Cheeseburger Pie came into my kitchen one evening when my grandkids bounded in, asking for “that cheeseburger thing Nana makes.” I’d just finished watering my rose bushes, and I had a moment of inspiration—what if I turned our favorite burger flavors into a cozy pie?

I pulled out that deep-dish crust my sister brought from her baking stash, browned some ground beef with onions, and added ketchup and mustard for that classic tang. The aroma of garlic swirled through the air as I layered in shredded cheddar and mozzarella. When the custardy egg-milk batter gently seeped over the cheesy beef, I knew I had something special on my hands.

By the time it finished baking at 375°F, the kitchen was filled with a warm, homey scent that made everyone gather around. When I sliced into it, cheese stringing out, crust crisp on the edge, I felt that familiar glow of satisfaction. My husband declared it “like a burger without the bun,” and the kids devoured it with extra pickles and fresh tomato slices.

That pie wrapped up comfort, flavor, and family all at once, and it’s been a regular in my repertoire ever since. I’m excited to share the full recipe below, it’s simple, satisfying, and full of nostalgic charm.

Short Description

Cheeseburger Pie layers seasoned ground beef and melted cheeses in a buttery crust, bound together by a savory egg-milk custard—an easy, crowd-pleasing twist on a classic cheeseburger.

Key Ingredients

For the Filling

1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Cheese Layers

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Crust and Custard

1 unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie crust
2 large eggs
½ cup whole milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Tools Needed

Deep-dish pie dish
Large skillet
Wooden spoon or spatula
Mixing bowl and whisk
Cheese grater
Measuring cups and spoons

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Crust
Preheat oven to 375°F. Place the unbaked pie crust in the dish and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion. Cook and break apart until beef is browned and onions are soft, around 7–9 minutes. Drain fat.

Step 3: Add Flavorings
Stir in minced garlic, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, then remove from heat.

Step 4: Layer the Pie
Spread beef mixture evenly in the crust. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella in even layers over the beef.

Step 5: Make the Custard
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and flour until smooth. Pour gently over cheese and beef.

Step 6: Bake until Set
Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and the custard is set. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

Step 7: Serve Warm
Cut into wedges and serve with optional garnishes like sliced pickles or chopped tomatoes. Fresh salad on the side adds a bright touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: Classic cheeseburger flavors in a sliceable pie—savory, tangy, cheesy.

Quick and Easy: Done in under an hour using pantry staples.

Comforting and Practical: Like a warm hug with fewer dishes and minimal fuss.

Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Approved: Perfect for families, potlucks, or game day.

Versatile: Swap cheeses or seasonings to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Soggy Bottom Crust
Solution: Remove excess fat after cooking beef. Pre-baking crust for 5 minutes helps crisp it up.

Runny Filling
Solution: Whisk custard thoroughly and bake until the center no longer jiggles.

Burnt Cheese Top
Solution: Tent pie with foil midway through baking if edges brown too quickly.

Bland Flavor
Solution: Taste beef mixture before layering—add more mustard, ketchup, or seasoning if needed.

Crust Shrinking
Solution: Use a firm deep-dish crust. Chill before baking, and avoid overworking the dough.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve hot with sliced pickles and fresh tomato for extra flavor.

Pair with crisp salad—think mixed greens with vinaigrette.

Great as buffet pie or individual slices on a platter.

Complements light sides like coleslaw or roasted veggies.

Serve with iced tea, lemonade, or a chilled beer for casual meals.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Warm in oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes to retain crisp crust.

Freezing: Freeze slices wrapped in foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat at 325°F.

Avoid Microwave: It can make the crust soggy—oven gives best texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use turkey or plant-based beef instead?
Yes, just adjust seasoning to taste, lean meats may need extra flavor.

2. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded melts better and avoids anti-caking coating.

3. Is the custard necessary?
Absolutely, it binds the filling and gives a tender, quiche-like texture.

4. Can I add vegetables?
Yes, diced bell peppers or mushrooms sautéed with beef work well.

5. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free pie crust and swap flour for a gluten-free blend, works perfectly.

Tips & Tricks

Cook beef mixture ahead for faster prep.

Grate your cheese from blocks for best melt.

Let pie rest after baking for cleaner slices.

Use a glass dish to watch browning.

Add a pinch of smoked paprika or hot sauce for a twist.

Recipe Variations

Southwest Cheeseburger Pie
Add ½ cup black beans and 1 diced jalapeño. Sprinkle with pepper jack cheese before custard.

Mushroom Swiss Version
Substitute shredded Swiss cheese and fold in 1 cup sautéed mushrooms to the beef.

BBQ Cheeseburger Pie
Swap ketchup and mustard for ¼ cup BBQ sauce, and add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for richness.

Breakfast Pie Twist
Top with cooked, crisp bacon and breakfast sausage. Use pepper jack cheese and serve with salsa.

Final Thoughts

Cheeseburger Pie has this wonderful knack for bringing comfort and nostalgia into every bite. When I slice it, I’m reminded of family dinners clustered around the table, laughter echoing off the walls, and the simple satisfaction of good food made with love. It’s a dish that feels both familiar and a little special, without extra effort.

I hope it becomes a favorite in your home—something you make on busy nights or serve when greater gatherings call for that warm, cheesy glow. It has certainly earned a place in my recipe collection, nestled between old classics and new favorites.

Satisfying Cheeseburger Pie

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Nutrition facts: calories fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

Ingredients

For the Filling
1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Cheese Layers
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Crust and Custard
1 unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie crust
2 large eggs
½ cup whole milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Crust
Preheat oven to 375°F. Place unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch dish.

Step 2: Cook the Beef
Brown ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium heat for 7–9 minutes. Drain fat.

Step 3: Add Seasoning
Stir in garlic, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble Layers
Spread beef into crust. Top evenly with cheddar and mozzarella.

Step 5: Mix the Custard
Whisk eggs, milk, and flour until smooth. Pour over the pie filling.

Step 6: Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and set. Let rest 5–10 minutes.

Step 7: Serve
Slice and serve warm. Garnish with pickles or tomatoes, and pair with a fresh salad.