Cheeseburger Pie Recipe

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I’ve made a lot of comforting, crowd-pleasing dishes over the years, but this Cheeseburger Pie recipe is hands-down one of my favorites. It combines everything I love about a classic cheeseburger—juicy beef, sharp cheddar, savory bacon—into one golden, bubbling, sliceable pie. It’s the kind of meal that instantly feels familiar and cozy, yet still exciting enough to feel like something special. I love serving this up when I want something hearty without the fuss of firing up the grill or making a million patties.

What really sold me on this dish is how insanely easy it is to throw together. You get that rich, cheesy, meaty satisfaction with minimal prep, and it’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or even weekend brunches when you’re craving something savory. Plus, it’s the kind of thing everyone—kids, adults, picky eaters—devours without hesitation. Let’s dig in, shall we?

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Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Pie

• Simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
• No crust to roll out—the easy topping forms a soft, biscuit-like layer that holds everything together.
• Incredibly flavorful—juicy ground beef, melty cheddar, smoky bacon, and a hint of spice.
• Family-friendly and customizable to your preferences.
• Perfect for leftovers—reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.
• One dish meal—meat, cheese, and a carb all in one savory slice.

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What Kind of Beef Should I Use for Cheeseburger Pie?

For this pie, I always reach for lean ground beef—usually around 85% lean. It gives you just enough fat to bring flavor and juiciness, without turning the dish greasy. If you go any higher in fat content, make sure to drain off the excess after browning, or you’ll risk a soggy base. Want to switch things up? Ground turkey or even plant-based alternatives can work just as well, though they’ll bring a different texture and taste.

Also, don’t be afraid to season the beef well. It’s the star of the show, and seasoning it generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce makes all the difference.

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Options for Substitutions

This Cheeseburger Pie is endlessly adaptable, which makes it a go-to when I need to clean out the fridge or cater to dietary needs. Here are some easy swaps:

• Ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian or vegan take (just sub the eggs and dairy too).
• Gluten-free biscuit mix or almond flour base if you’re avoiding gluten.
• Cheddar cheese can be swapped with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
• Bacon is optional but adds depth—turkey bacon or veggie bacon strips also work well.
• Dairy-free cheese and milk if you’re going the non-dairy route.

Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or food allergies, this pie has flexibility built in. Just make sure to adjust cooking times slightly if your substitutions are on the wetter side.

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Ingredients for This Cheeseburger Pie

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating that rich, savory, melt-in-your-mouth comfort food experience.

• Ground Beef – The heart of the pie. Juicy, flavorful, and filling.
• Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential seasoning to bring out the flavors.
• Garlic Powder – A subtle background note that enhances the overall taste.
• Worcestershire Sauce – Adds a savory, umami kick reminiscent of classic burgers.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melts beautifully and gives that gooey, cheesy top layer.
• Bacon – Optional, but it adds smokiness and texture.
• Eggs – Help bind everything together and give structure to the pie.
• Milk – Combines with the eggs to form the soft, custardy base layer.
• All-Purpose Flour – Gives the topping just enough structure to hold the pie together.
• Baking Powder – Provides a light rise and slight fluffiness to the top layer.

These ingredients come together in layers of savory beef and creamy-cheesy goodness, making each bite taste like your favorite cheeseburger—only better.

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Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Sauté until the beef is browned and the onions are soft—about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.

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Step 2: Season the Mixture

Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Let it cook for another minute or two to let the flavors meld. Turn off the heat and set aside.

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Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or spray with nonstick cooking spray. Spread the beef mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish.

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Step 4: Add the Cheese and Bacon

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the meat mixture. If you’re using bacon, crumble it and scatter it on top of the cheese for that smoky finish.

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Step 5: Make the Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, and baking powder until smooth. This mixture will act like a crust, rising and setting around the beef and cheese as it bakes.

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Step 6: Pour and Bake

Slowly pour the batter over the beef and cheese in the pie dish. Make sure it spreads evenly. Transfer to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

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Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the pie rest for 5–10 minutes after baking. This helps it firm up slightly, making it easier to slice. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.

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How Long to Cook the Cheeseburger Pie

The total baking time for this Cheeseburger Pie is 30 to 35 minutes in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

If you’re using a deeper pie dish or added extra cheese (no judgment!), you may need to add 5 extra minutes. Just keep an eye on the center—don’t rely solely on the color of the top.

