Cheeseburger Pie Recipe: Imagine combining all the juicy, savory flavors of a cheeseburger into a warm, comforting pie. That’s exactly what cheeseburger pie delivers—a slice of cheesy, meaty perfection nestled in a golden crust. This dish has been a classic in many households since the ’70s, often appearing on dinner tables as a quick fix for picky eaters and hungry families. Unlike a traditional burger, there’s no need for flipping patties or grilling buns. Instead, everything bakes together in one dish, making it the perfect all-in-one meal.
At its core, cheeseburger pie includes ground beef, cheese, and a biscuity or pastry-style crust, with eggs or Bisquick often used to bind everything together. It’s comforting, nostalgic, and endlessly customizable—just like your favorite burger, but without the grill.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is more than just convenient—it’s a full-flavored comfort dish that hits the spot every time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or even potlucks where you want to impress without stress. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s a budget-friendly meal that feeds the whole family.
Love cheeseburgers? You’ll adore this pie. It’s got the savory beef, the ooey-gooey cheese, and even the flexibility to throw in onions, pickles, or even bacon if you’re feeling fancy. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making leftovers something to look forward to.
Ingredients Needed
Main Ingredients for the Filling
Here’s what you need to create that classic, hearty cheeseburger flavor:
- 1 lb ground beef – Lean beef works best to avoid too much grease.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped – Adds that must-have savory kick.
- 1 tsp salt – Essential for seasoning.
- ½ tsp black pepper – Adds a touch of spice.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – The star ingredient for that gooey cheesiness.
These ingredients are your base. You can tweak the ratios slightly depending on your preference, but this combo gives you the classic, tried-and-true cheeseburger taste.
Crust and Topping Essentials
Instead of a traditional pastry crust, this pie often uses a batter-style base that forms a soft, biscuit-like layer:
- ½ cup Bisquick mix – Acts as the binding base.
- 1 cup milk – Helps create a pourable batter.
- 2 large eggs – Adds structure and richness.
This combination forms the signature soft crust once baked. It sinks slightly into the meat mixture while baking and puffs up lightly, making every bite a blend of textures.
Optional Add-ins and Substitutions
If you’re feeling creative, consider these variations:
- Chopped pickles – For that tangy burger taste.
- Cooked bacon bits – Adds smokiness and depth.
- Diced tomatoes or ketchup – Gives it a tangy, juicy kick.
- Hot sauce or chili flakes – For spice lovers.
- Different cheeses – Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or even blue cheese.
Vegetarians? Swap the ground beef for lentils or plant-based ground meat. Gluten-free? Use a gluten-free baking mix instead of Bisquick.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a few basic kitchen tools:
- Skillet or frying pan – For cooking the beef and onions.
- Mixing bowl – To whisk together the batter.
- Pie dish (9-inch) – Glass or ceramic works best.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring.
- Cheese grater – Unless using pre-shredded cheese.
Having these on hand makes the prep smooth and cleanup minimal. Most are probably already in your kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat and Prepare
First things first: preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your pie bakes evenly from the moment it hits the oven. While it’s heating up, lightly grease your pie dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Also, gather all your ingredients and tools. Trust me, having everything ready will make the process quicker and stress-free.
Step 2 – Cook the Beef Mixture
Heat your skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook until it’s browned—about 5-7 minutes. Then, toss in your chopped onions and sauté them with the beef until they’re soft and fragrant, another 3-4 minutes.
Season the mixture with salt and pepper. If your beef releases too much fat, drain the excess grease from the pan—this helps avoid a soggy pie.
Once cooked, remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly before transferring it into your greased pie dish. Spread it out evenly so every bite gets some of that meaty goodness.
Step 3 – Make the Pie Crust Base
Now that the meat is ready, it’s time to whip up the batter that forms the soft crust. In a medium mixing bowl, combine:
- ½ cup of Bisquick mix
- 1 cup of milk
- 2 large eggs
Whisk until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. It should have a pourable consistency, kind of like pancake batter. This mix will bake into a golden, fluffy crust that surrounds the meat like a hug from your grandma—warm and satisfying.
Once your batter is ready, carefully pour it over the beef and onion mixture in the pie dish. Don’t worry if it doesn’t cover everything perfectly. The batter will spread and rise during baking, filling in the gaps like magic.
This layer acts as a unifying element between the meat and cheese, ensuring every bite has a balance of texture and flavor. You’re basically creating a savory custard pie with burger vibes. It’s simple, but brilliant.
Step 4 – Combine and Layer
Now comes the fun part—cheese! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the batter-covered pie. You can be generous here; nobody’s ever complained about too much cheese.
You can even mix things up and use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a bit of gouda for a smoky twist. If you’re adding any extras like diced pickles, bacon bits, or tomatoes, now’s the time to scatter them on top.
This layering gives you that iconic cheeseburger profile: juicy meat, melted cheese, and a soft, baked crust. The oven does all the hard work of blending these textures into one mouthwatering dish.
Step 5 – Bake and Serve
Place the pie dish on the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a beautiful golden-brown color and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
As it bakes, the smell will fill your kitchen with that familiar, savory aroma of burgers and melted cheese—just without the mess of a grill.
