Cheeseburger Pie

Let me tell you about the cheeseburger pie that changed my weeknight dinner game forever. This isn't just any pie - it's like someone took your favorite diner cheeseburger, wrapped it in flaky crust, and turned it into the ultimate comfort food. I first stumbled upon this genius idea watching Ree Drummond (the Pioneer Woman herself!) years ago, and after tweaking it to my family's tastes, it's become our go-to when we're craving something hearty but don't want to fuss with burgers on the grill.

What I love most is how this pie captures all the classic cheeseburger flavors - the savory beef, melty cheese, that hint of ketchup and mustard - but serves them up in the most satisfying sliceable form. My kids go wild for it (they call it "pizza burger pie"), and honestly? It's even better than the sum of its parts. The crust gets golden and crisp while the cheesy filling stays gloriously gooey - pure magic in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Pie

Let me count the ways this pie will steal your heart (and your appetite):

• Weeknight lifesaver: It comes together in under an hour - faster than waiting for takeout!
• Flavor bomb: Every bite delivers that perfect burger taste - no missing the bun here
• Kid-approved magic: My pickiest eater cleans his plate every time (and asks for seconds)
• Leftover heaven: Tastes even better the next day - if there's any left, that is
• Customizable: Swap cheeses or add toppings to make it your own

Trust me, once you try this, you'll wonder how you ever lived without cheeseburger pie in your life.

Ingredients for Cheeseburger Pie

Here's everything you'll need to make this glorious pie happen. I've found using exactly these ingredients gives me that perfect diner-style cheeseburger flavor in every bite:

• For the filling:
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20) - trust me, that bit of fat adds so much flavor
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped - I like mine almost minced so no one complains about "onion chunks"
• 2 cloves garlic, minced - fresh is best, but I've used jarred in a pinch
• ¼ cup ketchup - the secret sauce that makes it taste like a real burger
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard - just like you'd squirt on a cheeseburger
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper - freshly ground if you've got it
• For the cheesy goodness:
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - sharp is my favorite here
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - this gives that perfect stretchy melt
• For the crust and topping:
• 1 unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie crust - homemade is great, but I won't judge if you use store-bought like I often do
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk - whole milk makes it extra rich
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour - this helps set that gorgeous golden top

Pro tip: Measure everything before you start cooking - it makes the whole process go so much smoother when you're not scrambling to chop onions while your beef is browning!

Equipment Needed for Cheeseburger Pie

Here's the short but mighty list of tools that'll make your cheeseburger pie dreams come true:

• 9-inch deep-dish pie plate - This baby gives you room for all that glorious filling without overflow disasters
• Skillet - Any good ol' frying pan will do for browning that beef to perfection
• Mixing bowl - For whisking up that simple egg topping (I use my favorite speckled enamel one)
• Wooden spoon - My trusty sidekick for stirring everything together

That's it! No fancy gadgets needed - just basic kitchen essentials you probably already have.

How to Make Cheeseburger Pie

Alright, let's get cooking! This pie comes together so easily, you'll be amazed at how quickly you can go from ingredients to golden, bubbly perfection. Here's my step-by-step breakdown:

Preparing the Filling

First things first - that glorious burger-flavored filling:

1. Heat your skillet over medium heat (no oil needed - that beef has enough fat). Add the ground beef and break it up with your wooden spoon. I like to get mine nice and crumbly, just like a good burger.
2. Cook until it's browned all over - about 5-7 minutes. Now here's the important part: drain that excess fat! I tilt my skillet and use a spoon to scoop it out, or sometimes just pour it carefully into an old can. Too much grease makes the pie soggy.
3. Add your chopped onion and minced garlic right to the beef. Keep cooking until the onions turn translucent - about 3 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!
4. Stir in the ketchup, mustard, salt and pepper. Mix it all up so every beef crumb gets coated in that burger sauce goodness. Take it off the heat - your filling is done!

Assembling the Cheeseburger Pie

Now for the fun part - building your pie:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) - do this now if you haven't already!
2. Place your pie crust in the pie plate. No need to pre-bake - we want it to soak up all those delicious juices.
3. Spoon the beef mixture evenly into the crust. Press it down lightly - you're making the "burger patty" layer.
4. Now the cheesy magic! Sprinkle both cheeses over the beef. I like to mix them together first so every bite gets both flavors.
5. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk and flour until smooth. Slowly pour this over the cheese layer - it'll seep down and bind everything together as it bakes.

Baking the Pie

The home stretch! Here's how to get that perfect golden finish:

1. Pop your pie in the preheated oven. Set your timer for 30 minutes - but start checking at 25.
2. You'll know it's done when the top is golden brown and the center is set (no jiggling when you gently shake the pan).
3. If the edges are browning too fast, just cover them with foil - happens to me all the time!
4. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing - trust me, this keeps it from falling apart when you cut into that cheesy goodness.

