You know, I’ve always been a sucker for comfort food. The kind that hugs you from the inside out, especially on those nights when you’ve got kids hollering about homework and a laundry pile resembling Mount Everest. And this Pioneer Woman’s Cheeseburger Pie? Oh, it’s like a big, warm hug served on a plate.
The idea actually came to me one evening when my husband jokingly asked why I hadn’t yet made a dinner that tasted like a cheeseburger. And as soon as he said it, a lightbulb went off in my head. Cheeseburger Pie. A hearty, cheesy, meaty dish that’s somehow both familiar and exciting. Of course, I had to put my spin on the Pioneer Woman’s classic.
Now, let me just say – the first time I whipped this up, I knew it was going to be a hit. The kids were practically drooling before it even came out of the oven. And my husband? He gave me that look. The “how have we lived this long without this in our lives?” look. From that night on, Cheeseburger Pie became a family staple.
What I love most about this dish is its simplicity. It’s perfect for those crazy weekday nights when you need to get dinner on the table faster than your toddler can color on the walls. And it’s made with ingredients you probably already have hanging around in your kitchen. Plus, it’s so versatile, you can tweak it to suit your family’s preferences. Not a fan of Bisquick? No worries – I’ve got you covered. Want a buttery, flaky crust? Let’s do it. This is one of those Pioneer Woman dinner recipes you just keep coming back to.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Quick and Easy: This Pioneer Woman’s Cheeseburger Pie recipe takes only 20 minutes to make from start to finish. Perfect for those nights when you need dinner on the table like… yesterday.
- Kid-Friendly: My kids devour this without a single complaint. And if you’re a parent, you know how rare that is. Plus, it’s super fun to say “Cheeseburger Pie.”
- Customizable: Whether you want to make Cheeseburger Pie without Bisquick, add bacon, or sneak in some veggies, the sky’s the limit.
- Cheesy, Savory Goodness: Who doesn’t love melted cheese, seasoned beef, and a golden crust? It’s comfort food at its finest.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s family dinner or potluck night, this Cheeseburger Pie always disappears fast. You’ll probably end up sharing the recipe more than once.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it earlier in the day and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Easy peasy.
- Minimal Cleanup: Just a skillet, a pie dish, and a few measuring spoons. Your kitchen won’t look like a tornado hit it after dinner.
Ingredients for the Pioneer Woman’s Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
- 1 lb ground beef (lean works best)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional but recommended)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite melty cheese)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for the crust option)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 pre-made pie crust (if making Cheeseburger Pie with crust)
Cooking Equipment Needed:
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- 9-inch pie dish
- Spatula
Cooking Instructions for the Pioneer Woman’s Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, diced onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Flavor: Stir in ketchup, mustard, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to let the flavors mingle.
- Prepare the Crust (If Using): If you’re making Cheeseburger Pie with crust, line your 9-inch pie dish with the pre-made pie crust and set aside.
- Make the Batter (If Without Crust): In a mixing bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and flour until smooth.
- Assemble: Spread the beef mixture evenly in the pie dish. Sprinkle cheese over the top. If you’re going crustless, pour the milk-egg-flour batter evenly over the filling.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes or until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes:
- No Bisquick, No Problem: If you want Cheeseburger Pie without Bisquick, the flour-milk-egg batter works like a charm.
- Bacon Makes Everything Better: Feel free to add cooked bacon to the beef mixture for an extra punch of flavor.
- Cheese Swaps: Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, pepper jack, or a combo of your favorites work just as well.
- Crust or No Crust: Using a pie crust makes it feel more like a traditional pie, but the crustless version is just as delicious and a little lighter.
- Freezing Tips: This pie freezes well! Just cool it completely, wrap tightly, and freeze. Reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.
- Serving Ideas: Pair it with a simple side salad or some steamed veggies to round out the meal.
Macronutrients Count Per Serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
Pro Tips for the Recipe
- Let It Rest: After baking, allow the pie to cool for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This helps everything set properly and makes it easier to cut perfect slices.
- Switch Up the Cheese: If you’re feeling adventurous, try pepper jack or smoked gouda for a unique twist. Cheddar’s classic, but variety is the spice of life!
- Add Veggies: Sneak in some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to boost the flavor and nutrition. The kids won’t even notice.
- Make It Saucy: Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of ketchup and mustard on top for extra cheeseburger vibes.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best results, but the microwave works in a pinch.
Tara’s Tasty Tips & Troubleshooting (Q & A Section)
Q: What can I serve with this Cheeseburger Pie?
A: This pie pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, steamed veggies, or even some crispy fries if you’re feeling indulgent.
Q: Can I make this pie without a crust?
A: Absolutely! Just skip the crust and pour the milk-egg-flour batter over the beef mixture. It’s lighter but still just as tasty.
Q: How can I make this dish even easier?
A: Use pre-cooked ground beef or pre-shredded cheese to cut down on prep time. And feel free to double the recipe and freeze one for later.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative and double-check that your ketchup and mustard are gluten-free.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Pop slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. The microwave works too, but the crust will be softer.