Once out of the oven, let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This short resting time helps everything set so your slices stay neat and hearty. Cut it into wedges like you would with a dessert pie and serve warm.
Want to take it up a notch? Add a drizzle of ketchup or mustard on top, or even a dollop of sour cream. It pairs perfectly with a crisp salad or seasoned fries.
Pro Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Pie
Want your cheeseburger pie to turn out like it came from a diner kitchen? Here are some expert tips to take it from good to unforgettable:
- Use lean beef – It keeps the pie from getting too greasy and helps the filling hold together better.
- Drain excess fat – Even lean meat has some grease. Always drain it to avoid a soggy bottom crust.
- Don’t skip the rest time – Resting the pie after baking helps it set and makes it easier to slice.
- Pre-shred your cheese – Pre-packaged shredded cheese has additives that can affect melting. Freshly grated is always creamier and more flavorful.
- Add a touch of seasoning – Sprinkle a little garlic powder or smoked paprika into the beef mixture for extra depth.
Remember, this recipe is pretty forgiving. Feel free to experiment and make it your own. The real goal is a pie that tastes like your favorite burger joint in every bite.
Variations to Try
Low-Carb Version
Going keto or cutting carbs? No problem. Skip the Bisquick and make an egg and cream-based custard to pour over the meat and cheese. You’ll still get that soft, quiche-like texture without the added carbs. You can also use almond flour or a low-carb baking mix instead.
Spicy Cheeseburger Pie
If you like a little heat, stir in some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce into the beef mixture. Pepper jack cheese also adds a nice kick. Top with crushed red pepper flakes for even more fire.
Vegetarian Option
Swap out the ground beef for a meat substitute like lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based crumbles. Keep the seasonings the same and you’ll still get that savory, umami-filled flavor profile. Make sure to cook and season your veggies well to replicate the richness of the beef.
What to Serve with Cheeseburger Pie
Cheeseburger pie is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can take your meal to the next level. Here are a few tasty ideas that complement the savory, cheesy richness of the pie:
- Crispy French Fries or Potato Wedges – Stick to the classic burger experience by serving fries on the side. Whether baked or fried, a crispy potato side dish is always a win.
- Fresh Garden Salad – A light, crisp salad balances the heaviness of the pie. Think lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.
- Coleslaw – The creamy crunch of coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast, and the vinegar-based version cuts through the pie’s richness.
- Steamed or Roasted Veggies – Broccoli, green beans, or carrots seasoned with herbs make for a healthy and colorful plate.
- Pickles or Pickled Veggies – If you like that burger-shop tang, a few pickles or pickled onions on the side will give you that zingy contrast.
Want to serve it like a burger plate? Add a squeeze of ketchup, mustard, or even a homemade burger sauce on the side for dipping. That way, every bite tastes like a cheeseburger deluxe.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? Lucky you—cheeseburger pie stores and reheats like a dream. Here’s how to make sure it stays just as good the next day:
To Store:
- Let the pie cool completely before storing.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer slices into airtight containers.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
To Reheat:
- For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes.
- You can also microwave individual slices for 1–2 minutes, but the crust may soften.
- If reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight first.
To Freeze:
- Cool the pie completely, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven until hot.
This makes it a perfect make-ahead meal for meal preppers or busy families. Double the batch, freeze one for later, and dinner is done!
Nutrition Facts (Estimated)
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional breakdown for one serving of classic cheeseburger pie (assuming 6 servings total):
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~360 |
| Protein | ~22g |
| Carbohydrates | ~15g |
| Fat | ~25g |
| Saturated Fat | ~10g |
| Fiber | ~1g |
| Sugar | ~3g |
| Sodium | ~600mg |
Note: These values may vary depending on the brand of ingredients used and any additions or substitutions.
If you’re following a specific diet, feel free to tweak the ingredients—use leaner meats, low-fat cheese, or dairy alternatives to fit your needs.
FAQs about Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
Can I make cheeseburger pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the pie a day ahead, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature and pop it in the oven.
How do I freeze leftovers?
Cool the pie completely, wrap it in foil or plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Can I use a store-bought crust?
Absolutely! A pre-made pastry crust or refrigerated pie crust works well. Just pre-bake it slightly before adding the filling to avoid sogginess.
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is the classic choice, but feel free to mix in mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss for extra flavor. Freshly shredded cheese melts best.
How do I know when it’s fully cooked?
The top should be golden brown and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean. If unsure, let it bake an extra 3–5 minutes and rest before slicing.
Conclusion
Cheeseburger pie is everything you love about a burger, baked into a cozy, crave-worthy casserole. It’s easy, fast, family-approved, and perfect for using pantry staples. Whether you’re making it for a weekday dinner, freezing it for later, or customizing it to fit your diet, this recipe offers unbeatable flavor with minimal fuss.
The next time you’re in the mood for something warm, cheesy, and nostalgic, ditch the bun and bake a cheeseburger pie instead. Trust me—your taste buds will thank you.
