Impossibly Easy Cheeseburger Pie: A Family Favorite Recipe
Cheeseburger pie. The name itself evokes feelings of comfort, simplicity, and pure, unadulterated deliciousness. It’s a dish that bridges the gap between a hearty weeknight meal and a nostalgic childhood favorite. And the best part? It truly lives up to its name – impossibly easy! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters, or anyone who wants a satisfying and flavorful meal with minimal effort.
Forget elaborate crusts and complicated fillings. This cheeseburger pie relies on a clever, almost magical, batter that bakes up into a fluffy, golden-brown base, encasing a savory and cheesy ground beef filling. It’s a one-dish wonder that will quickly become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Easy Peasy:** As the name suggests, this recipe is incredibly simple. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together.
* **Minimal Ingredients:** You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator.
* **Kid-Friendly:** This is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for the pickiest eaters.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your family’s preferences by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or spices.
* **One-Dish Wonder:** Less cleanup is always a win!
* **Perfect for Weeknights:** Quick preparation and baking time make it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses inexpensive ingredients to create a filling and satisfying meal.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **Ground Beef:** 1 pound. Lean ground beef is recommended, but you can use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
* **Onion:** 1/2 cup, chopped. Yellow or white onion works well.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 1/2 cup. This is the base of our “impossible” crust.
* **Milk:** 1 cup. Whole milk is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but you can use 2% or skim milk.
* **Eggs:** 2 large. They help bind the batter together and create a fluffy texture.
* **Shredded Cheddar Cheese:** 1 1/2 cups. Divided, because cheese is life. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a blend.
* **Mayonnaise:** 1/2 cup. This adds richness and moisture to the batter. Don’t skip it!
* **Mustard:** 1 tablespoon. Yellow mustard provides a tangy flavor that complements the beef and cheese.
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon. To enhance the flavors.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon. Freshly ground black pepper is always best.
* **Optional Toppings:** Ketchup, mustard, pickles, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, crumbled bacon – the possibilities are endless!
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now for the fun part! Let’s make some impossibly easy cheeseburger pie.
**Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Dish**
* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the pie bakes evenly and the crust turns golden brown.
* Lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate or a similar-sized baking dish. This will prevent the pie from sticking and make it easier to serve.
**Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef**
* In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
* Drain off any excess grease. This will prevent the pie from becoming greasy.
**Step 3: Sauté the Onion**
* Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Sauté until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. This adds flavor and texture to the filling.
**Step 4: Prepare the Batter**
* In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps in the batter. A smooth batter will ensure an even texture in the baked pie.
**Step 5: Assemble the Pie**
* Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the cooked ground beef and onion mixture in the skillet. This creates a cheesy layer in the middle of the pie.
* Pour the batter over the ground beef and cheese mixture. Make sure the batter evenly covers the filling.
* Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the batter. This creates a golden-brown and cheesy crust.
**Step 6: Bake the Pie**
* Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
**Step 7: Let it Rest (Optional but Recommended)**
* Let the pie cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set up a bit, making it easier to slice. Plus, it prevents you from burning your tongue!
**Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!**
* Serve the cheeseburger pie warm. Top with your favorite cheeseburger toppings, such as ketchup, mustard, pickles, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and crumbled bacon. Get creative and have fun!
## Tips and Variations
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese to create your own unique flavor combination. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella would all be delicious.
* **Add Vegetables:** Sneak in some extra vegetables by adding chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the ground beef mixture.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the batter for a little kick.
* **Use Ground Turkey or Chicken:** Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Add Bacon:** Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky and savory flavor to the pie. Stir it into the ground beef mixture or sprinkle it on top before baking.
* **Add Diced Tomatoes:** Drain a can of diced tomatoes well and add them to the ground beef mixture for added moisture and flavor.
* **Experiment with Spices:** Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or chili powder to the ground beef mixture for extra flavor.
* **Make Mini Pies:** Pour the batter and filling into muffin tins to create individual cheeseburger pies. Reduce the baking time accordingly.
* **Make it in a Cast Iron Skillet:** Baking the pie in a cast iron skillet gives it a rustic look and a slightly crispy crust.
* **Add Pickles:** Stir chopped dill pickles into the ground beef mixture or sprinkle them on top before baking for a classic cheeseburger flavor.
* **Use Different Mustard:** Try using Dijon mustard or spicy brown mustard for a different flavor profile.
* **Add a Layer of French Fried Onions:** Sprinkle a layer of crispy fried onions on top of the pie during the last few minutes of baking for added texture and flavor.
* **Make a Vegetarian Version:** Use a plant-based ground beef substitute and vegetable broth instead of milk to make a vegetarian version of this pie.
## Serving Suggestions
This cheeseburger pie is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side dish to make it even more satisfying. Here are a few suggestions:
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the richness of the pie.
* **Coleslaw:** Creamy coleslaw adds a cool and tangy contrast to the savory flavors of the pie.
* **French Fries:** A classic pairing for cheeseburgers, french fries are always a hit.
* **Sweet Potato Fries:** A healthier alternative to french fries, sweet potato fries are also delicious with cheeseburger pie.
* **Onion Rings:** Crispy and golden onion rings are another great side dish option.
* **Corn on the Cob:** Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a summery side dish that pairs well with cheeseburger pie.
* **Baked Beans:** Hearty baked beans are a classic barbecue side dish that complements the flavors of cheeseburger pie.
* **Macaroni and Cheese:** A comforting and cheesy side dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
## Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the ground beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake the pie, simply assemble it according to the recipe instructions.
* **Storage:** Leftover cheeseburger pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
* **Freezing:** Cheeseburger pie can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**Q: Can I use different types of ground meat?**
A: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives to ground beef. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
**Q: Can I add vegetables to the pie?**
A: Absolutely! Chopped bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or zucchini are all great additions.
**Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?**
A: Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
**Q: Can I make this ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can prepare the ground beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
**Q: How do I store leftovers?**
A: Store leftover cheeseburger pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
**Q: Can I freeze cheeseburger pie?**
A: Yes, you can freeze cheeseburger pie for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil.
## Impossibly Easy Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 45 minutes
**Servings:** 6-8
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 cup milk
* 2 large eggs
* 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Optional toppings: ketchup, mustard, pickles, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, crumbled bacon
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9-inch pie plate.
2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, milk, eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the cooked ground beef and onion mixture in the skillet.
6. Pour the batter over the ground beef and cheese mixture.
7. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
9. Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
10. Serve warm with your favorite cheeseburger toppings.
Enjoy your impossibly easy cheeseburger pie! This simple yet satisfying recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and toppings to create your own unique version. Happy baking!