If you have a craving for something that perfectly captures that hearty, comforting flavor of an all-American cheeseburger without the bun, you are going to fall in love with this Classic American Cheeseburger Pie Recipe. It’s a delicious, easy-to-make dish that layers savory ground beef, caramelized onions, and gooey cheese all held together by a rich, custardy base. Imagine biting into the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger in a convenient, sliceable pie form that’s just as comforting as your favorite diner classic. Trust me, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser and a guaranteed weeknight winner you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Classic American Cheeseburger Pie Recipe plays an important role, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. These simple items come together to build a dish that’s juicy, cheesy, and irresistibly savory.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when cooked down.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty, savory base that gives the pie its signature cheeseburger taste.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and seasons the beef perfectly.
- Ground black pepper, to taste: Adds a subtle kick and balances the richness.
- Garlic powder, to taste (optional): A gentle hint of aromatic warmth to elevate the beef.
- 2 cups grated Cheddar cheese: Provides sharpness and melty goodness within the pie.
- ½ cup Bisquick mix (or all-purpose flour): Helps to set the custard; Bisquick keeps it light, flour makes it firmer.
- 1 cup whole milk: Creates a rich custard base that ties everything together.
- 3 large eggs: The binding agent that gives the pie structure and a lovely texture.
- 4 slices of American cheese: Melts beautifully on top for that iconic cheeseburger finish.
How to Make Classic American Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven and greasing your pie plate well. This ensures that your pie won’t stick and will have a nice, even crust once baked.
Step 2: Cook Onions and Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden. Add the ground beef, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, cooking until the beef is browned and no longer pink. This savory mixture forms the heart of your pie’s flavor.
Step 3: Layer the Beef and Cheese
Spread the cooked beef and onion mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pie plate. Sprinkle the grated Cheddar cheese over the beef, creating a luscious, gooey middle layer that melts during baking.
Step 4: Make and Pour the Custard
In a bowl, whisk together the Bisquick mix (or flour), milk, and eggs until you have a smooth custard. Pour this custard gently over the meat and cheese layers, letting it seep into all the crevices. This custard will set as it bakes, holding the pie together.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set
Place the pie plate in the oven and bake until the custard is set and the top begins to turn a beautiful golden brown. This usually takes around 30 minutes and transforms the mixture into a sliceable, cohesive pie.
Step 6: Top with American Cheese and Melt
Take the pie out briefly, layer the four slices of American cheese over the top, and return it to the oven for a few minutes until the cheese melts into a creamy, irresistible topping.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes so the custard firms up perfectly. Then slice and serve, enjoying all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger in every bite.
How to Serve Classic American Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your slices, garnishing with freshly chopped pickles, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, or even a drizzle of ketchup or mustard brings back that authentic burger vibe. A few pickled jalapeños add a spicy twist, if you’re feeling adventurous!
Side Dishes
Classic sides like crispy French fries, a simple green salad, or baked beans pair beautifully with this cheeseburger pie. For a lighter option, try coleslaw, which adds a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the pie’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual party or potluck, serve the Classic American Cheeseburger Pie Recipe in mini muffin tins as bite-sized portions. Alternatively, pair it with a side of crispy onion rings for that full diner experience. You can even add sautéed mushrooms on top for an earthy twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
This pie freezes well. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain its texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid microwaving for long periods to keep the custard from getting rubbery. A quick oven reheat helps preserve the pie’s melty, cheesy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted to lighten the dish, though beef’s rich flavor is traditional. Just season generously to keep it flavorful.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to swap Cheddar and American cheese with your favorites like mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change accordingly.
Is Bisquick necessary, or can I just use flour?
Bisquick helps create a lighter, fluffier custard, but all-purpose flour works fine for a denser, firmer pie. Choose based on your texture preference.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free baking mix instead of Bisquick and ensure any seasonings are gluten-free. This allows you to enjoy the Classic American Cheeseburger Pie Recipe without compromise.
Can I make this pie vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, substitute the beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative, and adjust the seasonings accordingly. The custard and cheese layers will keep it hearty and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Classic American Cheeseburger Pie Recipe is one of those special dishes that feels like a big warm hug on a plate. It’s effortless to make, filled with comforting flavors, and perfect for any meal of the day. Whether you’re feeding family, entertaining friends, or just craving some nostalgic comfort food, this pie will quickly become a favorite in your recipe box. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that unbeatable blend of cheeseburger goodness in pie form!
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Classic American Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Classic American Cheeseburger Pie is a savory, hearty dish that combines ground beef, onions, and a blend of Cheddar and American cheeses baked in a creamy custard base. Perfect for an easy dinner, it delivers familiar cheeseburger flavors in a convenient pie format, ready in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste (optional)
Cheese Layers
- 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
- Prepare Oven and Pie Plate: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9-inch pie plate to prevent sticking.
- Cook Onions and Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onions until translucent. Add the ground beef, salt, black pepper, and optional garlic powder. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary. Spread the cooked mixture evenly in the prepared pie plate.
- Layer With Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Cheddar cheese evenly over the cooked beef and onion mixture in the pie plate.
- Make and Pour Custard Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the Bisquick mix (or all-purpose flour), whole milk, and eggs until smooth. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the beef and cheese layers in the pie plate.
- Bake Until Set: Place the pie plate in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the custard is golden brown and fully set (a knife inserted in the center should come out clean).
- Add American Cheese and Melt: Remove the pie from the oven and top evenly with the slices of American cheese. Return to the oven and bake an additional 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cheeseburger pie to cool for several minutes before slicing. Serve warm for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute Bisquick with all-purpose flour, but the texture will be slightly firmer.
- Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder according to your taste preference.
- For a lower fat version, use lean ground beef and reduced-fat cheese.
- This pie pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best results.
