Cheeseburger Pie Recipe

Worried that homemade pies are too complicated? You'll be surprised how easy cheeseburger pie can be. This crowd-pleasing dish transforms classic burger flavors into a comforting meal that'll have your family asking for seconds. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll create a dinner that's both nostalgic and delicious. Curious about how to turn ground beef and cheese into a mouthwatering pie? Stick around, and I'll show you the secret.

Recipe Highlights

• Brown ground beef thoroughly in a skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring even caramelization and draining excess fat before proceeding.
• Mix browned beef with shredded cheddar cheese in a baking dish, creating a flavorful base for the cheeseburger pie.
• Prepare a simple batter using Bisquick or similar mix, pouring it evenly over the beef and cheese mixture to create the pie's structure.
• Bake in a preheated oven until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature of the beef reaches 160°F for food safety.
• Customize with optional toppings like crispy bacon bits, diced pickles, or fresh herbs to enhance flavor and add personal flair to the classic dish.

History

Although the exact origins of cheeseburger pie remain somewhat unclear, the dish emerged during the mid-20th century as part of the quintessential American comfort food revolution.

You'll find its roots deeply embedded in the post-World War II era, when home cooks sought convenient, hearty recipes that could feed families quickly and economically. The concept likely evolved from classic meat pies and the growing popularity of casserole-style dishes.

Convenience food manufacturers, particularly Bisquick, played a pivotal role in popularizing this recipe. Their biscuit mix became a crucial ingredient, allowing home cooks to transform simple ground beef into a complete meal with minimal effort.

Recipe

Cheeseburger Pie transforms the classic fast-food favorite into a homestyle comfort dish that brings together the best elements of a hamburger in a convenient pie format.

This easy-to-prepare meal combines ground beef, cheese, and simple pantry ingredients into a satisfying dinner that appeals to both kids and adults. Perfect for busy weeknights, this pie requires minimal preparation and delivers maximum flavor.

With just five basic ingredients, home cooks can quickly assemble a hearty meal that feels both familiar and special, offering a creative twist on traditional burger night.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup biscuit mix

Begin by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, ensuring it's fully cooked and no pink remains.

Drain any excess fat from the meat to prevent the pie from becoming greasy. Transfer the cooked beef to a 9-inch pie dish and mix in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, spreading the mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and biscuit mix until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Pour this mixture carefully over the beef and cheese, making sure it covers the entire surface.

Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 25 minutes, then remove and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts and the top turns golden brown.

When preparing this dish, remember that letting the pie rest for 5-10 minutes after baking allows it to set properly and makes serving easier.

If the top begins to brown too quickly during cooking, loosely cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning while ensuring the center cooks completely. Serve warm and enjoy this creative take on a classic cheeseburger.

Cooking Steps

You'll start by browning the ground beef thoroughly in a skillet, ensuring it's cooked through and excess fat is drained.

Next, mix the beef with half the shredded cheese in your pie dish, creating a flavorful base layer for your cheeseburger pie.

When you pour the whisked batter over the beef mixture and bake until golden brown, you'll transform these simple ingredients into a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that promises to satisfy hungry appetites.

Step 1. Brown Ground Beef Thoroughly

Fire up your skillet and get ready to transform ground beef into a perfectly browned base for your cheeseburger pie. Select a large skillet and heat it over medium-high temperature, allowing the surface to warm evenly.

Break the ground beef into small, uniform chunks as you add it to the pan, ensuring maximum surface contact for consistent browning.

Key browning techniques:

• Use a wooden spoon to break meat into small pieces
• Stir frequently to prevent burning
• Cook until no pink remains
• Drain excess fat completely

Watch for visual cues that indicate proper browning: meat should be a rich, uniform brown color without gray or pink sections.

The goal is achieving a caramelized exterior that locks in savory flavor, creating a robust foundation for your cheeseburger pie's delicious filling.

Step 2. Mix Cheese and Beef

After perfectly browning the ground beef, the next step transforms your skillet contents into a mouthwatering pie filling.

Take your pre-measured 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle approximately half directly into the cooked beef, stirring gently to distribute the cheese evenly throughout the meat. The warmth from the beef will slightly melt the cheese, creating a rich, integrated mixture that promises delicious flavor in every bite.

Transfer this beef and cheese combination to your 9-inch pie dish, spreading it carefully to create an even layer.

Press the mixture down gently with a spatula to ensure a compact, uniform base for your cheeseburger pie. This foundational layer sets the stage for the creamy, cheesy delight you're about to create.

Step 3. Pour Batter Over Beef Mixture

Whisk the milk, eggs, and biscuit mix in a medium bowl until a smooth, pale yellow batter forms, watching for any lumps that might disrupt the pie's uniform texture. You'll want to blend thoroughly, using a wire whisk or electric mixer to ensure complete incorporation.

Next, carefully pour the batter over the beef and cheese mixture in your 9-inch pie dish. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly, ensuring complete coverage from edge to edge. The batter will gradually settle into the spaces between the beef, creating a cohesive base for your cheeseburger pie.

Take care to distribute the liquid uniformly, which helps guarantee consistent cooking and prevents dry patches. Your goal is a smooth, level surface that will transform into a golden, appetizing pie.

Step 4. Bake Until Golden Brown

Since the cheeseburger pie is now prepared, you'll want to slide it into a preheated 400°F oven, transforming your carefully assembled mixture into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.

Position the pie on the center rack, ensuring even heat distribution and optimal browning.

Watch for key visual cues during baking:

• Top should turn light golden brown
• Edges will begin to look crisp and slightly puffy
• Cheese will start melting across the surface

At the 25-minute mark, you'll sprinkle the remaining cheese over the pie, creating a gorgeous molten layer.

Return the pie to the oven for a final 5 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent over-browning.

The finished pie should have a gorgeous, golden-brown crust with bubbling, melted cheese that promises a delicious, comforting meal.

Step 5. Let Rest Before Serving

Though the cheeseburger pie might tempt you to slice into it immediately, letting the dish rest is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and presentation.

Allow the pie to sit undisturbed for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven, which enables several key culinary transformations:

• Structural stabilization occurs as proteins reset
• Cheese and filling temperatures equalize
• Moisture redistributes throughout the dish
• Cutting becomes cleaner and more precise

During this resting period, the pie's internal temperature will continue to rise slightly, ensuring thorough cooking without becoming dry.

Watch for visual cues like a firm, slightly glossy surface and edges that have pulled slightly away from the pie dish.

Use this time to prepare side dishes or set the table, transforming the waiting period into a productive cooking moment that ultimately improves your final dish's quality and presentation.

Final Thoughts

Because cheeseburger pie represents such a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish, home cooks will find this recipe an excellent addition to their weekly meal rotation.

You'll appreciate how quickly it comes together, transforming simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that'll impress your family.

Consider these final tips for mastering your cheeseburger pie:

• Always drain excess fat thoroughly after browning beef
• Use fresh, high-quality cheddar for best flavor
• Check internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety
• Let the pie rest to help it set and slice cleanly

Experiment with optional toppings like diced pickles, crispy bacon bits, or a drizzle of ketchup to personalize your creation.

Your confidence in the kitchen will grow with each delicious rendition of this classic comfort food.