit dough?
Regular milk can work, but the tanginess and acidity of buttermilk help tenderize the biscuits and add subtle flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes to mimic the effect.
Final Thoughts
The Beef and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe is a joyful celebration of flavors, textures, and that wonderful comfort food feeling. It’s simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but special enough to share with company. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this buttery, cheesy, beefy casserole earns a permanent spot in the rotation of favorite recipes. So go ahead, dive into this delicious dish and watch smiles multiply!
Print
Beef and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Beef and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits recipe is a comforting and hearty casserole combining flavorful ground beef with a cheesy biscuit topping, all baked to a golden perfection. It’s perfect for an easy dinner that delivers rich, savory flavors with a soft, buttery biscuit crust.
Ingredients
For the Beef and Cheese Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions or chives (optional)
For the Biscuit Dough:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1¾ cups buttermilk
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
For the Butter Layer:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make the beef filling: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef seasoned with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until fully browned and cooked through, then drain any excess grease. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, optional mozzarella, and chopped green onions or chives if using. Set this savory filling aside.
- Prepare the biscuit dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Gradually stir in the buttermilk until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Fold in the optional shredded cheddar cheese to add extra cheesiness to the biscuits.
- Assemble the biscuits: Pour the melted butter into the bottom of the greased baking dish. Spoon half of the biscuit dough into the dish and gently spread it evenly across the bottom. Layer the prepared beef and cheese filling evenly over this dough layer. Then, drop spoonfuls of the remaining biscuit dough on top and gently spread to cover the beef layer. Don’t worry if it doesn’t completely cover the filling; the dough will spread during baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the biscuit layer comes out clean. Once baked, let the casserole cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing to allow it to set.
Notes
- Serve with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture or substitute pepper jack cheese for one of the cheeses.
- Ensure not to overmix the biscuit dough to keep the biscuits tender and flaky.
