My kids used to groan at the mention of “burger night”—not because they didn’t like burgers, but because it felt like the same old routine. That all changed the day I stumbled upon the idea of a cheeseburger pie. The first time I put this Homemade Cheeseburger Pie on the dinner table, there was a moment of confused silence, followed by a chorus of “What is this?!” and then, pure, unadulterated joy. It’s truly become our number one family recipe, taking all the beloved flavors of a classic cheeseburger and transforming them into a gloriously comforting, easy-to-manage pie. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together, leaving smiles and satisfied tummies all around.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This isn’t just another dinner; it’s a weeknight hero, a cozy Sunday meal, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser all rolled into one savory package. You’ll adore this Homemade Cheeseburger Pie because it delivers on so many fronts. For starters, it’s incredibly family-friendly, often enticing even the pickiest eaters with its familiar flavors and comforting texture. It’s also wonderfully budget-friendly,
making the most of staple ingredients like ground beef and cheese. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies if you have little ones (or even big ones!) who are a bit resistant to greens. When you need a hearty, satisfying meal without a lot of fuss, especially after a long day, this recipe truly shines. It transforms the fun of burgers into an easy-to-serve, fork-friendly format that’s perfect for any occasion when comfort food is calling.
> “I made this cheeseburger pie last night, and it was an instant hit! My husband said it tasted exactly like a cheeseburger, but even better in pie form. So easy too!” — A Happy Home Cook
The Cooking Process Explained
Making this Homemade Cheeseburger Pie is surprisingly straightforward, even for those who might shy away from baking. You’ll start by browning some ground beef and onions, creating the rich, savory base. Once that’s ready, a quick mix with some creamy ingredients, cheese, and your chosen seasonings happens. This delicious mixture then gets poured into a pie crust, topped with more cheese (because, cheeseburger!), and baked until golden and bubbly. It’s a process that feels more like assembly than complex cooking, making it accessible and enjoyable for any home cook.
What You’ll Need
To whip up this comforting Homemade Cheeseburger Pie, gather these simple ingredients:
- 1 lb (about 450g) lean ground beef: You can also use ground turkey or a plant-based crumble for a different spin.
- 1 small onion, chopped: White or yellow onion works best here.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Or two cloves fresh minced garlic for a stronger flavor.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Adjust to taste, especially if using salted butter or broth.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Freshly ground is always best!
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Medium or sharp cheddar adds the best flavor.
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Or another mild, melty cheese like mozzarella.
- 1/2 cup milk: Any kind will do – whole, 2%, or even unsweetened almond milk.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Don’t skip this; it adds richness and binds everything beautifully.
- 2 large eggs: Crucial for setting the pie filling.
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the filling slightly.
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust: Store-bought or homemade, your choice!
- Optional toppings: Diced tomatoes, pickles, crispy bacon bits, sesame seeds for that authentic burger feel.
Directions to Follow
Let’s get this delicious pie assembled!
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re using a store-bought pie crust, place it in a 9-inch pie plate. If making your own, prepare and press it into the plate.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain off any excess grease thoroughly.
- Season: Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper with the browned beef and onion. Cook for another minute to let the flavors meld. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Make the Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, mayonnaise, eggs, and flour until smooth.
- Assemble the Filling: Add 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and all of the Monterey Jack cheese to the beef mixture. Pour in the milk-egg mixture and stir everything gently until well combined.
- Fill the Crust: Carefully spoon the entire cheeseburger filling into the unbaked pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the pie.
- Bake: Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Rest & Serve: Let the pie cool for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the filling set even further.
How to Serve It
This Homemade Cheeseburger Pie is fantastic on its own, but you can elevate the experience with some classic burger accompaniments. Think of it as a deconstructed burger, served pie-style! We love to offer a platter of miniature dill pickle slices, fresh diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce on the side, allowing everyone to customize their slice with their favorite burger toppings. A drizzle of ketchup or mustard (or both!) is also a must. For a complete meal, pair it with a crisp side salad to cut through the richness, or a simple side of oven-baked fries for that ultimate diner feel.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Storing your Homemade Cheeseburger Pie correctly ensures you can enjoy its deliciousness for days. Once completely cooled, cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer individual slices to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, you can either pop individual slices into the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through (though the crust might be a little softer), or place the entire pie (or larger portions) in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. The oven method will help crisp up the crust nicely again.
Freezing is also an option! Once cooled, you can wrap individual slices (or the whole pie, if you don’t mind sacrificing a little crust texture) tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Pro Chef Tips
- Don’t Skimp on Draining: After browning the ground beef, make sure to drain all the excess fat. A greasy pie bottom is no fun! Use paper towels to blot any stubborn fat if needed.
- Cool the Beef Slightly: Adding very hot beef to the egg mixture can scramble the eggs. Let it cool for a few minutes before combining.
- Customize Your Cheese: While cheddar and Monterey Jack are my go-to, feel free to experiment! Pepper Jack for a kick, or a blend of Colby and Swiss could also be delicious.
- Add “Hidden” Veggies: Want to boost the nutrition? Finely grate some carrots or zucchini into the beef mixture while it’s cooking. They’ll virtually disappear into the savory filling.
- Prevent a Soggy Bottom: If you’re worried about a soggy crust with a store-bought pie shell, you can “blind bake” it for about 5-7 minutes before adding the filling. This partially cooks the crust and helps create a barrier.
Creative Twists
This Homemade Cheeseburger Pie is a fantastic base for endless delicious variations:
- Bacon Cheeseburger Pie: Cook 4-6 slices of bacon until crispy, crumble, and mix half into the filling before baking. Sprinkle the other half on top during the last 10 minutes of baking, or as a garnish after.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture, or incorporate some diced jalapeños for a zesty twist.
- Mushroom & Swiss: Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms with the onion, and swap out the cheddar for shredded Swiss cheese.
- Pickle Perfection: For true pickle lovers, add 1/4 cup of finely diced pickles directly into the beef mixture before baking.
- BBQ Cheeseburger Pie: Stir 2-3 tablespoons of your favorite BBQ sauce into the ground beef mixture for a smoky, tangy flavor.
- Veggie Boost: Alongside the onions, you could add finely diced bell peppers, corn, or even a handful of spinach (wring out excess water first).
Common Questions
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this recipe. Be sure to use a slightly higher fat content ground turkey (like 85/15) or add a little extra olive oil when browning, as leaner turkey can sometimes dry out.
Q: My pie crust is browning too quickly. What should I do?
A: If you notice the edges of your pie crust are getting too dark before the filling is fully set, you can gently cover them with aluminum foil or a pie crust shield. This protects the edges while the center finishes cooking.
Q: Can I prepare this pie ahead of time?
A: You can assemble the pie up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from cold. The filling can also be cooked and mixed, then stored in the fridge for a day before adding to the crust and baking.
Classic Homemade Cheeseburger Pie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), then unroll the pie crust and press it into a 9-inch pie plate, crimping the edges. Optionally, par-bake the crust for 10-12 minutes and let it cool.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat until the beef browns and the onion softens, then drain excess grease. Stir in minced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant, then remove from heat and mix in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the seasoned ground beef into the pie crust, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the meat. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and milk, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper.
- Pour the egg and milk mixture over the meat and cheese in the pie crust, then top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, the crust is golden brown, and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.