Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie Recipe

This Cheeseburger Pie is a perfect combination of savory beef, melty cheddar cheese, and a soft, custardy crust that binds it all together. Baked to golden perfection, this easy-to-make pie is a family-friendly favorite that brings the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a delicious sliceable form. Top it with your favorite burger fixings for a personalized, hearty meal!

Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Pie:

Family-Friendly: It’s a meal that pleases both kids and adults with its familiar flavors and cheesy goodness.
Quick and Simple: With just a few steps, you can have this pie in the oven in no time.
Customizable: The optional toppings let everyone dress up their slice just how they like it.
One-Dish Wonder: Minimal cleanup and fewer dishes make it even more appealing for busy weeknights.

Key Ingredients:

Ground Beef: Lean ground beef (85% lean) works well as it gives you a good balance of flavor without too much grease.
Cheese: Feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese if you want a bit of a kick!
Milk: Whole milk adds a richer flavor, but you can also use 2% milk. Avoid using skim milk, as the texture may become too watery.
Flour: All-purpose flour creates a nice light crust that mimics a traditional pie.
Optional Add-Ons: If you want to make this even more of a cheeseburger experience, toss in some chopped pickles or jalapeños into the beef mixture before baking.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prep

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Grease the Pie Dish: Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish to prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup.

Cook the Beef

Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning.
Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Add finely chopped onion, along with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Continue cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, and the beef is fully cooked.
Drain Excess Grease: Drain any excess grease from the skillet to prevent a greasy pie.

Assemble the Pie

Layer the Beef: Transfer the beef and onion mixture into the greased pie dish, spreading it evenly to form the base layer.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer. The cheese will melt and create a gooey center as the pie bakes.

Prepare the Pie Filling

Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup flour, 2 large eggs, and 1/2 tsp baking powder until smooth. This batter will act as the pie’s “crust.”
Pour the Filling: Carefully pour the batter over the beef and cheese layers, covering the surface evenly.

Bake

Bake the Pie: Place the pie dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is set. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.

Cool and Serve

Cool Slightly: Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes to help the filling set, making it easier to slice.
Serve and Customize: Serve warm slices with optional toppings like chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, pickles, ketchup, and mustard. These toppings add fresh, crunchy contrasts to the savory pie, allowing for personalized flavors.

Serving Suggestions:

This Cheeseburger Pie pairs beautifully with classic sides like:

French Fries: Keep the diner vibe going with crispy fries on the side.
Simple Salad: A fresh green salad balances the rich flavors.
Baked Beans: For a touch of sweetness, serve with some baked beans.
Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw brings a nice crunch and coolness to the dish.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

This pie keeps well and makes great leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat it:

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for easy reheating.
Reheat: Warm up slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Recipe Variations:

There are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this Cheeseburger Pie! Here are some delicious ideas to try:

Bacon Cheeseburger Pie: Add 4-6 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon on top of the beef layer for a smoky, savory twist.
Southwest Style: Mix in chopped green chilies or jalapeños and use pepper jack cheese for a little spice.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative and add extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
Italian Style: Use mozzarella cheese, and add Italian seasoning and a handful of fresh spinach to the beef mixture for an Italian-inspired flavor.
Double Cheese Delight: Layer different cheeses, like mozzarella or Monterey Jack, along with the cheddar for a richer, extra-cheesy pie.

Conclusion:

This Pioneer Woman-inspired Cheeseburger Pie is comfort food at its finest—a delicious way to enjoy cheeseburger flavors in a cozy pie form! Don’t forget to experiment with the optional toppings and variations to make it your own. This is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep on hand for busy weeknights and family gatherings.