Cheeseburger Pie: Ingredients & Easy Recipe Guide

When you’re in the mood for comfort food that brings the flavors of a cheeseburger but comes in a warm, hearty, and shareable dish, cheeseburger pie is the perfect option. Combining savory ground beef, gooey cheese, and a flaky crust, it’s a delicious and satisfying meal that’s also versatile and easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping meals for the week, this dish can quickly become a favorite in your home.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what cheeseburger pie is made of, step-by-step instructions on how to prepare it, popular variations, nutritional considerations, and common questions people have about this dish.

What Is Cheeseburger Pie?

Despite its name, cheeseburger pie is not a traditional pie, but rather a savory casserole-like dish made from a combination of ground beef, cheese, and a crust or biscuit topping. This dish originated as an easy way to get the flavors of a cheeseburger in a new and creative format. It’s a comfort food classic, offering the best of both worlds: the familiar taste of a cheeseburger and the convenience of a one-pan meal.

Instead of a burger patty, ground beef is used as the main filling, combined with other seasonings and sometimes vegetables. Cheese is layered over the beef, and a crust or biscuit dough forms the base or topping. It’s baked to perfection, offering a hearty, cheesy, and flavorful meal.

Why is it called a “pie”?

It’s called a pie because of its structure: the ingredients are enclosed in a pastry-like crust, similar to a traditional pie. However, unlike sweet pies, this is savory. Some variations of this dish don’t even use a crust, making it more like a casserole with similar flavors to a cheeseburger.

Main Ingredients in Cheeseburger Pie

To make cheeseburger pie, you’ll need some basic ingredients that are common in most households. These ingredients come together to give the dish its signature flavor.

Ground Beef

Ground beef is the main protein in the pie, and its quality can make a big difference in the final dish. Ideally, you’ll want to use beef that’s around 80% lean and 20% fat. This ratio ensures that the beef has enough fat for flavor and moisture without being overly greasy.

Beef Options: You can use a leaner beef option if you prefer, or even substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the dish. For a plant-based option, ground meat substitutes like Impossible or Beyond Meat work well too.
Seasoning the Beef: Seasoning the meat as it cooks is crucial for building flavor. Adding salt, pepper, onions, garlic, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the overall taste.

Cheese

Cheese is a vital component in this dish, providing both flavor and texture. The most commonly used cheese is cheddar, which melts beautifully and has a sharp flavor that complements the beef. However, you can experiment with other types of cheese depending on your taste preferences.

Popular Cheese Options:
- Cheddar: Sharp and flavorful, cheddar is the go-to choice.
- American cheese: This melts smoothly and gives the dish a creamy texture, mimicking the cheesiness of a classic cheeseburger.
- Mozzarella: For a mild, stretchy cheese, mozzarella can be used.
- Pepper jack: If you want a bit of spice in your dish, pepper jack adds both heat and flavor.

Feel free to mix and match different types of cheese for a more complex flavor profile.

Crust or Biscuit Layer

The “pie” aspect of cheeseburger pie can be made in different ways. Some versions use a traditional pie crust, while others might opt for a biscuit topping or even a low-carb alternative. The crust or biscuit topping adds texture to the dish, giving it a crispy or fluffy finish.

Crust Options:
- Pie Crust: A store-bought or homemade pie crust is the most common choice. It provides a flaky, buttery texture that complements the savory filling.
- Biscuit Dough: For a fluffier, bread-like texture, you can use biscuit dough as the topping. This creates a heartier version of the dish.
- Low-Carb Option: If you’re following a keto or low-carb diet, you can make a crust from almond flour or simply omit the crust altogether for a crustless version.

Need a guide on creating the perfect pie crust? Check out this detailed guide on how to make the perfect pie crust.

Eggs and Milk

Eggs and milk act as the binding agents in this dish, ensuring that the filling holds together nicely when baked. The eggs provide structure, while the milk keeps the pie moist.

Eggs: Adding a couple of eggs to the mixture helps to hold the filling together, especially when there’s no crust.
Milk: A splash of milk or cream keeps the filling moist, giving it a creamy texture.

Seasonings and Add-ons

The seasoning is what brings all the flavors of a cheeseburger together. While the base seasonings are simple (salt, pepper, and onions), you can get creative with additional ingredients to customize your dish.

Base Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and onions are the most common seasonings used to flavor the beef.
Add-ons: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, or mustard to mimic the condiments typically found on a cheeseburger. Some people even add pickles or bacon for extra flavor.

Interested in learning more about pairing flavors? Check out this helpful cheese pairing guide here.

