During a staff lunch break, we somehow drifted into a full-blown debate about comfort food. One of my coworkers, Teresa, always the queen of shortcuts and big flavors, mentioned she made “Cheeseburger Pie” for her boys every other week. I raised an eyebrow. Cheeseburger… in pie form? She laughed and said, “It’s not fancy, just honest food that keeps everyone full and happy.”
That night, curiosity got the better of me. I scribbled her instructions on a Post-it, stuck it in my purse, and tested it out that weekend when the kids had friends over. The moment I pulled it from the oven, bubbling and golden, the kitchen filled with that unmistakable burger-shop smell—ketchup, beef, cheese, and a buttery crust.
Watching them devour it, plates cleared faster than I could blink, I knew I’d found something that would land in our regular rotation. It’s become a lifesaver on busy weeknights when I want to skip the grill and still deliver that burger satisfaction. I’ve even added it to a few of our family potlucks, and it never leaves leftovers.
Thanks to Teresa’s lunchtime suggestion, our dinner table now gets quiet in that good way—mouths full, bellies warm, and no one asking for takeout.
Short Description
Cheeseburger Pie transforms all the flavors of a cheeseburger—beef, onions, ketchup, mustard, and cheese—into a comforting deep-dish pie that’s easy to assemble and bake.
Key Ingredients
Filling
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 Tbsp yellow mustard
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Cheese Layers
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
Crust and Batter
- 1 unbaked 9‑inch deep‑dish pie crust
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 Tbsp all‑purpose flour
Tools Needed
- 9‑inch deep‑dish pie dish
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl and whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prep Crust
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place unbaked pie crust into dish and set aside.
Step 2: Cook Filling
In skillet over medium heat, cook beef and onion for 7‑9 minutes until beef is browned and onions soft. Drain fat. Add garlic, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper; cook 1‑2 more minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Add Cheese
Spread beef mixture evenly into crust. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella on top.
Step 4: Mix Batter
Whisk eggs, milk, and flour until smooth. Pour over cheese and beef layers.
Step 5: Bake Pie
Bake 25‑30 minutes until top is golden and center is set. Let rest 5‑10 minutes before slicing.
Step 6: Serve
Slice and serve warm. Top with pickles or chopped tomatoes, or pair with a crisp green salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor Explosion: Cheeseburger flavors all in an easy pie.
Hands-Off Comfort: Simple layers, low stress, high payoff.
Kid-Friendly: Silly-name, cheesy appeal makes picky eaters happy.
Comfort Food Made Easy: No patties—just scoopable deliciousness.
Make-Ahead Option: Assemble early, bake later, relax.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Soggy Crust: Drain fat well and bake until crust edges are golden.
Runny Center: Make sure eggs are fully set and let the pie rest before slicing.
Blotchy Cheese: Spread cheese evenly over beef for consistent melting.
Crust Puffed Too High: Dock or gently press crust down after filling.
Overbrowned Top: Cover loosely with foil if browning too fast.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve slices with pickles or chopped tomatoes on top.
Pair with a crisp salad dressed in vinaigrette.
For casual feeding, serve buffet-style with sides like coleslaw or baked beans.
Pair with cold drinks—lemonade, iced tea, or a light beer.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store cooled pie in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days.
Reheat in oven at 350°F for 10‑12 minutes, or microwave single slices.
Freeze leftovers wrapped well—reheat frozen in oven at 325°F for 20‑25 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Yes, a standard refrigerated crust works fine in place of deep-dish.
2. Can I swap ground turkey?
Yes, just brown it fully and adjust seasonings to taste.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a GF pie crust and GF flour blend in the batter.
4. Is this spicy?
No, but add a pinch of chili powder or hot sauce if you want a kick.
5. Can I prepare ahead?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to overnight, then bake before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Use 80/20 beef for the best flavor and juiciness.
Finely chop onions for even cooking and distribution.
Let pie rest after baking for easier slicing and cleaner pieces.
Try a swirl of ranch or BBQ sauce on top for extra flavor.
If crust edges brown too soon, shield with foil or a pie crust shield.
Recipe Variations
Bacon Cheeseburger Pie:
Add 4 strips cooked bacon chopped into the beef layer before baking.
Veggie-Packed Pie:
Mix in ½ cup sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture.
Spicy Pie:
Add ½ tsp paprika and ¼ tsp cayenne to ketchup mixture for heat.
Double-Cheese Pie:
Use pepper jack instead of mozzarella and extra cheddar for more zest.
Final Thoughts
Cheeseburger Pie is dependable, filling, and never needs dressing up. The kids request it before game nights, my husband sneaks extra slices after dinner, and even my picky niece had seconds.
I’ve shared the recipe more times than I can count, always giving a quiet nod to Teresa for the spark. Funny how something as casual as a lunch chat can change how you cook. And honestly, I’m glad it did.
Cheeseburger Pie
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 Tbsp yellow mustard
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Cheese Layers
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
Crust and Batter
- 1 unbaked 9‑inch deep‑dish pie crust
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 Tbsp all‑purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place pie crust in dish and set aside.
- Brown beef and onion in skillet for 7–9 minutes. Drain fat. Stir in garlic, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes more, then remove from heat.
- Spread beef mixture in crust. Top with cheddar and mozzarella.
- Whisk eggs, milk, and flour until smooth. Pour evenly over filling.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and set. Let rest 5–10 minutes.
- Slice and serve warm. Add pickles, tomatoes, or a green salad if desired.
