Cheeseburger Pie Pioneer Woman

This cheeseburger pie brings everything you love about a classic burger to the comfort of your casserole dish. Easy to assemble and perfect for feeding a crowd it is hearty cheesy and packs all those familiar flavors into every bite. I have made this for weeknight dinners birthday parties and even potlucks. Every time the dish comes out clean with barely a crumb left.

I started making this recipe when my oldest requested “cheeseburgers but not as sandwiches.” The first time was an experiment that instantly became a family favorite especially when we added extra pickles on top.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: gives the pie its savory base If possible choose 80 to 85 percent lean for best flavor
• Onion: chopped for sweetness and depth Fresh onions make the most impact
• Garlic: minced for a fragrant punch Use fresh if possible for the brightest flavor
• Worcestershire sauce: brings umami and that burger essence
• Mustard: adds tang and a true burger bite Dijon or yellow both work
• Salt and pepper: for seasoning Go for kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
• Shredded cheddar cheese: creates the cheesy topping Sharp cheddar melts well and gives bold flavor
• Milk: makes the batter tender and moist Whole milk brings best texture but any milk works
• Large eggs: bind the mixture and help set the pie Go for farm fresh if you can
• All purpose flour: forms the base of the batter Make sure it is fresh for best rising action
• Baking powder: helps the pie rise Choose aluminum free for cleaner flavor
• Paprika: brings gentle smokiness Use sweet or smoked paprika based on your taste preference
• Dried thyme: adds herbiness Make sure your dried herbs smell fragrant not stale
• Pickles: sliced give that classic burger tang Go for dill spears and slice them thick for best results
• Chopped lettuce tomato and more pickles: add fresh crunch for serving Optional but gives the pie true cheeseburger spirit

Step by Step Instructions

Cook the Beef:

In a large skillet cook ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat Stir often breaking up the meat with a spatula You want the beef fully browned and the onions caramelized with no visible pink left Drain any excess grease carefully Add garlic Worcestershire sauce mustard salt and pepper Stir well letting it cook another two to three minutes until the garlic is aromatic and the mixture gets rich and thickened Remove from heat set aside

Make the Batter:

In a bowl whisk together eggs milk flour baking powder paprika and dried thyme Add a pinch of salt and a crank or two of pepper Keep whisking until smooth with no lumps This creates a fluffy tender topping

Assemble the Pie:

Grease a nine inch pie dish Spread the cooked beef mixture into the bottom pressing into an even layer Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar evenly over the beef Pour the batter evenly over the beef and cheese making sure it reaches the edges so every bite gets that fluffy golden layer

Bake the Pie:

Transfer pie to a preheated oven at three hundred seventy five degrees Bake for thirty five to forty minutes The top should be golden and a toothpick or knife inserted in the center comes out clean Cool for five to ten minutes out of the oven to help it set before slicing

Garnish and Serve:

Scatter sliced pickles and if you like chopped lettuce and tomato over each piece for a real cheeseburger finish Serve slices warm with a side of ketchup or mustard if desired

Pin it

My favorite ingredient is always the pickles They bring the pie to life with briny tang and are the number one reason my kids come back for seconds The first time we topped it like a burger lettuce tomato extra pickles it turned into a dinner with plenty of giggles and requests for seconds

Storage Tips

This pie stores beautifully in the fridge up to four days Cover tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container For best reheating microwave slices until warmed through or pop them back in the oven covered at three hundred fifty degrees for ten to twelve minutes Slices also freeze well for up to two months Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results

Ingredient Substitutions

Try swapping ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter twist For a lower dairy version use your favorite plant milk Any good melting cheese works here Mozzarella brings extra melt Colby Jack makes things milder Skip the pickles if you must but for a real cheeseburger vibe they are essential

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a balanced dinner For kids slice into hand held wedges and let them add their favorite toppings Leftover pie is fantastic tucked into a lunch box with a side of carrot sticks or apple slices

A Bit of Cheeseburger Pie History

This recipe takes inspiration from vintage American casseroles and the always comforting flavors of the classic cheeseburger Similar pies first gained popularity in the seventies as a fast family dinner Pioneer Woman helped bring it back by making it approachable and fun Today it is a playful weeknight tradition in many households including mine

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and assemble everything in advance. Store covered in the fridge, then bake just before serving.

→ What substitutions work for the beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meats can be used in place of beef for a lighter option.

→ Do I have to use pickles?

No, but pickles add a classic cheeseburger flavor. Skip or swap for another crunchy topping if preferred.

→ How can I make it gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to keep the texture and still form the golden topping.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftovers?

Warm slices in the oven at 325°F until heated through or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.

→ Can I add extra vegetables?

Absolutely. Try mixing in bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach with the beef for added flavor and nutrients.