Beef and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits

Imagine biting into a golden, buttery biscuit packed with savory ground beef and melted cheese—pure comfort in every bite! Beef and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits take classic biscuits to the next level by baking them in a pool of rich, melted butter, ensuring crisp edges, a tender center, and incredible flavor. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick dinner when you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and satisfying.

Unlike traditional biscuits that require rolling and cutting, butter swim biscuits are made with a simple batter that’s spread into a pan and baked whole. The result? A fuss-free, pull-apart biscuit that soaks up the buttery goodness while staying fluffy inside. The addition of seasoned ground beef and gooey cheese makes this dish a complete meal in itself. Serve these biscuits with eggs for breakfast, a side salad for lunch, or just enjoy them on their own as a delicious snack.

Why You’ll Love Beef and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits

• Super Easy to Make – No kneading or rolling required, just mix, pour, and bake!
• Buttery, Crispy Edges – Baking in butter ensures golden, crispy edges with a soft, fluffy center.
• Savory and Cheesy – Loaded with seasoned beef and melty cheese for extra flavor.
• Great for Any Meal – Perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
• One-Pan Wonder – Everything bakes in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
• Customizable – Add extra toppings like jalapeños, bacon, or different cheeses to switch up the flavors.

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 9 biscuits

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 360
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 14g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

Ingredients for Beef and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits

• For the Biscuit Dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or whole milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar)

• For the Beef Mixture:

  • ½ pound ground beef
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• Cheese & Butter:

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Beef and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Butter

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Pour the melted butter into an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish, ensuring it coats the bottom evenly. Set aside while you prepare the dough and filling.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and dried oregano. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Biscuit Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and sugar. Pour in the buttermilk and gently mix until just combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky—avoid overmixing, as this can make the biscuits dense.

Step 4: Assemble the Biscuits

Gently fold the cooked ground beef and shredded cheddar cheese into the biscuit dough, mixing just until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Spread the Dough in the Buttered Pan

Transfer the biscuit dough into the prepared buttered baking dish, spreading it evenly. Use a spatula or lightly greased hands to press it into an even layer. The dough will be soft but will bake into fluffy, pull-apart biscuits.

Step 6: Score the Biscuits

Using a butter knife, gently score the dough into 9 squares (this helps with easy cutting after baking). The butter may pool around the edges—this is what creates the crispy, buttery crust!

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are crispy. If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the biscuits cool slightly before cutting along the scored lines. Sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh finish. Serve warm and enjoy!

Ingredient Background

All-Purpose Flour

Flour is the base of these biscuits, providing structure and texture. All-purpose flour works best because it offers a balance between softness and structure, ensuring the biscuits rise well while staying tender. If you prefer a slightly heartier texture, you can substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour.

Ground Beef

Ground beef adds a rich, savory flavor to these biscuits, making them more than just a side dish. Using an 80/20 blend (80% lean, 20% fat) ensures a juicy and flavorful filling. For a leaner option, you can use 90/10 beef or even swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese provides a gooey, melty texture that enhances every bite. Sharp cheddar adds a bold flavor, while mild cheddar keeps the taste more subtle. Other great options include Monterey Jack for extra creaminess or pepper jack for a spicy kick.

Butter

Butter is what makes “butter swim” biscuits so special. Baking the biscuits in a pool of melted butter results in crispy edges and a tender, flaky interior. The butter also helps prevent sticking, eliminating the need for extra greasing. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use European-style butter, which has a higher fat content.

Technique Tips for Beef and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits

Getting the Perfect Biscuit Texture

For light and fluffy biscuits, avoid overmixing the dough. Overworking the flour can lead to dense, tough biscuits. Mix just until the ingredients are combined—it’s okay if the dough looks a little lumpy!

Preventing a Greasy Texture

While butter is key to these biscuits, using too much can make them overly greasy. Stick to the recommended amount, and if you want to reduce the butter slightly, you can cut back by a tablespoon or two without losing the crispy edges.

