Hamburger Quiche: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food

Are you looking for a creative and satisfying meal that combines the best of both worlds? Look no further than hamburger quiche! This recipe takes the familiar flavors of a juicy hamburger and transforms them into a creamy, savory quiche that’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner. It’s a crowd-pleaser, easy to customize, and a great way to use up leftover ground beef. Get ready to experience a delightful culinary adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds.

## What is Hamburger Quiche?

Hamburger quiche is essentially a savory pie with a ground beef-based filling. It combines the rich, comforting flavors of a hamburger with the creamy texture of a classic quiche. Instead of the traditional ham or bacon, ground beef, seasoned and cooked like a hamburger, takes center stage. The beef is then combined with cheese, eggs, and cream to create a luscious filling that’s baked in a flaky crust. The result is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s both satisfying and elegant.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Unique and Delicious:** It’s a fun twist on both hamburgers and quiche, offering a unique flavor profile that’s sure to impress.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable to suit your taste preferences. Add your favorite hamburger toppings like onions, pickles, tomatoes, or jalapenos.
* **Comfort Food:** It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of day.
* **Great for Leftovers:** A fantastic way to use up leftover ground beef from a previous meal.
* **Easy to Make:** While it looks impressive, the recipe is surprisingly simple to follow.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** A guaranteed hit at potlucks, brunches, or family gatherings.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **For the Crust:**
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 1/4 cup ice water

*Alternatively, you can use a store-bought pie crust to save time.*

* **For the Filling:**
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
* 4 large eggs
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup milk
* Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, pickles, ketchup, mustard.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the exciting part: making the hamburger quiche! Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect outcome.

### Step 1: Prepare the Crust (or Use Store-Bought)

**If making your own crust:**

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. **Cut in the Butter:** Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It’s important to keep the butter cold to ensure a flaky crust.
3. **Add Ice Water:** Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
4. **Form the Dough:** Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
5. **Roll Out the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the plate. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
6. **Pre-bake the Crust (Blind Bake):** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the pie crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. This prevents the crust from puffing up during baking. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the parchment paper and weights and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown. Let the crust cool slightly before adding the filling.

**If using a store-bought crust:**

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. If the crust is frozen, thaw it according to the package directions.
3. Place the crust in a 9-inch pie plate.
4. Pre-bake the crust for 10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Let it cool slightly before adding the filling.

### Step 2: Prepare the Hamburger Filling

1. **Cook the Ground Beef:** In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. **Add Vegetables:** Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. **Season the Mixture:** Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. **Drain Excess Fat:** Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
5. **Let it Cool:** Allow the hamburger mixture to cool slightly before adding it to the quiche.

### Step 3: Assemble the Quiche

1. **Sprinkle Cheese:** Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the bottom of the pre-baked crust.
2. **Add Hamburger Mixture:** Spread the cooked hamburger mixture evenly over the cheese.
3. **Top with Remaining Cheese:** Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the hamburger mixture.

### Step 4: Prepare the Egg Custard

1. **Whisk Eggs:** In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and milk until well combined.
2. **Season the Custard:** Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the egg mixture.

### Step 5: Pour Custard into the Crust

1. **Pour Carefully:** Gently pour the egg custard over the hamburger and cheese filling in the crust. Make sure the custard evenly distributes throughout the quiche.

### Step 6: Bake the Quiche

1. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the quiche is set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
2. **Let it Rest:** Remove the quiche from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the custard to set completely.

### Step 7: Add Toppings and Serve

1. **Add Toppings:** While the quiche is resting, prepare your favorite toppings. Some popular choices include diced tomatoes, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, pickles, ketchup, and mustard.
2. **Slice and Serve:** Slice the hamburger quiche into wedges and serve warm. Add your desired toppings and enjoy!

