Pickle Burger Biscuit Bake

Forget the buns! This Pickle Burger Biscuit Bake, also known as Hamburger Dill Pickle Biscuit Casserole, takes all the satisfying flavors of a juicy burger and layers them over a flaky, homemade biscuit crust. It’s a delightful and unexpected way to enjoy a family favorite, offering a comforting casserole format that can also be easily sliced and eaten like a savory pizza. This dish is perfect for those weeknights when you’re craving something familiar yet exciting, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Key Components for a Delicious Bake

• Savory Ground Beef: The heart of our burger inspired bake, ground beef provides a rich and satisfying base. Be sure to brown it thoroughly and drain off any excess fat to keep the bake from becoming greasy. Seasoning it well during cooking will enhance its flavor.
• Flaky Homemade Biscuit Dough: This forms the sturdy and comforting base of our casserole. The combination of flour, baking powder, herbs, salt, oil, and milk creates a tender and slightly crumbly texture that perfectly complements the savory toppings. Making your own biscuit dough is surprisingly simple and adds a homemade touch that elevates the dish.
• Classic Ketchup and Mustard: These iconic burger condiments are mixed together to create a familiar and tangy sauce that is spread over the biscuit dough. They provide that essential burger flavor that ties everything together. Use your favorite brands of ketchup and yellow mustard for the best results.
• Melted Cheddar Cheese: A generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese adds a gooey, melty goodness that is essential to any burger experience. It binds the beef and sauce together and provides a rich, cheesy flavor. You can also experiment with other burger friendly cheeses like Colby Jack or a sharp cheddar.
• Fresh Shredded Lettuce: Added after baking, the cool, crisp shredded lettuce provides a refreshing contrast to the warm casserole and adds that classic burger topping texture. Be sure to add it just before serving to prevent wilting.
• Tangy Chopped Dill Pickles: The unmistakable tang of dill pickles is a key element in this burger inspired dish. Chopping them and scattering them over the bake adds a burst of briny flavor that cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese.
• Creamy Mayo Pickle Juice Dressing: This simple yet flavorful dressing brings together the creaminess of mayonnaise with the tangy kick of pickle juice. Drizzling it over the finished bake adds moisture and that familiar special sauce element found on many burgers.

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Crafting Your Pickle Burger Biscuit Bake

Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish:

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent the biscuit base from sticking.

Brown the Ground Beef:

Place the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is fully browned. Once cooked, carefully drain off any excess fat from the skillet.

Make the Biscuit Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, dried Italian herbs, and salt. Add the vegetable oil and milk to the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in a tougher biscuit.

Form the Biscuit Base:

Transfer the soft biscuit dough to the greased baking dish. Using your hands or the back of a spoon, press the dough evenly into the bottom of the dish to create a uniform layer.

Add the Condiment Layer:

In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup and yellow mustard until well combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the surface of the biscuit dough in the baking dish.

Top with Beef and Cheese:

Distribute the browned ground beef evenly over the ketchup mustard sauce. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the ground beef, ensuring it’s spread across the entire surface.

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the biscuit base is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The edges of the biscuit should appear nicely browned.

Prepare the Tangy Sauce:

While the casserole is baking, prepare the mayo pickle juice dressing. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and pickle juice. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set aside until the bake is ready.

Add the Fresh Toppings:

Once the casserole is out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the shredded lettuce evenly over the top. Then, scatter the chopped dill pickles over the lettuce. Finally, drizzle the prepared mayo pickle juice dressing generously over the entire surface of the bake.

Serve and Enjoy Immediately:

Cut the Pickle Burger Biscuit Bake into squares and serve immediately while it is still warm and the biscuit is flaky. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, with all the textures and temperatures providing a delightful eating experience.

A Note on Textures

What makes this bake so enjoyable is the delightful contrast in textures. You have the soft, slightly crumbly biscuit base, the savory and slightly chewy ground beef, the gooey melted cheese, the crisp freshness of the lettuce, and the satisfying crunch of the dill pickles, all brought together by the creamy, tangy dressing. It’s a textural symphony in every bite.

Customize Your Burger Bake

Feel free to get creative with your toppings and additions! If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef while it’s cooking. Crispy bacon bits would be a fantastic addition sprinkled over the cheese before baking. You can also experiment with different cheese combinations, such as a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a milder flavor. For added freshness, consider adding some diced tomatoes along with the lettuce after baking.

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Make Ahead Meal Prep

This bake is quite convenient for meal prep. You can precook the ground beef up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the unbaked casserole (up to the point of adding cheese) and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add the cheese and bake as directed when you’re ready. Leftovers will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Keep the fresh lettuce and pickle toppings separate and add them just before serving reheated portions.

These Pickle Burger Biscuit Bakes are a fun and flavorful twist on a classic. They bring together the comforting elements of a casserole with all the deliciousness of a juicy burger, making them a perfect choice for a satisfying and crowd pleasing meal. Enjoy the creative take on burger night!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use sausage instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground sausage works great as a substitute for ground beef in this recipe.

→ What can I use if I don't have buttermilk?

You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar to 1/2 cup of regular milk.

→ How can I make it spicier?

Add chopped jalapeños to the ground beef while it's cooking for a spicier version.

→ What consistency should the biscuit dough be?

The biscuit dough should be slightly sticky and soft. You may need to adjust the amount of flour or milk to achieve the right consistency.

→ When should I add the lettuce and pickle topping?

The shredded lettuce and chopped pickles should be sprinkled on top of the baked casserole after it comes out of the oven, followed by the mayo-pickle juice dressing.