Classic American Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
If you love the comforting flavors of a diner classic and want to enjoy them in a fun, hearty pie form, this Classic American Cheeseburger Pie Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to. It perfectly captures the juicy, savory goodness of a cheeseburger, layered with gooey cheese and baked into a luscious custard-filled pie that’s just bursting with flavor. Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or looking for something nostalgic with a twist, this dish combines simple ingredients in a marvelous way that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Classic American Cheeseburger Pie Recipe right is all about balancing quality and simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: from the beef’s savory depth to the cheeses’ creamy melt and even the custard’s luscious texture, everything comes together to create the perfect bite.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Adds a sweet, aromatic base that enhances the beef flavor beautifully.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty, protein-packed hero that makes the pie satisfying and rich.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Ground black pepper, to taste: Gives a mild kick that complements the beef and cheese.
- Garlic powder, to taste (optional): Adds depth and a hint of warmth without overpowering the dish.
- 2 cups grated Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it’s the key to that ooey-gooey cheeseburger pie goodness.
- ½ cup Bisquick mix (or all-purpose flour): Binds the custard and adds just the right texture—using Bisquick keeps it light and easy.
- 1 cup whole milk: Creates a creamy custard base that ties all the ingredients together smoothly.
- 3 large eggs: Act as the rich, binding agents that give the pie structure.
- 4 slices of American cheese: The crowning touch for supreme cheesiness and that classic burger flavor.
How to Make Classic American Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pie Plate
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your pie plate generously. This sets the stage for perfect browning and prevents sticking, ensuring the pie slides out easily when it’s done.
Step 2: Cook the Onion and Ground Beef
Sauté the chopped onions until they’re soft and translucent, then add your ground beef to cook until browned. Season this mixture with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if using. This process builds the savory flavor foundation that makes this pie irresistible.
Step 3: Spread the Beef Mixture in the Pie Plate
Drain any excess fat for a cleaner taste, then evenly spread the cooked meat and onion mixture across the bottom of your prepared pie plate. This will be the hearty base layer for your pie’s layers to come.
Step 4: Add the Cheddar Cheese Layer
Sprinkle the grated Cheddar cheese over the warm beef layer. The heat will start melting the cheese, creating a deliciously gooey layer that brings that classic cheeseburger appeal to your pie.
Step 5: Prepare and Pour the Custard Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the Bisquick mix (or flour), whole milk, and eggs until smooth. Pour this creamy custard right over the beef and cheese layers, letting it fill all the nooks and crannies. This mixture is what sets the pie into a delightful, sliceable masterpiece.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Set
Place your pie plate in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the custard is firm and the top has turned a beautiful golden brown, signaling all those flavors have melded perfectly.
Step 7: Top with American Cheese and Bake Until Melted
Lay the slices of American cheese over the hot pie and return it to the oven for just a few minutes. This final step ensures the cheese melts luxuriously into a creamy blanket that screams classic cheeseburger indulgence.
Step 8: Cool, Slice, and Serve
Let your pie cool for a few minutes to set fully and make slicing easier. Then cut into generous wedges and get ready to enjoy that amazing blend of cheeseburger flavors in every bite.
How to Serve Classic American Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can take your Classic American Cheeseburger Pie Recipe to the next level. Try topping slices with crisp shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, or a dollop of ketchup or mustard on the side. These simple touches add brightness and contrast that echo your favorite burger toppings.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with crunchy sides like oven-roasted fries, a fresh garden salad, or even creamy coleslaw. These accompaniments balance out the richness of the pie and keep the meal exciting and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual mini cheeseburger pies in muffin tins for portion control and adorable presentation. You can also cut the pie into smaller squares and skewer them with toothpicks for easy finger food at parties or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your pie, wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. Properly stored, they will keep well for about 3 to 4 days, making for a quick, delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this Classic American Cheeseburger Pie Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap it securely to prevent freezer burn and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust from becoming soggy and to preserve the pie’s delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well if you prefer a leaner option. Just be sure to season the meat well to keep the flavor punch that makes the pie so tasty.
What if I don’t have Bisquick? Can I use something else?
No problem! You can substitute Bisquick with all-purpose flour for a firmer custard texture or even use a gluten-free baking mix if you need a gluten-free version. Just keep the quantity the same for consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Definitely! The flavors are familiar and comforting, and most kids love anything with melted cheese and beef. You can adjust the seasoning to be milder if your little ones prefer less spice.
Can I add veggies to the pie?
Yes! Feel free to mix chopped bell peppers, diced tomatoes, or mushrooms into the beef mixture before baking. This adds extra nutrients and makes the pie even more flavorful.
How do I make the pie crust if I want one?
This recipe is designed as a crustless pie for ease and focus on filling, but you can add a simple pie crust if you like. Par-bake a pastry crust before layering in the beef and cheese to prevent sogginess and bake as directed.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Classic American Cheeseburger Pie Recipe feels like passing along a trusty comfort food secret. It’s straightforward but delivers layers of flavor and cheeseburger nostalgia that make every meal special. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how effortlessly it turns simple ingredients into a delicious, memorable dish everyone will ask for again and again.
Print
Classic American Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Classic American Cheeseburger Pie is a hearty, comforting dish that combines seasoned ground beef and onions with layers of sharp Cheddar cheese, all enveloped in a creamy custard and baked to golden perfection. Topped with melted American cheese, this savory pie offers a delicious twist on the traditional cheeseburger, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste (optional)
- 2 cups grated Cheddar cheese
- ½ cup Bisquick mix (or all-purpose flour for a firmer texture)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 4 slices of American cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a standard 9-inch pie plate to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Cook the Beef and Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Add the ground beef, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if using. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat. Spread the cooked beef and onions evenly into the greased pie plate as the base layer.
- Add Cheddar Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the grated Cheddar cheese evenly over the beef and onion mixture, creating a flavorful cheesy layer.
- Prepare Custard Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Bisquick mix, whole milk, and eggs until smooth and well combined, forming a custard-like batter.
- Pour Custard Over: Carefully pour the custard mixture over the beef and cheese layers, ensuring it distributes evenly throughout the pie.
- Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
- Add American Cheese and Melt: Remove the pie from the oven and layer the 4 slices of American cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the American cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool for 5 to 10 minutes to set fully before slicing into 4 portions. Serve warm and enjoy your classic American cheeseburger pie.
Notes
- For a firmer pie, substitute Bisquick with all-purpose flour.
- Adjust seasoning with garlic powder, salt, and pepper according to taste.
- Serve with ketchup, mustard, or pickles on the side for a traditional cheeseburger experience.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Feel free to add chopped pickles or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