Variations of Cheeseburger Pie

There are endless variations of cheeseburger pie that you can try based on your dietary needs or personal preferences. Below are a few popular options:

Classic Cheeseburger Pie

The traditional version includes all the basic ingredients: ground beef, cheese, and pie crust. Some variations may include additional vegetables like onions or tomatoes, or toppings like bacon.

Low-Carb or Keto Cheeseburger Pie

For those following a low-carb or keto diet, you can easily modify the recipe by skipping the crust entirely. Instead of using a traditional pie crust or biscuit topping, the beef and cheese serve as the base. You can also make a crust using almond flour or coconut flour to keep it low-carb.

Cheeseburger Pie with Vegetables

If you want to add more nutrition to your dish, feel free to mix in some vegetables. Mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers can all be added to the beef mixture to add both flavor and texture.

Cheeseburger Pie with Alternative Meats

You don’t have to use ground beef to make a delicious cheeseburger pie. If you prefer a lighter version, try using ground turkey or ground chicken. For vegetarians, plant-based meat substitutes like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger work wonderfully in this dish.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Making cheeseburger pie is simple and doesn’t require a lot of culinary skills. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare it:

1. Prepping the Ground Beef

Start by cooking the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add your seasonings (salt, pepper, and optionally onions and garlic) and cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked.

Tip: Drain any excess fat to prevent the pie from becoming too greasy.

2. Preparing the Cheese Layer

Grate your preferred cheese (cheddar or American work best) and set it aside. You’ll add half of the cheese to the beef mixture and the rest on top of the pie before baking.

3. Creating the Crust

If you’re using a traditional pie crust, roll it out and place it in a pie dish. For a biscuit topping, prepare the biscuit dough and set it aside. If you’re opting for a crustless version, you can skip this step.

4. Combining the Ingredients

Layer the cooked ground beef in the pie crust or directly into the pie dish. Add your cheese layer and pour the egg and milk mixture over the top. If you’re using a biscuit topping, place it on top of the beef and cheese.

5. Baking

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pie in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the pie is set and the top is golden brown. If you’re using a biscuit topping, bake until the biscuits are fully cooked.

Tip: Let the pie cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing to allow it to set properly.

6. Serving Suggestions

Cheeseburger pie is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad, fries, or vegetables. Some people like to add classic burger toppings like pickles, ketchup, or mustard on the side for dipping.

Nutritional Breakdown of Cheeseburger Pie

Cheeseburger pie can vary in its nutritional content depending on the ingredients you use. Here’s a general breakdown based on a typical recipe with ground beef, cheese, and pie crust:

Calories: 400–500 per slice
Protein: 20–30g per slice
Fat: 25–35g per slice
Carbohydrates: 20–30g per slice (less for low-carb versions)

Healthier Substitutions

If you’re looking to make the dish healthier, here are some easy substitutions:

Use lean ground beef (90/10) or ground turkey for a lighter option.
Substitute low-fat cheese or a mixture of reduced-fat cheeses.
Replace the pie crust with a whole wheat crust or a vegetable-based crust.
Skip the crust altogether for a low-carb or keto-friendly version.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make it without a crust?
Yes! A crustless version is an excellent low-carb option. Simply layer the beef and cheese in a pie dish, pour the egg mixture over it, and bake.

What sides go well with cheeseburger pie?
Classic sides include french fries, a fresh green salad, coleslaw,roasted vegetables. For a low-carb option, pair it with steamed broccoli or a cucumber salad.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave a slice or bake it in the oven until warmed through.

Can I freeze cheeseburger pie?
Yes, it freezes very well. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake until heated through.

Is cheeseburger pie keto-friendly?
It can be! To make it keto-friendly, omit the crust or use an almond flour-based crust. Be mindful of the cheese and ensure you’re using a keto-friendly version.

Why Cheeseburger Pie Is a Family Favorite

There’s a reason cheeseburger pie is beloved by many—it’s simple to make, uses everyday ingredients, and is both filling and flavorful. The dish is versatile, allowing you to add your own twist or adapt it based on what’s in your pantry. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or serving it at a family gathering, this recipe is sure to become a go-to comfort food.

Final Tips for Perfect Cheeseburger Pie

Don’t skimp on the seasoning: Be sure to season the beef well to avoid a bland filling.
Drain the fat: After browning the beef, drain any excess fat to prevent the pie from becoming greasy.
Try different cheeses: Experiment with cheese combinations to find the flavor you like best.

By following this guide, you’ll be able to make a perfect cheeseburger pie that your family and friends will love. Whether you’re trying the classic recipe or experimenting with a new variation, this dish is a great addition to any meal plan.

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