The day I made this cheeseburger pie was one of those evenings when dinner needed to come together fast, but I still wanted something comforting and hearty on the table. I’d been flipping through ideas, searching for something warm and filling—something that felt like a cozy nod to a diner classic without the grease or mess.

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That’s when this recipe jumped out. It promised all the bold, juicy flavors of a cheeseburger, baked neatly into a pie dish. No flipping patties, no buns sliding around—just a tidy slice of goodness.

As it baked, the kitchen filled with the scent of browned beef and melted cheddar. I remember leaning on the counter, listening to the faint sizzle from the oven and watching the top turn a golden hue. That first slice came out perfectly—cheesy, savory, and with a light, fluffy crust. It tasted like a cross between a cheeseburger and a comforting quiche, and every bite disappeared faster than I could plate seconds.

Now it’s one of those back-pocket recipes I turn to when schedules are tight, but appetites are big. It works just as well for weeknights as it does for casual gatherings. And that’s the best kind of recipe—easygoing, familiar, and always a hit.

Short Description

This Pioneer Woman-inspired Cheeseburger Pie brings classic burger flavors into a simple, savory pie form—easy to prepare, kid-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Key Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Nonstick cooking spray
2 large eggs
1 cup whole buttermilk (room temperature)
1 tablespoon salted butter (melted)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional toppings: pickle slices, ketchup, burger sauce

Tools Needed

9-inch pie plate
Medium skillet
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Oven

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Beef
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and salt.

Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. If needed, drain excess fat. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and cook for 2 minutes until it’s mostly absorbed.

Step 2: Prepare the Pie Plate
Spray a 9-inch pie plate generously with nonstick cooking spray. Transfer the beef mixture to the dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

Step 3: Make the Batter
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter until smooth. Add in the flour and baking powder. Continue whisking until you have a well-combined, pourable batter.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Pour the batter over the beef mixture in the pie plate, making sure it covers evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese across the top.

Step 5: Bake
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. You can test this by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the pie cool for about 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite burger toppings—pickles, ketchup, or even a drizzle of burger sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

– Combines the comfort of a cheeseburger with the ease of a one-dish bake

– Quick to prepare with minimal cleanup

– A crowd-pleaser for adults and kids alike

– Bakes in just 25 minutes

– Freezer-friendly and easy to reheat

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Mistake 1: Batter too lumpy or thick
Solution: Whisk the wet ingredients thoroughly before adding the dry. If it’s still too thick, a splash of extra buttermilk can help smooth it out.

Mistake 2: Overbaking the pie
Solution: Keep a close eye around the 22-minute mark. You want a golden top, not a dry or rubbery texture.

Mistake 3: Skipping the Worcestershire sauce
Solution: Don’t leave it out—it brings that deep, savory punch that mimics a grilled burger.

Mistake 4: Uneven beef layer
Solution: Press the beef mixture gently into the pie plate with the back of a spoon for a consistent base.

Mistake 5: Cheese burning on top
Solution: If your oven runs hot, cover loosely with foil in the last 5 minutes to avoid overbrowning the cheese.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This pie stands strong on its own, but it also plays well with others. Serve it with:

– A side of crisp romaine or arugula salad tossed with vinaigrette

– Roasted sweet potato wedges or oven-baked fries

– A cold glass of iced tea, light beer, or lemonade

– A drizzle of burger sauce or tangy ketchup

– Family-style with toppings laid out for guests to build their perfect bite

Storage and Reheating Tips

To store: Cool completely, then wrap tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To freeze: Wrap the pie in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat: Warm slices in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the beef and prep the batter separately. Assemble just before baking.

2. What can I substitute for buttermilk?
Use 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes before using.

3. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely. Just keep in mind it may need a bit more seasoning for flavor.

4. Will this work with gluten-free flour?
Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend should work just fine.

5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish (like a 9×13) and add a few more minutes to the baking time.

Tips & Tricks

– Let your buttermilk come to room temp for better batter texture

– Use freshly shredded cheddar for better melt and flavor

– For extra richness, add a tablespoon of mayo to the batter

– Toss in chopped pickles or jalapeños to the beef mixture for added zing

– Want more color? Add a few slices of tomato on top before baking

Recipe Variations

1. Bacon Cheeseburger Pie
Add 4–5 slices of cooked, chopped bacon to the beef mixture. Sprinkle a little extra cheddar on top for good measure.

2. Spicy Pepper Jack Version
Replace cheddar with shredded pepper jack cheese. Stir in a teaspoon of chili powder and some diced jalapeños into the beef mixture.

3. Veggie Lover’s Version
Swap beef for plant-based crumbles. Add chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach for more bulk and flavor.

4. Breakfast Cheeseburger Pie
Use breakfast sausage instead of beef. Toss in diced bell pepper and replace Worcestershire with a dash of hot sauce.

5. Italian-Style Cheeseburger Pie
Use Italian sausage and add a layer of marinara sauce between the meat and batter. Sprinkle with mozzarella instead of cheddar.

Final Thoughts

This pie has a way of quieting the chaos. It doesn’t demand precision or perfect timing—just a few simple steps and pantry staples. You brown the beef, whisk the batter, and before long, the oven takes over.

The result feels like something you didn’t know you needed until it’s on your plate. It’s not flashy, but it fills a space. The kind of dish that reminds you dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be good—it just needs to be warm, familiar, and ready when you are.

Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie