Cheeseburger Pie Pioneer Woman

This cheeseburger pie saves dinnertime when everyone wants comfort food but you need it easy and crowd pleasing. It layers all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger into a cozy pie dish for an irresistible weeknight meal. With a flaky crust and two cheeses melting over a savory beef filling, it tastes like a diner favorite but bakes up in under an hour right in your oven.

I first baked this pie on a hectic school night when burgers sounded great but buns were nowhere to be found. One slice later, my whole family was hooked and it quickly became a regular on our comfort food rotation.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: look for 80 20 for juiciness and rich flavor in the filling
• Yellow onion: brings sweetness and enhances the beefiness use fresh for best results
• Garlic: adds savory depth fresh minced gives punchier flavor
• Ketchup: brings classic burger tang and a touch of sweetness use a brand you love
• Yellow mustard: brightens up the beef and helps it taste like your favorite drive thru burger
• Salt: brings all the ingredients together taste before baking
• Black pepper: adds warmth freshly cracked is ideal
• Shredded cheddar cheese: melts into gooey pockets and adds sharpness try to buy it in block form and shred yourself for better texture
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: ensures meltiness and stretches nicely when sliced
• Unbaked deep dish pie crust: homemade or store bought both work just pick one that fits a 9 inch dish and does not crack easily
• Eggs: bind the pie together giving an almost custard lift
• Milk: makes the batter pourable and creamy full fat milk tastes best
• All purpose flour: thickens the egg and milk mix so it puffs up around the beef

Instructions

Prepare the Crust:

Fit the unbaked pie crust into a 9 inch pie dish making sure it sits evenly without any tears or cracks. Set it aside for the filling.

Brown the Beef:

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add ground beef and chopped onion Stir continuously and cook for about seven to nine minutes letting the meat brown and the onion become soft and translucent Drain off any excess fat so the pie will not turn soggy.

Flavor the Filling:

Add minced garlic ketchup mustard salt and black pepper to the cooked beef mixture Stir everything well to coat the meat and let it cook for one or two more minutes just to let the flavors blend Remove the skillet from the heat.

Layer Everything:

Spoon the beef mixture into the prepared pie crust and spread it evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle both shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top distributing them so every bite has a cheesy stretch.

Mix and Pour the Batter:

In a small bowl whisk together eggs milk and flour until no lumps remain. Pour this mixture carefully over the meat and cheese layers letting it soak in evenly across the pie.

Bake to Perfection:

Place the pie in a preheated oven set at three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit Bake for twenty five to thirty minutes or until the top is a gentle golden and the center feels set when lightly pressed.

Rest and Slice:

Remove from the oven and let the pie cool for five to ten minutes before slicing This helps keep each slice neat and allows the cheese to settle.

Serve Up:

Cut into wedges and serve warm. For burger flair you can top with dill pickles chopped tomatoes or serve with a green salad on the side.

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My favorite part of this pie is how the cheddar melts into crispy golden edges around the crust while the mozzarella keeps the inside stretchy and gooey My kids once asked if we could make it for breakfast too so now it sometimes replaces our weekend quiche

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days For best texture reheat slices in the oven or toaster oven which revives the crust and keeps the cheese melty The pie can be frozen as a whole or in slices wrap well and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap ground turkey or chicken for beef for a lighter version For cheese lovers feel free to use all cheddar or experiment with Monterey jack The deep dish crust can be switched for a gluten free shell or even a biscuit dough if you like more heartiness

Serving Suggestions

This pie turns a green salad or cucumber pickles into a full diner style dinner You can slice it small for appetizers at a casual gathering or add roasted potatoes for a super filling family supper

Cultural and Historical Context

Cheeseburger Pie gained popularity in American kitchens during the mid twentieth century capitalizing on the ease of pies with the beloved flavors of diner cheeseburgers Inspired by the comforting flavors of classic drive thru fare it has since become a nostalgic staple in many homes

Seasonal Adaptations

Try adding fresh tomatoes in summer for juicy sweetness Toss in sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a hearty fall version Top with sliced jalapenos for a spicy winter twist

Success Stories

The first time I made this for a friend recovering from surgery she declared it was the dinner that finally got her appetite back I love how this pie is simple enough for weeknights but special enough to earn family requests at potlucks

Freezer Meal Conversion

Prepare the pie all the way through assembly but do not bake Wrap tightly in foil and freeze Bake directly from frozen at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for fifty to sixty minutes or until hot through and golden

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This crowd pleasing pie never fails to bring comfort and smiles to the table. Make it once and it will be a requested favorite for many dinners to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a homemade pie crust?

Absolutely! A homemade crust adds freshness and extra flakiness, though store-bought crust works too for convenience.

→ Which cheese is best for this dish?

A combination of cheddar and mozzarella provides a balance of sharp flavor and gooey texture, but you may use your favorite melting cheeses.

→ How do I know when it's fully baked?

The dish is done when the top is golden and set in the center. A knife should come out clean when inserted in the middle.

→ Can I add extra toppings?

Yes! Add diced tomatoes, pickles, or chives after baking for extra freshness and flavor profile.

→ Is it possible to make this ahead?

You can assemble in advance and bake later, or bake fully and reheat slices in the oven for a quick meal.