Evenly Spreading the Dough

Because the dough is thick and sticky, spreading it in the buttered pan can be tricky. Lightly wetting your fingers or using a greased spatula can help smooth the dough evenly without it sticking to your hands.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Mini Biscuit Bites

Instead of baking the dough in a single pan, you can scoop small portions into a muffin tin, creating bite-sized biscuits perfect for appetizers or snacking. Reduce the baking time to about 15–20 minutes for these mini versions.

Biscuit Sliders

Once baked, cut the biscuits in half and use them as sliders. Fill them with extra cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a bit of mayonnaise or mustard for a delicious handheld meal. This works especially well for game-day snacks or casual gatherings.

Breakfast Biscuit Bake

For a hearty breakfast, crumble cooked sausage or bacon into the biscuit dough instead of ground beef. Add scrambled eggs and serve with a side of fruit for a complete meal.

Freezing and Storing Beef and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits

Refrigerating Leftovers

Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave them for 20–30 seconds.

Freezing for Later

If you want to freeze the biscuits, let them cool completely before wrapping them individually in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag and store them for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes or microwave them straight from frozen for about 1 minute.

Best Way to Maintain Crisp Edges

To restore the biscuits’ crispy texture after storing, reheat them in a skillet over low heat with a small pat of butter. This brings back the golden crust without drying them out.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Using Leaner Meat

For a lower-fat version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. These alternatives offer a lighter texture while still maintaining a delicious savory flavor.

Reducing Butter Without Sacrificing Flavor

If you want to cut back on butter, try using half butter and half Greek yogurt in the dough. This keeps the biscuits moist while reducing the fat content.

Adding Whole Grains

To make these biscuits more fiber-rich, replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This adds a slightly nutty flavor while increasing the nutritional value.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Brunch Gatherings

These biscuits make a fantastic brunch dish. Serve them alongside scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and a drizzle of honey for a balanced meal. You can also offer a side of gravy for those who want a classic Southern touch.

Game Day Snacks

For game day, turn these biscuits into bite-sized appetizers. Serve them with dipping sauces like spicy aioli, ranch, or a smoky barbecue sauce. The cheesy, meaty filling makes them an instant crowd-pleaser.

Casual Weeknight Dinner

Pair these biscuits with a fresh side salad and a bowl of tomato soup for a comforting yet easy weeknight dinner. The combination of warm, cheesy biscuits with a light, refreshing salad makes for a well-rounded meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before placing it in the buttered pan.

2. Can I use pre-cooked ground beef?

Absolutely. If you have leftover cooked beef, you can stir it directly into the dough without needing to brown it first.

3. Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! Try mozzarella for extra stretchiness, pepper jack for heat, or gouda for a smoky flavor.

4. What if I don’t have buttermilk?

Mix 1 cup of whole milk with 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes. This makes an easy buttermilk substitute.

5. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. The biscuits may be slightly denser but still delicious.

6. How do I keep the biscuits from becoming too dense?

Avoid overmixing the dough, as this can develop too much gluten and result in tough biscuits.

7. What if I don’t have a square baking dish?

You can use a round cake pan or a cast-iron skillet for a rustic look.

8. Can I make these without meat?

Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and add extra cheese or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

9. How do I get a crispier top?

For extra crispiness, brush the top of the biscuits with melted butter during the last 5 minutes of baking.

10. Can I use self-rising flour instead?

Yes, but omit the baking powder and salt, as self-rising flour already contains both.

Conclusion

Beef and Cheese Butter Swim Biscuits are the perfect combination of buttery, cheesy, and savory goodness. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. With their crispy edges, tender center, and rich flavors, these biscuits are a must-try for anyone who loves comfort food. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make—no rolling, kneading, or fancy techniques required. Try them today, and enjoy a warm, satisfying treat straight from the oven!

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