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Tips for Perfect Cheeseburger Pie

• Drain the beef thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the pie soggy.
• Shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded—it’s creamier and melts more evenly.
• Let it rest before slicing so the pie sets properly and doesn’t fall apart.
• Whisk the batter until smooth to avoid any lumps of flour in the topping.
• Use room temperature eggs and milk—this helps the batter mix more evenly and bake up lighter.
• Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne to the beef for a little heat if you like it spicy.
• Double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan if you’re feeding a crowd.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though Cheeseburger Pie is a pretty forgiving dish, a few missteps can throw off the final result. Here’s what to keep an eye on:

• Forgetting to drain the beef – This is the number one cause of soggy pie bottoms. Always drain off the grease after browning the meat.
• Under-seasoning the beef – Ground beef needs a solid hit of seasoning to shine. Taste and adjust before adding it to the pie dish.
• Using pre-shredded cheese – It often has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Go with freshly grated if you can.
• Overfilling the pie dish – If you’re tempted to add extra fillings, remember to keep some space for the batter to rise.
• Not letting the pie rest before cutting – It needs at least 5–10 minutes to set, or you’ll end up with messy slices.
• Pouring batter too quickly – Slow, even pouring helps the batter settle across the surface without sinking into the meat layer.

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What to Serve With Cheeseburger Pie?

Pairing this pie with the right sides can really elevate your meal. Here are some favorites that complement it perfectly:

Classic Green Salad

A simple romaine or mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds freshness and balance to the rich pie.

Crispy Oven Fries

Leaning into the cheeseburger theme, crispy potato wedges or sweet potato fries are a natural match.

Pickles or Pickled Veggies

That briny crunch cuts through the richness of the dish and brings a pop of brightness.

Corn on the Cob

Grilled or boiled corn adds a summery, sweet bite that plays well with the savory pie.

Iced Tea or Lemonade

Whether sweet or unsweetened, a chilled drink helps round out the comfort-food feel.

Garlic Bread

Not traditional, but ridiculously satisfying. It turns this into a full-on indulgent meal.

Tomato Cucumber Salad

Fresh, juicy, and acidic—perfect for cooling things down on a warm day.

Roasted Broccoli or Green Beans

Roasted or steamed, these veggies add fiber and crunch while balancing the richness.

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Storage Instructions

One of the best things about Cheeseburger Pie is how well it keeps. Whether you’re meal prepping or saving leftovers, it stores like a champ.

• Refrigerator: Let the pie cool completely before covering it tightly with foil or transferring to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze individual slices or the whole pie. Wrap in plastic wrap and foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can microwave it too, but the crust may soften.

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Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a rough estimate per serving (based on 6 servings and using standard ingredients with beef and cheddar):

• Calories: ~410
• Protein: ~24g
• Carbohydrates: ~12g
• Fat: ~30g
• Saturated Fat: ~13g
• Cholesterol: ~135mg
• Sodium: ~580mg
• Fiber: ~1g
• Sugar: ~2g

Note: These values can change based on the cheese, milk, and meat used, especially if you go leaner or swap ingredients.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cheese works best in Cheeseburger Pie?

Sharp cheddar is the classic choice because it melts well and brings that bold cheeseburger flavor. Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend can work too.

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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the pie (up to the batter step) a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve. Or fully bake it and reheat later.

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Is it okay to use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just be sure to season it well since it has a milder flavor than beef.

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Can I make this gluten-free?

Definitely. Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. Make sure your baking powder and other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.

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What kind of pan should I use?

A 9-inch pie dish works perfectly. You can also use a square 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish for a more casserole-style look.

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How do I know when the pie is done baking?

The top should be golden brown, slightly puffed, and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean. If it’s still wet in the middle, give it 5 more minutes.

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Can I freeze Cheeseburger Pie?

Yes, this pie freezes beautifully. Let it cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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What sides go best with it?

Try it with a fresh green salad, crispy fries, or some roasted veggies. It also pairs well with iced tea or a simple lemonade for a complete comfort meal.

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Conclusion

Cheeseburger Pie is one of those meals that brings everything you love about comfort food into one delicious slice. It’s easy enough for weeknights, filling enough for hungry families, and flexible enough to customize however you like. Whether you stick to the classic version or make it your own, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.

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