
Ultimate Cheeseburger Pie Recipe: Easy, Cheesy, and Delicious!
Cheeseburger pie is a classic comfort food that combines the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger with the ease of a pie. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing dish. This recipe offers a delicious and customizable way to enjoy all the best parts of a cheeseburger without the bun! Get ready to experience a culinary adventure where ground beef, melted cheese, and your favorite burger toppings come together in a harmonious and flavorful symphony.
## What is Cheeseburger Pie?
Imagine a creamy, cheesy filling packed with savory ground beef and all your favorite cheeseburger fixings, baked in a flaky pie crust. That’s cheeseburger pie in a nutshell! It’s essentially a deconstructed cheeseburger, transformed into a convenient and comforting pie format. The filling typically consists of ground beef, cheese (usually cheddar, but you can experiment!), eggs, milk or cream, and seasonings. You can also add vegetables like onions, peppers, or tomatoes, and of course, your favorite burger toppings like pickles, mustard, or ketchup.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding your favorite burger toppings or using different types of cheese.
* **Family-Friendly:** Kids and adults alike will love the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger in a fun and exciting pie form.
* **Comfort Food:** Cheeseburger pie is the ultimate comfort food, offering a warm and satisfying meal that’s sure to please.
* **Budget-Friendly:** This recipe is relatively inexpensive to make, making it a great option for budget-conscious cooks.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this mouthwatering cheeseburger pie:
### For the Crust:
* **1 (14.1 oz) package refrigerated pie crusts:** These are the easiest option and provide a flaky, golden-brown base for your pie. You can use store-bought or make your own if you prefer. Using pre-made crusts dramatically cuts down on prep time.
### For the Filling:
* **1 pound ground beef:** Opt for lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) to minimize grease. You could also use ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter alternative.
* **1/2 cup chopped onion:** Adds flavor and texture to the filling. Yellow or white onions work best.
* **1 teaspoon garlic powder:** Enhances the savory flavor of the ground beef.
* **1/2 teaspoon salt:** Seasoning to taste; adjust as needed.
* **1/4 teaspoon black pepper:** Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle kick.
* **1 cup shredded cheddar cheese:** Sharp cheddar provides a bold, cheesy flavor. You can also use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack or your favorite cheese.
* **1/2 cup milk:** Helps to bind the filling together and creates a creamy texture. You can also use half-and-half or cream for a richer flavor.
* **3 large eggs:** Act as a binder and help the pie set properly.
* **1/4 cup mayonnaise:** Adds moisture and richness to the filling. You can substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.
* **2 tablespoons yellow mustard:** Provides a classic cheeseburger flavor. You can also use Dijon mustard for a more complex flavor.
### Optional Toppings:
* **Diced tomatoes:** Add a burst of freshness and acidity.
* **Pickles:** Chopped dill pickles add a tangy and crunchy element.
* **Ketchup:** A classic cheeseburger condiment, perfect for drizzling on top.
* **Lettuce:** Shredded lettuce adds a refreshing crunch.
* **Bacon:** Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky and savory flavor.
* **Other cheese:** Consider adding pepper jack for a spicy kick or provolone for a milder flavor.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **9-inch pie plate:** For baking the pie.
* **Large skillet:** For cooking the ground beef and onion.
* **Mixing bowl:** For combining the filling ingredients.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate measuring.
* **Spatula or wooden spoon:** For stirring and scraping.
* **Oven:** Preheated to 375°F (190°C).
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the detailed instructions for creating your ultimate cheeseburger pie:
**Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust**
* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the pie crust bakes evenly and becomes golden brown.
* Unroll one pie crust and gently press it into the bottom and up the sides of your 9-inch pie plate. Ensure the crust fits snugly into the pie plate to avoid any gaps.
* Trim any excess crust from the edges of the pie plate. You can use a knife or kitchen shears for this step.
* Crimp the edges of the crust to create a decorative border. This also helps to seal the crust and prevent the filling from leaking. You can use a fork to press the edges for a simple design, or get creative with your crimping technique.
**Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef**
* In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. This ensures even cooking and prevents large clumps from forming.
* Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. The onion should become translucent and fragrant.
* Drain off any excess grease. This is important to prevent the pie from becoming greasy.
* Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. These seasonings enhance the flavor of the ground beef.
* Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. This will prevent the eggs from cooking prematurely when you add them to the filling.
**Step 3: Prepare the Filling**
* In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, milk, eggs, mayonnaise, and yellow mustard. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth. This creates the creamy and cheesy base of the filling.
* Add the cooked ground beef mixture to the bowl and stir to combine. Make sure the ground beef is evenly distributed throughout the filling.
**Step 4: Assemble the Pie**
* Pour the ground beef and cheese filling into the prepared pie crust. Spread the filling evenly to ensure even baking and distribution of flavors.
* If desired, top with additional shredded cheese or your favorite burger toppings. This adds extra flavor and visual appeal.
**Step 5: Bake the Pie**
* Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. The filling should be firm to the touch and not jiggly.
* If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil. This prevents the crust from burning before the filling is cooked through.
* Let the pie cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set completely and prevents it from being too runny.
**Step 6: Add Your Favorite Toppings (Optional)**
* Once the pie has cooled slightly, add your favorite burger toppings, such as diced tomatoes, pickles, ketchup, lettuce, or bacon. These toppings add extra flavor and texture to the pie.
## Tips for the Perfect Cheeseburger Pie
* **Don’t Overcook the Ground Beef:** Overcooked ground beef can become dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s browned and no longer pink.
* **Drain the Grease:** Drain off any excess grease from the ground beef after cooking to prevent the pie from becoming greasy.
* **Cool the Ground Beef Slightly:** Let the ground beef mixture cool slightly before adding it to the egg mixture to prevent the eggs from cooking prematurely.
* **Don’t Overfill the Pie Crust:** Overfilling the pie crust can cause the filling to spill over during baking.
* **Check for Doneness:** The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
* **Let the Pie Cool:** Let the pie cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the filling to set.
* **Use a Pizza Cutter:** A pizza cutter works great for slicing the pie evenly.
## Variations and Substitutions
* **Ground Meat:** Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a vegetarian ground beef alternative.
* **Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Provolone.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables, such as chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach, to the filling.
* **Spices:** Customize the spice blend with your favorite seasonings, such as chili powder, smoked paprika, or onion powder.
* **Crust:** Use a homemade pie crust or a gluten-free pie crust for dietary restrictions.
* **Bacon:** Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the filling or as a topping for extra flavor.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapenos to the filling for a spicy kick.
* **Crustless:** For a low-carb option, skip the crust altogether and bake the filling in a greased pie plate.
* **Mini Cheeseburger Pies:** Use muffin tins to create individual mini cheeseburger pies.
## Serving Suggestions
Cheeseburger pie is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of:
* **Salad:** A simple green salad or a classic coleslaw.
* **French Fries:** Because what goes better with a cheeseburger than fries?
* **Onion Rings:** Another classic burger accompaniment.
* **Pickles:** For a tangy crunch.
* **Potato Salad:** A creamy and comforting side dish.
## Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover cheeseburger pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat slices of cheeseburger pie in the microwave, oven, or air fryer until heated through.
* **Freeze:** For longer storage, freeze individual slices of cheeseburger pie wrapped in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
## Cheeseburger Pie: A Delicious Twist on a Classic
Cheeseburger pie is a fun and flavorful way to enjoy the taste of a cheeseburger in a comforting pie format. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a delicious and satisfying meal that your whole family will love! Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with your own variations, cheeseburger pie is sure to become a new family favorite.
**Enjoy!**