If you love the classic flavors of a juicy cheeseburger but want something a little different, this Cheeseburger Pie Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine all the savory goodness of ground beef cooked with onions and Worcestershire sauce nestled under a fluffy, cheesy crust that’s baked to perfection. Every bite offers that nostalgic cheeseburger taste wrapped up in a warm, comforting pie form that’s perfect for dinner any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheeseburger Pie Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that come together simply but create a dish packed with flavor and texture. Each element plays an essential role from the juicy beef to the tender crust topped with melty cheddar cheese.
- Olive oil: for browning the beef and adding a subtle fruity flavor.
- Lean ground beef: the hearty base of the pie, providing rich, meaty goodness.
- Chopped yellow onion: adds a natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Kosher salt: enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.
- Worcestershire sauce: brings in a tangy, savory note that’s pure magic with beef.
- Nonstick cooking spray: keeps the pie from sticking to the pan for easy serving.
- Large eggs: help bind the crust ingredients and keep everything together.
- Whole buttermilk: adds moisture and a subtle tang that tenderizes the crust.
- Salted butter, melted: enriches the crust with a silky, rich flavor and crisp finish.
- All-purpose flour: the foundation of the pie’s tender yet sturdy crust.
- Baking powder: provides the perfect lift to create a fluffy texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: melts over the pie for that classic cheeseburger finish.
- Pickle slices (optional): offer a fresh, tangy contrast when served alongside.
- Ketchup (optional): for a classic, sweet tomato dip.
- Burger sauce (optional): adds creamy, tangy notes to personalize your slice.
How to Make Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Cook Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef, chopped onion, and salt, stirring occasionally. Cook until the beef is nicely browned and crumbly, and the onions turn soft and fragrant. This step develops deep flavors that form the heart of the pie. After the meat has cooked, drain off any excess fat for a lighter dish, then stir in Worcestershire sauce allowing its tangy umami to absorb into the beef mixture for about two minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Plate
While the beef finishes up, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate with nonstick cooking spray. This small detail ensures your luscious pie will come out cleanly without sticking, helping the golden crust remain intact when serving.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie Filling
Pour the cooked beef and onion mixture into your greased pie plate, spreading it out evenly. This is where the comforting cheeseburger flavors start to come together into a pie shape, ready to be enveloped in cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Make and Pour the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, room temperature buttermilk, and melted butter until smooth and creamy. Then add the flour and baking powder, continuing to whisk until the mixture is lump-free and forms a thick batter. Pour this batter over the beef mixture in the pie plate, gently spreading it to cover the meat completely, creating a soft, fluffy crust that will bake up golden and tender.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly all over the top of the batter. The cheese will melt into an irresistible golden crust that seals all the cheeseburger flavors beneath. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and browned and the center is set and firm to the touch.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, slice the pie into wedges and serve hot, ideally with your favorite pickles, ketchup, or burger sauce to complete that classic cheeseburger experience in a cozy, sliceable form.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh pickle slices add a nice crisp, tangy contrast to the warm, cheesy pie — they bring that familiar cheeseburger crunch. A drizzle of ketchup or burger sauce on the side is the perfect finishing touch, adding moisture and a pop of classic flavor that turns every bite into a nostalgic delight.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with simple sides such as a fresh green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette, or crisp oven-roasted potatoes for an extra cozy meal. A side of steamed veggies works well, too, to keep things balanced and colorful on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
You can make this pie the star of casual family dinners or jazz it up for potlucks and gatherings. Try serving individual mini pies using ramekins for personalized portions. Or lay a bed of lettuce beneath the slices and top with diced tomatoes and a sprinkle of pickled jalapeños to create a vibrant plate that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your cheeseburger pie, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated and consume within 3 to 4 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Reheating gently preserves the pie’s tender texture and melted cheese.
Freezing
This Cheeseburger Pie Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole pie or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, move from freezer to refrigerator overnight for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftover pie slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes to restore that fresh-baked texture and warm the cheese perfectly. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crisp and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar cheese brings that classic sharp, melty quality, feel free to try mozzarella for a milder flavor or pepper jack for a little spicy kick. Mixing cheeses is also a fun way to customize your pie.
Is the batter similar to a bread dough?
Not exactly. The batter for this Cheeseburger Pie Recipe is more like a fluffy pancake or biscuit batter that bakes into a soft, tender crust. It’s lighter and less dense than traditional bread dough, making it perfectly balanced with the savory filling.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures like regular flour. Just be sure your baking powder is also gluten-free. This way, you keep all the flavor and texture without gluten.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to one cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using. This keeps the tangy flavor and tenderizing effect in the batter.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, chopped mushrooms, or even spinach can be sautéed with the onions and beef to boost the nutrition and add extra flavor without overwhelming the cheeseburger taste.
Final Thoughts
This Cheeseburger Pie Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from your favorite comfort food, reinvented for a cozy meal at home. It brings all the beloved flavors of a cheeseburger in a fun twist that’s easy to make and impossible not to love. Give it a try and discover your new weeknight favorite that delights family and friends alike!
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Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Cheeseburger Pie is a comforting and hearty dish combining the flavors of a classic cheeseburger baked into a savory pie. Featuring ground beef cooked with onions and Worcestershire sauce, topped with a fluffy buttermilk batter and melted cheddar cheese, it’s an easy and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the Meat Mixture
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
For the Batter
- Nonstick cooking spray (for greasing)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 tbsp. salted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking powder
For Topping & Serving
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Pickle slices, for serving (optional)
- Ketchup, for serving (optional)
- Burger sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the other components.
- Cook the Meat Mixture: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and crumbly and the onions are softened, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if desired. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes until absorbed.
- Prepare the Pie Plate: Lightly spray a 9-inch pie plate with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Transfer the cooked meat mixture evenly into the pie plate.
- Mix the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, whole buttermilk, and melted butter until smooth. Add flour and baking powder, whisking until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the batter evenly over the meat mixture in the pie plate. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Place the pie plate in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the top is browned and the center is set.
- Serve: Let the pie cool slightly before slicing. Serve with pickle slices, ketchup, and/or burger sauce if desired for an extra flavor boost.
Notes
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with your favorite cheese varieties such as American or Monterey Jack for different flavors.
- To reduce fat, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Make sure the buttermilk batter is at room temperature before mixing to get a smooth consistency.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Feel free to add chopped pickles or diced tomatoes into the meat mixture for extra texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