And there you have it - cheeseburger perfection in pie form! The crust gets beautifully crisp while the filling stays juicy and packed with flavor. Now try to resist eating the whole thing in one sitting - I dare you.

Tips for the Perfect Cheeseburger Pie

After making this pie more times than I can count, here are my can't-live-without tips:

• Pre-bake that crust: For extra crispiness, bake the empty crust at 375°F for 10 minutes before adding filling. Just poke holes with a fork first!
• Rest time is key: Letting it sit for 10 minutes after baking means cleaner slices (and prevents cheese volcanoes).
• Drain well: Seriously, get rid of that beef fat - your waistline (and pie texture) will thank you.
• Cheese swap magic: Try pepper jack for spice or American for ultimate melty nostalgia.

Oh! And always make two - one never lasts long enough in my house.

Serving Suggestions for Cheeseburger Pie

This pie is practically a full meal in itself, but I love to serve it with all the classic burger fixings! A crisp dill pickle spear on the side is mandatory in my house. For something fresh, a simple green salad cuts through the richness perfectly. And of course - extra ketchup and mustard for dipping never hurt anyone! My kids like to crumble potato chips on top for crunch - pure genius if you ask me.

Storing and Reheating Cheeseburger Pie

This pie keeps beautifully - if you somehow have leftovers! Let it cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap. In the fridge, it stays fresh for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in foil for up to 3 months. Reheating's a breeze: pop it in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 15 minutes from fridge, 30 from frozen). The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven keeps that crust crisp. Pro tip: Sprinkle a little extra cheese before reheating for that fresh-from-the-oven magic!

Cheeseburger Pie Variations

The beauty of this recipe is how easily you can make it your own! Here are some of my favorite twists:

• Bacon lover's dream: Mix in ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon with the beef - because everything's better with bacon
• Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling
• Mushroom Swiss: Swap cheddar for Swiss cheese and sauté mushrooms with the onions
• Breakfast version: Use breakfast sausage instead of beef and top with a fried egg - trust me on this one!

The possibilities are endless - just like your favorite burger toppings!

Nutritional Information

Now, I'm no nutritionist, but I can tell you this cheeseburger pie is pure comfort food - which means it's not exactly a light salad! The exact nutrition facts will vary depending on your specific ingredients (like the brand of cheese or whether you use homemade vs store-bought crust). That said, here's what you're generally looking at with this recipe:

Each generous slice packs a good amount of protein from the beef and eggs, plus calcium from all that melty cheese. The crust and flour topping add some carbs to balance it all out. If you're watching certain nutrients, you can easily tweak things - use leaner beef, low-fat cheese, or even a cauliflower crust for a lighter version. For more information on healthy eating, check out resources like the USDA MyPlate.

But let's be real - sometimes you just need that perfect bite of cheesy, beefy goodness without overanalyzing. Everything in moderation, right? This pie is meant to be enjoyed as an occasional treat that brings smiles to the table. And in my book, that's nutritional value you can't measure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Over the years, I've gotten all sorts of questions about this cheeseburger pie - here are the ones that pop up most often with my tried-and-true answers:

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! I've made it with ground turkey when trying to lighten things up - just add an extra tablespoon of ketchup or mustard since turkey's milder. You might need a teaspoon of olive oil when browning it too, since turkey's leaner.

How long does cheeseburger pie keep in the fridge?
It stays delicious for 3-4 days when stored properly (covered tightly in the fridge). The crust might soften a bit, but reheating in the oven crisps it right back up. Honestly, mine never lasts that long - it's usually gone by day two!

Can I freeze cheeseburger pie?
You bet! Freeze whole or in slices wrapped in foil, then pop in a freezer bag. It keeps beautifully for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, or go straight from freezer to oven (just add 10 extra minutes).

Why does my pie get watery?
Ah, the dreaded sog! Usually means either: 1) You didn't drain enough fat from the beef, or 2) You skipped the resting time before slicing. Both are easily fixed next time. If it happens, just blot with paper towels - still tastes amazing!

Can I make this without a pie crust?
Sure thing! Pour everything into a greased 9-inch baking dish instead - it'll be more like a cheeseburger casserole (which my kids actually prefer sometimes). The edges get extra crispy this way too!

Got more questions? Just ask - I've probably made every mistake possible with this recipe so I can save you the trouble!

Final Thoughts

There you have it - my foolproof recipe for the most delicious cheeseburger pie you'll ever taste! I can't wait for you to try this family favorite and make it your own. When you do, come back and tell me all about it - I love hearing your twists and seeing your photos. Happy baking, friends - may your pie be cheesy, your crust be golden, and your family's plates be empty!