## Tips for the Perfect Hamburger Quiche

* **Use Cold Butter:** When making the crust, using cold butter is crucial for achieving a flaky texture. If the butter gets too warm, the crust will be tough.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing the dough can develop the gluten, resulting in a tough crust. Mix just until the dough comes together.
* **Blind Bake the Crust:** Blind baking the crust prevents it from becoming soggy when you add the wet filling.
* **Drain Excess Fat:** Draining the excess fat from the hamburger mixture will prevent the quiche from being greasy.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will result in a more flavorful quiche.
* **Let it Rest:** Allowing the quiche to rest after baking is essential for the custard to set completely. This will make it easier to slice and serve.
* **Customize the Filling:** Feel free to add your favorite hamburger toppings to the filling. Some popular choices include mushrooms, onions, peppers, and jalapenos.
* **Adjust Baking Time:** Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the quiche and adjust the baking time as needed.

## Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about hamburger quiche is its versatility. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences.

* **Spicy Hamburger Quiche:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapenos to the hamburger mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Mushroom and Swiss Quiche:** Add sauteed mushrooms and shredded Swiss cheese to the filling for a more sophisticated flavor.
* **Bacon Cheeseburger Quiche:** Add crumbled bacon to the hamburger mixture and use a combination of cheddar and Swiss cheese for a classic bacon cheeseburger flavor.
* **Vegetarian Quiche:** Replace the ground beef with a vegetarian ground beef substitute or use a combination of vegetables like mushrooms, onions, peppers, and spinach.
* **Crustless Quiche:** Omit the crust altogether for a lower-carb option. Simply grease a pie plate and pour the filling directly into the plate before baking.
* **Mini Quiches:** Make mini hamburger quiches using muffin tins for a perfect appetizer or snack.

## Serving Suggestions

Hamburger quiche is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways.

* **Brunch:** Serve with a side of fresh fruit, yogurt, or a light salad for a complete brunch.
* **Lunch:** Enjoy a slice of hamburger quiche with a side of soup or a green salad for a satisfying lunch.
* **Dinner:** Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a side of coleslaw for a hearty dinner.
* **Potlucks and Gatherings:** Hamburger quiche is a great dish to bring to potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings. It’s easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Leftovers:** Enjoy leftover hamburger quiche cold or reheated. It’s perfect for a quick and easy meal.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover hamburger quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may not be as crispy.
* **Freeze:** To freeze hamburger quiche, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Hamburger Quiche Recipe

Here’s the complete recipe for hamburger quiche, combining all the steps and tips we’ve discussed.

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Cook time:** 50-60 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* **For the Crust:**
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 1/4 cup ice water

*Alternatively, use a store-bought pie crust.*

* **For the Filling:**
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
* 4 large eggs
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup milk
* Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, pickles, ketchup, mustard.

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Crust:**
* **Homemade:** In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until dough comes together. Form into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Roll out dough, transfer to a 9-inch pie plate, and crimp edges. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line crust with parchment paper and pie weights. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove weights and bake for 5-7 minutes until lightly golden. Cool slightly.
* **Store-Bought:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place crust in a 9-inch pie plate. Pre-bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden. Cool slightly.
2. **Prepare the Hamburger Filling:**
* In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon. Add onion and bell pepper; cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Drain excess fat; let cool slightly.
3. **Assemble the Quiche:**
* Sprinkle half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the bottom of the pre-baked crust. Spread the cooked hamburger mixture evenly over the cheese. Top with remaining cheese.
4. **Prepare the Egg Custard:**
* In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, and milk until well combined. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. **Pour Custard into the Crust:**
* Gently pour the egg custard over the hamburger and cheese filling.
6. **Bake the Quiche:**
* Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the quiche is set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
7. **Let it Rest:**
* Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
8. **Add Toppings and Serve:**
* Slice into wedges, add desired toppings, and enjoy!

## Nutrition Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutrition information will vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.)

* Calories: 450-550 per serving
* Fat: 30-40g
* Saturated Fat: 15-20g
* Cholesterol: 200-250mg
* Sodium: 500-700mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Protein: 20-25g

## Conclusion

Hamburger quiche is a delightful and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its unique blend of hamburger flavors and creamy quiche texture, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your household. Whether you’re looking for a creative brunch idea, a satisfying lunch, or a hearty dinner, hamburger quiche is a guaranteed winner. So, gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and get ready to experience the deliciousness of this extraordinary culinary creation. Enjoy!