Name: Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion (finely chopped); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup milk; 0.5 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp baking powder; Optional toppings (chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, pickles, ketchup, mustard)

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Hey there, when the day’s been a whirlwind of soccer practice, video calls and grocery runs, sometimes there’s nothing more comforting than that familiar taste of a cheeseburger.

Imagine slicing into a golden, custardy crust that cradles seasoned beef and melted cheddar—it’s the kind of dish that makes you do a little happy dance, trust me. You know what? Leftovers taste almost better the next day, like they’ve had time to settle into their own groove.

Why You’ll Love It

Here’s the thing: we all crave something that hits the comfort-food sweet spot without turning into a kitchen marathon. This Cheeseburger Pie is like nostalgia in a sliceable form. No more juggling loose lettuce, slippery buns or runaway condiments. You get seasoned beef, onion, garlic and plenty of cheddar all tucked safely into a pancake-like crust. Kids will cheer, adults will reminisce about backyard barbecues, and everyone at the table will ask for seconds. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy enough for a weekend treat but easy enough for a weekday hustle. Seriously, when was the last time dinner made you grin like that?

Timing and Servings

This pie qualifies as “quick but satisfying.” From browning the meat to that first golden-brown crunch, you’re looking at about 40 minutes total. It’s tailored for a 9-inch pie dish and comfortably feeds four—but if your crew is more of a “give me it all” type, it can stretch to five modest portions. And yes, I’ve been known to assemble it the night before for a stress-free bake later on.

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef (85% lean recommended)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup whole milk (2% milk works, avoid skim)
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 tsp baking powder
Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, pickles, ketchup, mustard

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Give a 9-inch pie dish a quick grease—just enough to keep that cheesy crust from sticking.

2. Warm a skillet over medium heat and crumble in the ground beef. When it’s almost cooked through, stir in onion, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Let the onion soften for about 5–7 minutes, then drain off any excess fat.

3. Spread the beef mixture evenly in your prepared pie dish. Shower it with shredded cheddar so every bite gets its share of gooey goodness.

4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together milk, flour, eggs and baking powder until smooth—think pancake batter without the lumps.

5. Gently pour that batter over the cheese and beef, smoothing the top with a spatula. Don’t worry if it looks thin; it puffs up beautifully.

6. Bake for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Let the pie rest for about five minutes. It gives the filling time to set so you’ll get neat, satisfying squares rather than a saucy spill.

Variations

Feel like taking a little detour? I’ve tried these spins on a rainy Tuesday and every single one hit the spot:

Bacon Cheeseburger Pie: Crumble 4–6 cooked bacon strips over the beef before the cheese goes on.
Southwest Twist: Stir in a 4-oz can of diced green chilies or jalapeños and swap cheddar for pepper jack.
Veggie Version: Use a meat substitute or extra mushrooms, peppers and zucchini in place of beef.
Italian Spin: Fold a handful of chopped spinach into the meat, swap cheddar for mozzarella and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.

Storage & Reheating Tips

This pie practically begs to be saved for later:

Refrigerate slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze individual squares wrapped in plastic wrap inside a freezer-safe box for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through and crisp on top.

FAQs

Can I swap ground turkey or chicken? Absolutely. You might notice a slightly drier texture, so just add an extra splash of milk to keep it tender.

What if I don’t have a pie dish? A square 8×8-inch baking dish works fine—just watch the bake time, it might finish a few minutes earlier or later.

Is there a gluten-free version? Sure thing—use a gluten-free flour blend 1:1 and make sure your baking powder is gluten-free.

Can I prep it ahead? Yes. Assemble everything in the dish, cover and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the clock.

Conclusion

This Cheeseburger Pie is that rare recipe which feels both indulgent and effortless—like sneaking dessert before dinner. It bridges the gap between classic comfort and modern convenience, serving up nostalgia by the slice. Next time life’s pace picks up, give this one a try. Watch it disappear in minutes, and trust me, you’ll be planning your next bake before the plates hit the sink.