If you ever wondered how to put a juicy, cheesy burger right into a slice of pie, the Classic American Cheeseburger Pie Recipe has got you covered. This dish brings together all the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger but in a warm, hearty pie form that’s perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or just when you want something comforting and simple to whip up. With layers of seasoned ground beef, melty Cheddar cheese, and a rich custard baked to golden perfection, every bite feels like a little celebration of Americana on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the straightforward ingredient list fool you! Each item plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible cheeseburger vibe packed into this pie. From the savory beef to the creamy cheese and the custard that holds it all together, these ingredients come together to create a perfect harmony of tastes.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef for extra flavor.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty, protein-packed star that brings the cheeseburger essence alive.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors of the filling.
- Ground black pepper, to taste: Adds a mild kick to round out the savory notes.
- Garlic powder, to taste (optional): Gives a subtle aroma and savoriness if you want a flavor boost.
- 2 cups grated Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, layering the pie with rich, sharp cheesiness.
- ½ cup Bisquick mix (or all-purpose flour for a firmer texture): Binds the custard and filling together for the perfect set.
- 1 cup whole milk: Creates a creamy custard that keeps the pie moist and tender.
- 3 large eggs: The key to setting the custard and holding the pie’s shape.
- 4 slices of American cheese: Melted on top to give that signature smooth cheeseburger finish.
How to Make Classic American Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pie Plate
Start by preheating your oven to get things ready for baking, and don’t forget to grease your pie plate well. This little step ensures your pie comes out cleanly and keeps that crust-free, golden bottom from sticking—a handy trick for an easy release later on.
Step 2: Cook the Onions and Ground Beef
Next, sauté your chopped onions until they’re soft and aromatic, then add the ground beef along with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder if you’re using it. Cook everything until the beef is browned and no longer pink. This rich, savory filling is the heart of your pie, so let those flavors develop fully.
Step 3: Assemble the First Layers
Spread the cooked beef and onions mixture evenly in your greased pie plate. Then sprinkle the grated Cheddar cheese generously on top. This layering makes sure every bite is filled with cheesy goodness and classic cheeseburger flavor.
Step 4: Mix and Pour the Custard
In a separate bowl, whisk together the Bisquick (or flour), whole milk, and eggs until smooth. Pour this custard mixture over the beef and cheese layer gently. This custard binds everything together and creates that lovely, pie-like texture once baked.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set
Pop your pie in the oven and bake until you see a golden-brown top and the custard is set firmly—about 30 to 35 minutes. Your kitchen will be filled with mouthwatering aromas; it’s honestly one of the best parts of making this pie.
Step 6: Add the Final American Cheese Layer
Take your pie out and immediately lay the slices of American cheese on top. Return the pie to the oven for a few minutes more, just until that cheese melts down into a gooey, irresistible blanket.
Step 7: Cool, Slice, and Serve
Let your Classic American Cheeseburger Pie cool for a little while so the filling sets perfectly, making it easy to slice. Then dig in and enjoy the cozy, cheeseburger flavor in every hearty piece.
How to Serve Classic American Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to jazz this pie up with some classic burger toppings on the side, like a dollop of ketchup, a squeeze of mustard, or even a few pickle slices. Fresh chopped lettuce or tomato on the side can add a bright, refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the rich pie.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs delightfully with simple sides like crispy oven fries, a crisp green salad, or even steamed veggies for a balanced meal. The straightforward nature of these sides allows the pie’s flavors to really shine.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve slices wrapped in warm tortillas with a sprinkle of diced onions, pickles, and a drizzle of burger sauce for a fun “burger taco” vibe. Or plate with a side of coleslaw for an easy picnic-style feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover Classic American Cheeseburger Pie tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making for an easy next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
If you want to keep your pie longer, wrap it well in foil and place it in a freezer-safe container before freezing. This way, your delicious Classic American Cheeseburger Pie Recipe can be saved for up to 2 months while preserving flavor and texture.
Reheating
For best results, thaw frozen pie overnight in the fridge and reheat in a preheated 350°F oven until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes. This helps maintain that melt-in-your-mouth custard texture better than microwaving.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can work well if you’d prefer a leaner option. Just be sure to season them well since they’re milder in flavor compared to beef.
What if I don’t have Bisquick mix? Can I use something else?
If you don’t have Bisquick mix, all-purpose flour works perfectly and will actually give you a firmer custard texture. Just swap it in the same quantity and whisk well into the custard mixture.
Is it possible to make this pie gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free baking mix in place of Bisquick and ensuring your other ingredients are gluten-free (like certain brands of garlic powder), you can make a tasty gluten-free version of this pie.
Can I add other toppings or mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to add diced pickles, cooked bacon bits, or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor layers. Just keep an eye on moisture levels so the pie sets well.
What’s the best cheese to use if I want a sharper flavor?
Sharp Cheddar is a great choice for its bold taste, but you can also try aged Gouda or even a tangy Swiss if you want to experiment and add a unique twist to your pie.
Final Thoughts
This Classic American Cheeseburger Pie Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that brings a fresh twist to the flavors we all love from a cheeseburger. Its simplicity, warmth, and cheesy comforting filling make it one of those dishes you’ll want to keep in your rotation. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a family favorite!
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Classic American Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Classic American Cheeseburger Pie combines all the beloved flavors of a cheeseburger in a savory custard pie that’s perfect for a comforting meal. Ground beef cooked with onions is layered with sharp Cheddar cheese, then topped with a creamy custard mixture and baked to golden perfection. Finished with melted American cheese on top, this dish serves as a delicious and hearty entrée for the whole family.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
Spices and Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste (optional)
Cheeses
- 2 cups grated Cheddar cheese
- 4 slices American cheese
Custard Mixture
- ½ cup Bisquick mix (or all-purpose flour for a firmer texture)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pie plate: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard 9-inch pie plate thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cook onions and ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped onions until translucent. Add the ground beef, salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder. Cook until the beef is fully browned and cooked through, then drain excess fat if necessary. Spread the cooked beef and onions evenly into the greased pie plate.
- Layer with Cheddar cheese: Sprinkle the 2 cups of grated Cheddar cheese evenly over the layer of cooked beef and onions in the pie plate.
- Prepare custard mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Bisquick mix (or all-purpose flour), whole milk, and eggs until smooth and well combined. Pour this custard mixture gently over the meat and cheese layer in the pie plate.
- Bake until golden and set: Place the pie plate in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the custard is fully set, firm to the touch, 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 evenly over the top. Return the pie to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the American cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5-10 minutes. Slice into portions and serve warm for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- For a firmer crust-like texture, use all-purpose flour instead of Bisquick mix.
- Drain excess fat from the cooked ground beef to reduce greasiness in the pie.
- Feel free to add other seasonings such as paprika or Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
- This pie pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
