Hamburger Dill Pickle Biscuit Casserole is a bold, comfort-food mashup that combines savory ground beef, tangy pickles, and a soft homemade biscuit base. Baked until golden and finished with fresh lettuce and a pickle-mayo drizzle, it delivers classic burger flavors in an easy, sliceable casserole format perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the Burger Flavor, No Grill Needed – Captures cheeseburger taste in a simple baked dish.
- Quick 30-Minute Dinner – Minimal prep and fast bake time make it weeknight-friendly.
- From-Scratch Biscuit Base – Soft, sturdy crust holds toppings beautifully.
- Layered Texture Contrast – Crisp lettuce and pickles balance the warm, cheesy base.
- Customizable Protein Option – Works with ground beef or sausage.
- Family-Style Serving – Easy to slice and serve for a crowd.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meat Layer
- 1 lb ground beef or sausage – Provides the savory, hearty base.
- ½ cup ketchup – Adds sweetness and classic burger flavor.
- ¼ cup mustard – Brings tang and acidity.
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – Melts into a rich, cohesive layer.
For the Biscuit Base
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Forms the structure of the crust.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – Leavening agent for lift and softness.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs – Adds subtle savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances overall taste.
- ¼ cup olive oil – Provides moisture and tenderness.
- ½ cup buttermilk (or ½ cup milk + ½ tablespoon vinegar) – Activates baking powder and creates soft texture.
For the Fresh Topping
- 2 cups shredded lettuce – Adds crunch and freshness.
- ½ cup chopped dill pickles – Brings signature tangy bite.
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise – Creamy topping base.
- 2–3 tablespoons dill pickle juice – Thins mayo and intensifies pickle flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Brown the Meat
Preheat oven to 400°F. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or sausage until browned, breaking into crumbles, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease.
Prepare the Biscuit Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, herbs, and salt. Add olive oil and buttermilk, stirring until a soft, slightly sticky biscuit dough forms.
Press Into Baking Dish
Press dough evenly into a greased 9″x13″ baking dish, creating a uniform base layer.
Add Sauce Layer
Mix ketchup and mustard together, then spread evenly over the biscuit dough.
Layer Meat and Cheese
Spread browned meat evenly over the sauce layer. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake Until Golden
Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the biscuit base is golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare the Pickle Drizzle
In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise with dill pickle juice until smooth and slightly pourable.
Finish and Serve
Sprinkle shredded lettuce and chopped pickles over the baked casserole. Drizzle with pickle-mayo sauce, slice into squares, and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Check Dough Consistency – Dough should be soft but not overly wet; adjust flour or milk as needed.
- Drain Meat Thoroughly – Prevents greasy crust.
- Even Pressing – Ensures uniform baking and structure.
- Add Toppings After Baking – Keeps lettuce crisp and fresh.
- Use Sharp Cheddar – Provides stronger flavor with less cheese.
- Let Rest Briefly – Allows layers to set before slicing.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: Approximately 672 kcal per serving
Perfect Pairings
- Simple coleslaw for added crunch
- Roasted sweet potato wedges
- Fresh tomato slices with sea salt
- Sparkling lemonade or iced tea
Ideal Occasions
- Quick weeknight family dinners
- Casual potlucks
- Game day comfort food
- Kid-friendly meal rotations
Storage & Serving Tips
- Store leftovers refrigerated up to 3 days.
- Reheat at 350°F for 8–10 minutes to restore texture.
- Add fresh lettuce and drizzle after reheating.
- Avoid freezing once topped with lettuce.
Creative Variations to Try
- Spicy Version – Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat layer.
- Turkey Swap – Use lean ground turkey for lighter option.
- Bacon Cheeseburger Style – Add cooked crumbled bacon before baking.
- Low-Carb Base – Substitute biscuit dough with a low-carb baking mix.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Crust Too Dense – Avoid overmixing dough.
- Soggy Bottom – Ensure oven is fully preheated.
- Too Salty – Use reduced-sodium pickles and cheese.
- Lettuce Wilting – Always add fresh toppings after baking.
Why This Recipe Works
This casserole layers flavor and texture strategically. The biscuit base uses baking powder for lift and buttermilk for tenderness, creating a soft yet structured foundation. The ketchup-mustard mixture mimics classic burger condiments, while browned beef develops deep savory flavor through the Maillard reaction. Cheese melts into the meat layer, binding ingredients together. Adding lettuce and pickles after baking preserves freshness and contrast against the warm base. At approximately 672 calories per serving, this dish is indulgent and hearty, making portion control important for balanced meals.
Final Thoughts
Hamburger Dill Pickle Biscuit Casserole is a fun, flavorful twist on classic cheeseburgers that transforms familiar ingredients into a shareable, baked comfort meal. While rich and hearty, it can be lightened with leaner meats or reduced cheese if desired. Whether for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe delivers satisfying, tangy, cheesy goodness in every bite.
