Beef Cobbler with Cheddar Scones

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beef Cobbler with Cheddar Scones brings together two beloved comfort foods: beef stew and cheesy scones. The beef filling is rich, tender, and packed with flavor from the red wine, Worcestershire sauce, and English mustard. The addition of carrots, celery, and onions makes the filling hearty and wholesome. But the star of the dish is the golden, cheesy scone topping. The scones are perfectly light and flaky, with just the right amount of cheddar to complement the savory beef filling underneath. It’s a dish that combines the warmth and satisfaction of a casserole with the indulgence of freshly baked scones.

Ingredients

For the beef filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
• 400 g (1 ⅔ cups) lean diced beef (any kind of stewing beef)
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 5 sticks celery, chopped
• 2 tablespoons plain flour
• 2 tablespoons tomato puree
• 1 teaspoon English mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 300 ml (1 ⅕ cups) red wine
• 600 ml (2 ⅖ cups) beef stock made from a stock cube

For the scones:

• 200 g (1 ½ cups) plain flour
• 1 ½ tablespoons baking powder
• 80 g (2 ⅚ oz) strong cheddar, grated
• 70 g (2 ½ oz) cold butter, cubed
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ bunch parsley, chopped

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Beef Filling:

1. Cook the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof casserole dish over medium heat. Add the diced beef and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the dish and set it aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In the same casserole dish, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and the onions become translucent.
3. Thicken the sauce: Sprinkle the plain flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to cook out the flour. Stir in the tomato puree and English mustard, followed by the Worcestershire sauce.
4. Add liquids: Pour in the red wine and bring it to a boil. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes, then add the beef stock. Return the browned beef to the dish, stir everything together, and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Simmer the filling: Reduce the heat to low and cover the casserole dish. Let the filling simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.

For the Cheddar Scones:

1. Prepare the scone dough: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour, baking powder, and grated cheddar. Add the cubed cold butter and rub it into the flour mixture using your fingertips until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
2. Mix the scone dough: Stir in the chopped parsley, and gradually add the milk, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as it should remain light and fluffy.
3. Form the scones: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times. Pat the dough out to about 2-3 cm (1 inch) thickness, then use a round cutter or a glass to cut out scones. You should get around 8 scones, depending on size.
4. Bake the scones: Place the scones on top of the simmering beef filling in the casserole dish. Brush the tops of the scones with a little milk for a golden finish. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through.

Assemble and Serve:

1. Final touches: Once the scones are done, remove the casserole from the oven and serve hot. The scones will be light, golden, and perfectly paired with the rich beef filling beneath them.
2. Serve and enjoy: Serve the Beef Cobbler with Cheddar Scones hot from the oven, and enjoy with a side of greens or a simple salad.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves 4-6 people.
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 2 hours (including beef simmering and scone baking time)
• Total time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Variations

1. Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, lentils, or potatoes for a vegetarian version. You can use vegetable stock instead of beef stock for added flavor.
2. Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of chili powder or a chopped red chili to the beef filling for a little heat.
3. Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs in the scones, such as thyme, rosemary, or sage, to complement the flavors of the beef stew.
4. Cheese Alternatives: Swap the strong cheddar for a milder cheese like mozzarella, or add blue cheese for a more intense flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover Beef Cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20-30 minutes, or until piping hot throughout. If reheating from frozen, bake from frozen for 45 minutes, covered, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to crisp the scones.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef filling and scones separately ahead of time. Assemble and bake the cobbler the day you plan to serve it for the best results.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute the beef with lamb, chicken for a variation of this dish. Adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the meat.

Can I use a different type of cheese for the scones?

You can substitute the cheddar for any cheese you prefer, such as Gruyère, Parmesan, or even a mixture of cheeses for a more complex flavor.

Can I make the scones without milk?

Yes, you can use dairy-free milk alternatives like almond milk or soy milk to make the scones dairy-free.

Can I skip the wine in the filling?

If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with more beef stock, or a combination of beef stock and a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity.

Can I freeze the cobbler before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled Beef Cobbler (both filling and scones) before baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then bake from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

What can I serve with this dish?

This Beef Cobbler pairs perfectly with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

How do I prevent the scones from becoming soggy?

To avoid soggy scones, make sure to bake them at a high temperature and avoid overcooking the beef filling. The scones should be golden and firm on top.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the beef filling in a slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low. Then, top with the scones and bake in the oven until golden brown.

Can I make the scones gluten-free?

Yes, you can make gluten-free scones by substituting the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Conclusion

Beef Cobbler with Cheddar Scones is the ultimate comfort food that combines a rich and savory beef filling with a cheesy, golden scone topping. The dish is both hearty and satisfying, with the scones adding the perfect texture to the dish. It’s a wonderful meal to serve for dinner, and with a few easy variations, it can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Enjoy this warm, comforting dish with your loved ones for a truly memorable meal!

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