Classic American Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
If you crave the flavors of a backyard burger but want something that’s weeknight-friendly and irresistibly homey, this Classic American Cheeseburger Pie is about to become your new obsession. Imagine all the savory, cheesy, and tangy goodness of a cheeseburger, tucked into a golden, biscuit-like crust and baked into a comforting pie. It’s hearty, packed with flavor, and so simple to throw together — the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with big smiles. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want leftovers for lunch, Classic American Cheeseburger Pie covers all the bases for a satisfying, all-American meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts of this recipe is how it transforms humble ingredients into something spectacular. Each component brings its own special touch, from savory beef to melty cheese and the signature pie topping. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Ground Beef: The star of the show, bringing savory richness and classic cheeseburger flavor.
- Small Onion (finely chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and depth that rounds out the beef.
- Salt: Just a touch to highlight all the flavors in the filling.
- Black Pepper: Offers a gentle kick and balances the richness.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into gooey pockets of flavor and delivers that must-have cheeseburger taste.
- Milk: Helps make the pie topping light and tender.
- Large Eggs: Bind the topping together so it bakes up fluffy and custardy.
- Bisquick or Baking Mix: Ensures the topping is soft, golden, and slightly biscuit-like — so easy and so good.
- Yellow Mustard: Brings tangy zing, just like your favorite burger condiment.
- Ketchup: Adds a touch of sweetness and classic cheeseburger nostalgia.
- Optional Toppings (pickles, diced tomatoes, extra cheese): Customize each slice and amp up the flavor or color.
How to Make Classic American Cheeseburger Pie
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and giving your 9-inch pie dish a light grease. This ensures the pie won’t stick and will turn out with those perfectly crisp edges we all love.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and finely chopped onion together. Stir occasionally until the beef is nicely browned and the onion is soft — about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat, then season the mixture with salt and black pepper for that savory, classic cheeseburger profile.
Step 3: Layer the Beef and Cheese
Spread your beef and onion mixture evenly in the prepared pie dish. Sprinkle a generous cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, so every bite melts with gooey, cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Whisk the Pie Topping
In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, Bisquick, yellow mustard, and ketchup until smooth. This mixture bakes into a tender, slightly tangy topping that binds the pie together and keeps it moist.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the Bisquick mixture evenly over the beef and cheese layers. Slide the dish into your preheated oven, bake for 25 to 30 minutes, and get ready for your kitchen to smell amazing. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set and the top is golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the Classic American Cheeseburger Pie cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the pie set, making it easy to serve up perfect, hearty slices.
How to Serve Classic American Cheeseburger Pie
Garnishes
Top your slices with classic burger fixings — think tangy pickle slices, juicy diced tomatoes, or an extra sprinkle of cheddar cheese. These garnishes not only look inviting but add an extra punch of flavor and color.
Side Dishes
This pie is a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with crispy oven fries, a crunchy coleslaw, or a simple green salad. For a true diner vibe, serve it with a little cup of ketchup or mustard for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Classic American Cheeseburger Pie the star of a casual party by cutting it into small squares and serving with toothpicks for easy snacking. Or, let guests customize their own slices with a toppings bar featuring all their favorite burger add-ons.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the pie dish with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, your Classic American Cheeseburger Pie will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing
To freeze, let the pie cool completely, then wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. The pie freezes well for up to 2 months — perfect for meal prep or surprise cravings.
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 to 12 minutes until warmed through. The crust will crisp up nicely, and the cheese will melt all over again. Microwaving works in a pinch but may soften the crust a bit.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well in this recipe if you want a lighter option, though the flavor will be a bit milder. Just be sure to season it well for a tasty twist on the Classic American Cheeseburger Pie.
Do I have to use Bisquick or can I make my own baking mix?
You can definitely use a homemade baking mix if you don’t keep Bisquick on hand. Simply combine flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, and a little cold butter for a quick DIY version.
What other cheeses work in this pie?
Feel free to experiment with cheeses you love! Pepper jack, Monterey jack, or a sharp cheddar blend all give the Classic American Cheeseburger Pie a flavorful kick and melt beautifully.
Can I add extra veggies?
Go for it! Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach can be mixed in with the beef for added nutrition and color. Just make sure to cook off any extra moisture before adding them to the pie.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Kids usually love the familiar flavors of cheeseburgers in pie form, especially when they get to add their own toppings. It’s a great, family-friendly dish that brings everyone together.
Final Thoughts
This Classic American Cheeseburger Pie brings all the comfort and nostalgia of a diner burger, wrapped up in an easy, oven-baked meal. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s both fun and unfussy, give this recipe a try — you might just find it becomes a new family favorite!
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Classic American Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Classic American Cheeseburger Pie is a delicious and easy-to-make savory pie that combines the hearty flavors of ground beef, cheddar cheese, and a simple mustard-ketchup custard. Perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, this dish offers all the taste of a cheeseburger in a convenient pie form.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Custard Mixture
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup Bisquick or other all-purpose baking mix
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
Optional Toppings
- Pickle slices
- Diced tomatoes
- Extra cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Beef Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and finely chopped onion until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then season with salt and pepper. Evenly spread the beef mixture into the prepared pie dish.
- Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the ground beef in the pie dish.
- Prepare Custard: In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, Bisquick baking mix, yellow mustard, and ketchup until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour Custard Over Pie: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the beef and cheese layers in the pie dish.
- Bake the Pie: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with optional toppings like pickle slices, diced tomatoes, or extra cheese if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try using pepper jack cheese or a cheddar blend instead of just cheddar.
- Adding cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms can add a tasty twist to the pie.
- Leftovers reheat very well and make a great next-day lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 530 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
