If you have a craving for something comforting, hearty, and packed with all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger, you are going to adore this Cheeseburger Pie Recipe. Picture a golden, crispy hash brown crust loaded with savory ground beef, tender butternut squash for a slight sweetness, sharp cheddar cheese melting throughout, and that perfect blend of ketchup and mustard to bring it all together. It’s an ultimate crowd-pleaser that turns your favorite sandwich into a warm, satisfying pie form that’s perfect for any meal of the day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but each one plays a crucial role in delivering a well-balanced dish that bursts with flavor and texture, from the crispy hash brown crust to the flavorful beef filling.
- 16-ounce bag shredded hash browns, frozen: The base of the crust, offering crispiness and starch that holds the pie together beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon oil: Crucial for frying the hash browns to a golden brown crust without sticking.
- 2 teaspoons salt, divided: Enhances all the flavors naturally throughout the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a mild kick and rounds out the seasoning.
- 1/2 cup milk: Brings moisture and helps soften the diced butternut squash in the filling.
- 1 cup (5 ounces) finely diced butternut squash: Adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the meaty filling.
- 1-1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, divided: Gives a warm, garlicky undertone without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Additional seasoning to deepen the flavor profile in the filling.
- 3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly, lending sharpness and richness all throughout the pie.
- 1 lb. ground beef: The star protein, seasoned and cooked to juicy perfection.
- 1 medium onion, very finely diced: Adds sweetness and texture without overwhelming the mixture.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Brings that unmistakable cheeseburger tang and a touch of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon mustard: Gives a gentle zing that brightens the entire filling.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Thickens the filling to keep it from being too runny.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: Adds moisture and depth to the meat mixture, making it wonderfully savory.
How to Make Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Hash Brown Crust
Start by heating oil in a skillet over medium heat, then toss in the shredded hash browns, seasoning half the salt and garlic powder. Press them evenly in the pan to form a thick crust that crisps up while you work on the filling. This crust is the heart of your Cheeseburger Pie Recipe, so getting it golden and crispy is essential.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
While the crust is cooking, brown the ground beef in a separate pan over medium-high heat with the diced onion. Season with the remaining salt, garlic powder, and pepper for an even flavor. As the beef cooks, mix in the ketchup, mustard, and cornstarch to thicken the filling once the broth is added.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Pour in the beef broth and carefully stir in the diced butternut squash. Let everything simmer until the mixture thickens and the squash softens just enough to complement the savory meat. This filling is where the magic of the Cheeseburger Pie Recipe really shines through, balancing hearty and subtle sweetness effortlessly.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Once the crust is crisped, layer the cooked beef and squash filling evenly over it. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top for a gooey, golden finish. Transfer the skillet or pie dish into a preheated oven and bake until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned, sealing the deal on this irresistible comfort food.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped pickles, sliced green onions, or even a drizzle of your favorite burger sauce can elevate your Cheeseburger Pie Recipe experience. These toppings provide a hint of freshness and a playful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the rich, cheesy filling.
Side Dishes
Pair this pie with a crisp garden salad or oven-roasted vegetables to add a healthy balance to the heartiness. A side of classic coleslaw or even crispy sweet potato fries can round out the meal delightfully, making it a full spread everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual gathering, consider serving the pie in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. You can also slice it into bite-sized squares and serve them as delicious sliders or appetizer bites that let everyone indulge in this Cheeseburger Pie Recipe in a fun, shareable way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually intensify overnight, making your next serving even tastier.
Freezing
This Cheeseburger Pie Recipe freezes wonderfully! Wrap the pie tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your pie gently in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Using the oven keeps that crispy crust intact better than a microwave, which can sometimes leave the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh hash browns for the crust?
Absolutely! You can grate fresh potatoes, but be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible to get that perfect crispy crust just like with frozen hash browns.
Is butternut squash necessary in this recipe?
While butternut squash adds a lovely sweetness and texture contrast, you can substitute it with diced carrots or leave it out altogether if preferred, although it does enhance the overall flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian twist on the Cheeseburger Pie Recipe.
What type of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully and offers a classic cheeseburger flavor, but you could also experiment with a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a creamier texture.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure your beef broth and ketchup are free of gluten-containing ingredients, making it perfect for gluten-sensitive guests.
Final Thoughts
If you are searching for a delicious, comforting meal that combines familiar flavors with a twist, this Cheeseburger Pie Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s straightforward, packed with flavor, and is sure to become a favorite for family dinners or casual gatherings. Give it a try and watch it quickly disappear from your table!
Print
Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheeseburger Pie recipe is a comforting and hearty dish combining the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with a crispy hash brown crust and a savory butternut squash filling. Perfect for a family meal, it features seasoned ground beef cooked with onions, ketchup, and mustard, then baked with a cheesy topping for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Crust and Base
- 16-ounce bag shredded hash browns, frozen
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2 teaspoons salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Filling
- 1 cup (5 ounces) finely diced butternut squash
- 1–1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 medium onion, very finely diced
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Hash Brown Crust: Preheat your oven and lightly grease a baking dish. In a bowl, toss the frozen shredded hash browns with 1 tablespoon of oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Press the hash browns evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the hash brown crust in the oven for about 20 minutes or until they begin to crisp and set. This will help create a sturdy base for the pie.
- Cook the Ground Beef Mixture: While the crust is baking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and onions are softened. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the ketchup, mustard, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 cup beef broth.
- Thicken the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with milk until smooth. Pour this mixture into the beef mixture, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Add the finely diced butternut squash and cook until the squash softens but is not mushy, around 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Pie: Remove the hash brown crust from the oven. Spoon the beef and squash filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the top with the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon salt for extra flavor.
- Bake the Cheeseburger Pie: Return the assembled pie to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the filling is heated through.
- Rest and Serve: Let the pie rest for about 5 minutes after baking to set. Slice into 4 portions and serve warm for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, you can broil the hash browns for the last 2 minutes before adding the filling.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Adding a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture can enhance the savory flavor.
- If butternut squash is unavailable, diced potatoes or carrots can be used as a substitute.
- This pie can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat covered in the oven before serving.
