Best Cheeseburger Pie Recipe: Easy Family Comfort Food
A flaky, savory crust melts into seasoned beef and cheese for a comfort mashup.
Calling all fans of comfort food recipes! Cheeseburger pie is here to satisfy all of your cravings and transform your weeknight dinner routine. This incredible dish combines all the beloved flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a hearty, satisfying pie that the whole family will adore. In this easy dinner recipe, hearty ground beef is cooked until perfectly browned and crumbly with plenty of sweet yellow onion and just a hint of Worcestershire sauce for that rich, savory kick that makes all the difference.
What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity and speed. The pie is topped with an easy stir-together batter crust and plenty of melted cheese, then baked for just 25 minutes. That leaves you with just enough time to grab the pickles and ketchup, and perhaps whip up some homemade burger sauce for serving. This is definitely a dinner your family will be requesting on a weekly basis!
What is Cheeseburger Pie?
Cheeseburger pie isn’t really a traditional pie in the classic sense, but it’s not quite a quiche either. It’s actually very similar to a delicious breakfast casserole, with its unique combination of savory ingredients and batter-like topping that creates a wonderfully satisfying texture. The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to capture all the essential flavors of a cheeseburger while presenting them in a completely different and exciting format.
Although variations of hamburger pie recipes have been circulating for years among home cooks, this style of hamburger pie really gained widespread popularity when a recipe for it was printed on the back of Bisquick boxes. Since then, countless families have embraced this simple yet satisfying meal as a regular part of their dinner rotation. The dish has evolved over time, with different cooks adding their own special touches and variations.
The magic happens when the batter mixture is poured over the seasoned ground beef and cheese, creating a golden, fluffy top layer that’s reminiscent of a biscuit while maintaining the hearty, meaty foundation that makes this dish so satisfying. It’s comfort food at its finest, combining familiar flavors in an unexpected and delightful way.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Cheeseburger Pie
Creating the perfect cheeseburger pie starts with selecting quality ingredients that work together harmoniously. Each component plays a crucial role in developing the overall flavor profile and texture of this beloved comfort food dish.
The Meat Mixture Foundation
The foundation of any great cheeseburger pie begins with 1 pound of lean ground beef. Choose ground beef with a fat content between 85-90% lean for the best balance of flavor and texture. Too lean, and you’ll miss out on the rich, beefy taste; too fatty, and your pie might become greasy.
Half a cup of chopped yellow onion provides the sweet, aromatic base that every great burger needs. Yellow onions are preferred for their balanced flavor that becomes beautifully caramelized during cooking. The onions should be diced into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and distribution throughout the pie.
One tablespoon of olive oil is used for cooking the meat mixture, providing a neutral flavor that won’t compete with the other ingredients. Half a teaspoon of kosher salt and one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce round out the seasoning, with the Worcestershire adding that distinctive umami depth that makes the filling taste authentically burger-like.
The Magical Batter Crust
The batter that forms the crust is surprisingly simple yet incredibly effective. Two large eggs provide structure and richness, while one cup of whole buttermilk at room temperature creates the tender, slightly tangy base. The buttermilk’s acidity also helps activate the leavening agents for a lighter texture.
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One tablespoon of melted salted butter adds richness and helps create that golden, appealing color on top. Half a cup of all-purpose flour and one teaspoon of baking powder work together to create the structure that will rise and set during baking, forming the characteristic top crust.
The Cheese Component
One cup of shredded cheddar cheese is the star that ties everything together. Sharp cheddar provides the most authentic cheeseburger flavor, though you can experiment with different varieties like American, Swiss, or even a blend of cheeses for unique flavor profiles.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparation Phase
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is crucial for achieving the perfect balance of a set interior and golden-brown top. While the oven heats, spray a 9-inch pie plate generously with nonstick cooking spray, ensuring every surface is covered to prevent sticking.
Creating the Meat Base
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the ground beef, chopped onion, and salt. Cook this mixture, stirring occasionally, until the meat is thoroughly browned and crumbly and the onions have softened beautifully, which typically takes 8 to 10 minutes.
The key to perfect texture is breaking up the meat consistently as it cooks, ensuring no large chunks remain. If desired, you can drain any excess fat from the pan, though with lean ground beef, this usually isn’t necessary. Add the Worcestershire sauce and continue cooking until it’s completely absorbed, about 2 minutes more. This final step intensifies the umami flavors that make this dish so satisfying.
Transfer the seasoned meat mixture to your prepared pie plate, spreading it evenly across the bottom to create a uniform layer that will support the batter and cheese.
Preparing and Adding the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter until the mixture is completely smooth. This step is important for creating a uniform texture in the final product. Add the flour and baking powder to the wet ingredients, whisking continuously until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
Pour this batter evenly over the hamburger mixture in the pie plate, ensuring it reaches all edges and covers the meat completely. The batter will seem thin, but don’t worry – it will rise and set beautifully during baking.
Final Assembly and Baking
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the entire surface, creating a generous layer that will melt into golden perfection. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the top is beautifully browned and the center is completely set.
You’ll know it’s done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, and the top has achieved a lovely golden color. Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before slicing, as this helps it hold together better when served.
What’s in Burger Sauce?
Burger sauce can truly transform any burger recipe from good to absolutely great, and this cheeseburger pie is certainly no exception to that rule. This flavorful condiment is typically crafted with a harmonious combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and mustard, creating a tangy, creamy sauce that perfectly complements the rich, savory flavors of the pie.
Feel free to customize your burger sauce by adding some Worcestershire sauce for extra umami depth, a dash of Sriracha for heat, smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The beauty of homemade burger sauce lies in its adaptability to your family’s preferences.
Serving Suggestions and Accompaniments
This cheeseburger pie is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. Cut the pie into generous wedges and serve them alongside classic burger accompaniments like crisp pickle slices, ketchup, and your homemade burger sauce. These traditional sides help maintain the authentic cheeseburger experience while complementing the unique pie format.
Consider serving with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pie, or perhaps some roasted vegetables for added nutrition and color. French fries or sweet potato fries also make excellent sides, maintaining that classic American comfort food theme.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftover cheeseburger pie stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days when properly covered. To reheat individual slices, use the microwave at 50% power to prevent the batter from becoming rubbery, or warm slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through.
For longer storage, this pie can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you make cheeseburger pie with Bisquick mix?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute the flour and baking powder with ½ cup of Bisquick mix for an even easier preparation. The Original Bisquick mix works perfectly and was actually featured in the original popularized version of this recipe.
Q: What type of ground beef works best for this recipe?
A: Lean ground beef with 85-90% lean content works best. This provides excellent flavor while minimizing excess grease that could make the pie soggy.
Q: Can I prepare this pie ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the pie completely and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Q: What other cheese varieties work well in this recipe?
A: While sharp cheddar is traditional, American cheese, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even a cheese blend can be substituted based on your preference. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile.
Q: How do I know when the pie is properly cooked?
A: The pie is done when the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. The center should be set and not jiggly when gently shaken.
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