Easy Cheeseburger Quiche: A Family-Friendly Weeknight Dinner
Cheeseburgers are a universally loved comfort food. Quiche, with its creamy custard filling and flaky crust, is a sophisticated dish often reserved for brunches or special occasions. But what if you could combine the best of both worlds? Enter the Cheeseburger Quiche – a surprisingly simple and incredibly satisfying recipe that brings the fun of a cheeseburger to the elegance of a quiche. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy meal that the whole family will enjoy. It’s also a great way to use up leftover ground beef or burger toppings.
This recipe is more than just a novelty; it’s a delicious and versatile meal that can be customized to suit your tastes. Want to add some veggies? Go for it! Prefer a different type of cheese? No problem! This Cheeseburger Quiche is your canvas, ready for you to create a culinary masterpiece.
## Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Quiche
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and uses readily available ingredients. It’s perfect for beginner cooks or anyone looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
* **Family-Friendly:** Kids and adults alike will love the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger in a fun and unexpected format.
* **Customizable:** This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to your family’s preferences by adding different cheeses, vegetables, or spices.
* **Great for Leftovers:** Cheeseburger Quiche is delicious served warm or cold, making it perfect for lunch the next day.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Ground beef is an affordable protein, and the other ingredients are pantry staples.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients:
* **1 pre-made pie crust:** Save time and effort with a store-bought crust, or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious.
* **1 pound ground beef:** Use lean ground beef to minimize grease. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken.
* **1/2 cup chopped onion:** Adds flavor and texture to the filling.
* **1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper:** (Optional) Adds a touch of sweetness and color.
* **1 teaspoon garlic powder:** Enhances the savory flavor.
* **1 teaspoon salt:** Seasoning is key!
* **1/2 teaspoon black pepper:** Adds a touch of spice.
* **1/4 teaspoon paprika:** Adds a hint of smoky flavor.
* **4 large eggs:** Provides structure and richness to the custard.
* **1 cup milk:** Thins the custard and adds moisture.
* **1/2 cup mayonnaise:** Adds creaminess and richness to the filling. Don’t skip this!
* **1 cup shredded cheddar cheese:** The classic cheeseburger cheese. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack.
* **1/4 cup chopped dill pickles:** (Optional) Adds a tangy and briny flavor.
* **Ketchup and mustard, for serving:** (Optional) For that authentic cheeseburger experience.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Cheeseburger Quiche:
**1. Preheat and Prepare:**
* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Place the pre-made pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
**2. Brown the Ground Beef:**
* In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess grease.
* Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper (if using) to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
**3. Season the Beef Mixture:**
* Stir in the garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
* Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
**4. Prepare the Custard:**
* In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and mayonnaise until smooth.
**5. Assemble the Quiche:**
* Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the bottom of the pie crust.
* Spread the cooked ground beef mixture over the cheese.
* Sprinkle the chopped dill pickles (if using) over the beef mixture.
* Pour the egg mixture over the beef and cheese.
* Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
**6. Bake the Quiche:**
* Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
**7. Cool and Serve:**
* Let the quiche cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
* Serve warm with ketchup and mustard, if desired.
## Tips and Variations
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Get creative with your veggies! Add chopped tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
* **Change the Cheese:** Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, pepper jack, or even Swiss cheese.
* **Use a Different Crust:** Try a gluten-free crust or a homemade pastry crust.
* **Make it Mini:** Use muffin tins to make individual Cheeseburger Quiches. Reduce the baking time accordingly.
* **Blind Bake the Crust:** For an extra crispy crust, blind bake it for 10 minutes before adding the filling. To blind bake, line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Remove the parchment paper and weights and bake for another 5 minutes before adding the filling.
* **Add Bacon:** Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky and savory flavor.
* **Use a Cast Iron Skillet:** Cook the ground beef and bake the quiche in a cast iron skillet for a rustic presentation.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking the quiche can result in a dry and rubbery texture. Check for doneness frequently and remove from the oven as soon as the custard is set.
## Serving Suggestions
Cheeseburger Quiche is a versatile dish that can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Serve with a side salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a perfect complement to the richness of the quiche.
* **Serve with fruit:** Fresh fruit like berries or melon provides a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors.
* **Serve with potato chips or fries:** For a truly indulgent meal, pair the quiche with your favorite potato chips or fries.
* **Serve with coleslaw:** The creamy coleslaw complements the savory nature of the quiche.
* **Top with your favorite burger toppings:** Add lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, or your favorite burger sauce.
## Make Ahead Instructions
Cheeseburger Quiche can be made ahead of time and reheated later. Here’s how:
* **Assemble the quiche:** Prepare the quiche according to the recipe instructions, but do not bake it.
* **Wrap and refrigerate:** Cover the unbaked quiche tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
* **Bake before serving:** When you’re ready to serve, bake the quiche according to the recipe instructions, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary.
You can also bake the quiche ahead of time and reheat it later:
* **Bake the quiche:** Prepare and bake the quiche according to the recipe instructions.
* **Cool and refrigerate:** Let the quiche cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat before serving:** Reheat the quiche in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
## Storage Instructions
Store leftover Cheeseburger Quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven, microwave, or eat it cold.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
* Calories: 400-500 per serving
* Fat: 25-35g
* Saturated Fat: 12-18g
* Cholesterol: 200-250mg
* Sodium: 500-700mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Protein: 20-25g
## Conclusion
This Easy Cheeseburger Quiche is a delightful and unexpected twist on two classic comfort foods. It’s a simple, family-friendly recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend gatherings. With its customizable ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this quiche is sure to become a new favorite in your household. So, ditch the burger buns and embrace the quiche – you won’t be disappointed!
Enjoy your delicious homemade Cheeseburger Quiche!