I love making a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and this cheeseburger pie does exactly that. The beauty of this recipe is how it transforms simple pantry staples into something genuinely special. Picture golden, melted cheddar pooling over savory beef, all crowned with a light, slightly crispy top that’s almost soufflé-like. I discovered this gem during a particularly hectic week when I needed something quick, comforting, and capable of feeding my whole crew without breaking the bank.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Homemade Cheeseburger Pie
I always keep these ingredients on hand because they’re versatile and affordable. My go-to is using 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture, though 85/15 works wonderfully if you prefer leaner meat. Pro tip for selecting cheese: I recommend shredding your own cheddar from a block rather than using pre-shredded, as it melts more smoothly and tastes fresher.
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (yellow or white onion both work well)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (I usually shred sharp cheddar for extra flavor)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs (room temperature eggs blend more easily)
- 1 cup milk (whole milk gives the richest texture, in my experience)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, but I recommend it for depth)
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend letting your eggs and milk sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before starting. This helps create a smoother batter that bakes more evenly throughout the pie.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease your 9-inch pie dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion together for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until the beef is completely browned and the onion turns soft and translucent. Drain any excess fat by carefully tilting the pan and spooning it out.
Step 2: Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Stir well and let it cook for another minute to allow the seasonings to bloom. Spread this seasoned beef mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared pie dish, creating a uniform layer that reaches the edges.
Step 3: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef layer, making sure to distribute it to the edges. This creates that perfect cheesy bite in every slice.
Step 4: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and flour until completely smooth with no lumps remaining. The batter should be thin and pourable, about the consistency of heavy cream. Pour this mixture slowly and evenly over the beef and cheese, letting it seep down into the layers.
Step 5: Carefully transfer the pie dish to your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns golden brown and the center is set when you give the dish a gentle shake. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
Step 6: Let the pie rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the layers to set properly, making it much easier to cut clean slices that hold their shape beautifully.
Perfect Pairings for Cheeseburger Pie
This hearty pie pairs beautifully with lighter, fresher sides that balance its richness and add nutritional variety to your plate.
Crisp Garden Salad: A simple mixed greens salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cheese and beef while adding essential vegetables and fiber to your meal.
Steamed Green Beans: Classic green beans seasoned with just a touch of butter and garlic provide a tender, slightly sweet contrast that complements the savory pie without competing for attention.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: When caramelized until crispy on the edges, these little gems add a nutty, slightly bitter note that balances the dish’s creamy, cheesy elements perfectly. For a complete meal featuring Brussels sprouts, try this ground beef and Brussels sprouts skillet.
Homemade Coleslaw: The crisp, cool crunch of coleslaw with a light dressing brings refreshing texture and acidity that makes each bite of the warm pie even more satisfying.
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes: For an extra indulgent meal, serve alongside creamy, cheesy potatoes that echo the comfort-food vibes of this pie.
Garlic Butter Corn: Sweet corn kernels tossed with butter and a hint of garlic add a pop of color and sweetness that kids especially love alongside this comfort classic.
Storing and Reheating Your Pie
Store leftover cheeseburger pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delicious as the fresh-baked version.
For reheating, I recommend using the oven at 350°F covered with foil for 15-20 minutes to maintain the best texture. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven keeps that lovely golden top intact. Pro tip: Add a splash of water before covering with foil to keep the pie moist during reheating.
This recipe freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for a quick weeknight solution when you need dinner in minutes.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the beef filling up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply add the egg batter and proceed with baking, adding an extra 5 minutes to account for the cold filling.
What other cheeses work well in this recipe?
Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend all work wonderfully. For a spicier kick, try pepper jack cheese or add a handful of shredded sharp cheddar mixed with chipotle.
Why is my pie watery in the center?
This usually happens if the pie hasn’t baked long enough or if excess fat wasn’t drained from the beef. Make sure to drain thoroughly and bake until the center is completely set with no jiggle when gently shaken.
Homemade Cheeseburger Pie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion together for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until the beef is completely browned and the onion turns soft and translucent. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Stir well and cook for another minute. Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared pie dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef layer, distributing it to the edges.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and flour until completely smooth with no lumps. The batter should be thin and pourable, about the consistency of heavy cream. Pour this mixture slowly and evenly over the beef and cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and the center is set when you give the dish a gentle shake. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
- Let the pie rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set properly.
