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This unique Hamburger Dill Pickle Biscuit Casserole brings together the best elements of a juicy burger, a hearty casserole, and a savory pizza all in one delicious dish. With a flaky homemade biscuit base, seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and the unmistakable tang of dill pickles, this recipe creates a flavor combination that might sound unusual but comes together perfectly. It's a simple, satisfying meal that can be served casserole-style or picked up and eaten like pizza – making it perfect for casual family dinners.
I first made this on a rainy Friday night when we were craving burgers but didn't want to fire up the grill. My family was skeptical about the pickle component, but after the first bite, there was nothing but praise around the table! My youngest, who normally picks off any "green things," actually asked for extra pickles the second time we made it.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef: Creates the hearty base of the casserole; you can substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives if preferred
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the foundation of the homemade biscuit base; for a lighter texture, you can use self-rising flour and omit the baking powder
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Gives the biscuit base its rise and light texture
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs: Adds a subtle herbaceous flavor that complements the savory beef
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil: Creates tenderness in the biscuit dough; can substitute melted butter for a richer flavor
- 1 cup milk: Binds the biscuit dough together; whole milk produces the richest results
- 1/4 cup ketchup: Provides tangy sweetness reminiscent of a burger topping
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard: Adds classic burger flavor and balances the ketchup's sweetness
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Creates that irresistible melty cheese layer; feel free to use your favorite melting cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Forms the base of the creamy sauce drizzled on top
- 2 tablespoons pickle juice: Infuses the mayo sauce with tangy dill flavor
- 1 cup shredded lettuce: Adds fresh crunch and authentic burger vibes
- 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles: Provides the signature tangy flavor that makes this casserole unique
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Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare your workspace:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This temperature ensures the biscuit base cooks through while developing a beautiful golden bottom.
- Brown the meat:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until it's completely browned with no pink remaining, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to prevent your casserole from becoming greasy.
- Make the biscuit dough:
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, dried Italian herbs, and salt until well combined. Add the vegetable oil and milk, stirring just until the mixture comes together to form a soft dough. Be careful not to overmix as this can make the biscuit base tough.
- Form the base:
- Press the biscuit dough evenly into the bottom of your greased baking dish, creating a uniform layer. The dough might seem a bit sticky, so you can lightly flour your hands to make this step easier.
- Add the condiments:
- In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup and mustard until well combined. Pour this mixture over the biscuit dough and spread it into an even layer, leaving a small border around the edges if desired.
- Top with beef and cheese:
- Evenly distribute the browned ground beef over the ketchup-mustard layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the beef, covering it completely for that perfect melty cheese pull when served.
- Bake to perfection:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the biscuit base is golden brown on the bottom and the cheese is completely melted and starting to bubble.
- Prepare the sauce:
- While the casserole bakes, combine the mayonnaise and pickle juice in a small bowl, whisking until smooth. This creates a tangy sauce that perfectly complements the rich casserole.
- Add the fresh toppings:
- Once the casserole is out of the oven, sprinkle the shredded lettuce evenly over the top, followed by the chopped dill pickles. Drizzle the mayo-pickle juice mixture over everything.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Cut the casserole into squares and serve immediately while still warm. It can be eaten with a fork or picked up like pizza for a fun, casual dinner experience.
The Perfect Blend of Textures
What makes this casserole so satisfying is the wonderful contrast of textures in every bite. The soft, fluffy biscuit base provides the perfect foundation, while the savory beef and melty cheese create a rich middle layer. The fresh crunch of lettuce and the tangy bite of pickles on top brings everything together, creating a multi-dimensional eating experience that keeps you coming back for more.
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Make It Your Own
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is to different tastes and preferences:
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the ground beef
- Mix some crispy bacon bits into the beef layer for extra flavor and texture
- Try different cheese combinations - pepper jack adds a nice kick, while Swiss offers a milder option
- For extra burger authenticity, add some diced tomatoes along with the lettuce
Perfect for Meal Prep
This casserole holds up remarkably well, making it perfect for busy families:
- Pre-cook the ground beef up to two days ahead and store in the refrigerator
- Assemble the entire casserole without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and can be reheated in the microwave or oven
I remember the first time I brought this to a neighborhood potluck – people were initially curious about the combination of ingredients, but the dish was completely gone within minutes! A friend's picky five-year-old even asked his mom for the recipe, which in the world of family cooking, is the highest compliment possible.
My final thought on this Hamburger Dill Pickle Biscuit Casserole is that it perfectly represents what I love most about home cooking – the freedom to experiment and combine unexpected flavors into something uniquely delicious. What started as a "clean out the refrigerator" experiment has become one of our family's most requested meals. Don't let the unusual combination of ingredients deter you – sometimes the most surprising combinations create the most memorable meals!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare any parts of this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes! You can brown the ground beef up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. You can also measure and mix the dry biscuit ingredients and store them in an airtight container. Add the wet ingredients right before assembling and baking.
- → What can I use instead of ground beef?
- Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives work well as substitutes. The recipe also mentions using sausage as an option, which adds extra flavor. Just make sure to fully cook whatever meat you choose before adding it to the casserole.
- → Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
- Yes, replace the regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be sure to check that your baking powder, ketchup, and mustard are also gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.
- → Can I add other burger toppings to this casserole?
- Absolutely! Try adding diced onions, tomatoes, bacon bits, or sliced mushrooms. You can incorporate cooked ingredients like onions with the beef, or add fresh toppings like tomatoes after baking along with the lettuce.
- → How do I store leftovers, and can this be frozen?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store the baked portion separately from the fresh toppings (lettuce, additional pickles, and mayo sauce). This casserole can be frozen before adding the fresh toppings - just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven until hot.