Imagine biting into a warm, savory pie that captures all the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger. Our Classic Cheeseburger Pie is exactly that – a hearty, satisfying baked dish that transforms your favorite diner staple into an easy-to-make family meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you’re craving a taste of home. Get ready to ditch the buns and embrace this delicious, cheesy twist!
What Makes This Cheeseburger Pie So Irresistible?
This isn't just a casserole; it's a culinary hug in a pie plate! The beauty of the Classic Cheeseburger Pie lies in its simplicity and familiar flavors. You get perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender onions and bell peppers, and a rich, cheesy egg custard all nestled in a flaky, golden pie crust. It's a fantastic way to enjoy a complete meal with minimal fuss, pleasing even the pickiest eaters at the table.
The blend of textures – from the crispy crust to the juicy beef and creamy cheese – creates a delightful experience in every bite. It’s a versatile dish that allows for customization, letting you incorporate your favorite burger fixings right into the filling. For another hearty and comforting beef dish, you might also enjoy our Slow Cooker Beef Curry: An Easy, Flavorful & Comforting Recipe.
The Magic Behind the Layers
At its heart, this pie is a clever combination of a savory meat filling and a creamy custard. The ground beef and vegetables form a flavorful foundation, while the eggs, milk, and cheese create a binding, rich layer that holds everything together and provides that signature cheeseburger creaminess. Baked until golden, it’s a truly satisfying dish.
Essential Ingredients for Your Pie
You'll be delighted by how straightforward the ingredients for this Classic Cheeseburger Pie are. Most are likely already in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store.
- Pie Crust: A pre-made, refrigerated pie crust works perfectly for convenience.
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is ideal to prevent excessive grease.
- Aromatics: Onion and bell pepper add essential flavor and texture.
- Cheese: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack delivers the best cheesy melt.
- Custard Base: Eggs, milk, and a touch of flour create the creamy binder.
- Seasonings & Condiments: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, ketchup, and mustard tie in those classic burger flavors.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Bake
- Drain the Grease: After browning your ground beef, it's crucial to drain off any excess grease. This step prevents your pie from becoming soggy or overly greasy.
- Season Generously: Don’t shy away from seasoning your ground beef well. A good sprinkle of salt, pepper, and garlic powder enhances the overall flavor of the pie significantly.
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar and Monterey Jack are highly recommended for their flavor and melt, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Colby Jack, American, or even a smoky provolone for a different twist.
- Par-bake for a Crispy Crust: If you prefer a crispier bottom crust, consider par-baking your pie crust for about 10-15 minutes before adding the filling. This creates a barrier against moisture. For more tips on achieving the perfect crust, check out resources like Food Network's pie crust tips.
Serving Suggestions & Storage
Classic Cheeseburger Pie is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side. A fresh green salad, a bowl of crispy french fries, or a side of steamed vegetables would complement it perfectly. Leftovers are fantastic! Store any cooled pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave individual slices or warm larger portions in an oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.
If you're in the mood for another comforting, rich dish that's a proven crowd-pleaser, don't miss our recipe for The Ultimate Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Copycat (Clara's Recipes). Enjoy your delicious journey into comfort food!
FAQs
Can I use different types of ground meat for Cheeseburger Pie?
Absolutely! While ground beef is classic, you can certainly experiment with ground turkey or even a blend of ground beef and pork. Just ensure to adjust cooking times slightly and drain any excess fat as needed.
What are some recommended toppings or variations for this pie?
Toppings are where the fun begins! Consider adding diced pickles, crispy bacon bits, a sprinkle of chopped fresh tomatoes, or even a drizzle of your favorite burger sauce after baking. For variations, try a spicy kick with diced jalapeu00f1os in the beef mixture or a different cheese blend like Pepper Jack.
How do I know when my Cheeseburger Pie is fully cooked?
The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the cheesy custard filling is set. You can gently jiggle the pie; if the center is mostly firm with only a slight wiggle, it's ready. An internal temperature of 160u00b0F (71u00b0C) for the beef filling also indicates it's cooked through.
Can I make this Cheeseburger Pie gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Simply use a store-bought gluten-free pie crust or make your own. Ensure all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free. The small amount of flour in the custard can be replaced with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch (use half the amount) for thickening.
Classic Cheeseburger Pie
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Standard
Description
A comforting baked pie featuring seasoned ground beef, onions, cheese, and a savory custard in a flaky crust, perfect for a family meal.
Ingredients
1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust
1 lb lean ground beef
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper (optional)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
3 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and green bell pepper (if using) over medium heat. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the vegetables are softened. Drain off any excess grease thoroughly.
Step 3: Season the beef mixture with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly into the unbaked pie crust.
Step 4: Sprinkle 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and all of the Monterey Jack cheese over the beef layer in the pie crust.
Step 5: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, all-purpose flour, ketchup, and mustard until well combined and smooth.
Step 6: Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the beef and cheese in the pie crust.
Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the pie.
Step 8: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. If the crust edges brown too quickly, you can cover them loosely with foil.
Step 9: Let the pie stand for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set completely for easier serving.
Notes
For an extra crispy bottom crust, par-bake the pie crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling. Feel free to add cooked bacon bits, diced pickles, or a touch of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Leave a Reply