Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie

Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie is a crowd-pleasing comfort dish that brings all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a homey, sliceable pie. When I want something hearty that satisfies everyone at the table and can be on the table in under an hour, this is my go-to recipe. It also makes for a fun twist on weeknight dinners when you want a little more excitement than just burgers alone.

I first made this cheeseburger pie one hectic night after a ballgame when nobody felt like grilling. Not only was it fast but it felt cozy and special enough to turn our usual routine into something memorable.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: provides all the classic burger flavor so choose an 80 to 85 percent lean cut for juiciness
• Onion: brings sweet and savory notes use a small one and chop fine for even cooking
• Garlic powder and onion powder: boost the savory layers giving extra depth you would miss if you skip them
• Salt and black pepper: season the base be generous since the beef needs plenty of seasoning
• Shredded cheddar cheese: creates that gooey melted top opt for sharp cheddar if you like more flavor
• Milk: is the base for the topping whole milk makes it richer but any kind works
• All purpose flour: thickens the topping and gives it a light golden crust sift before using for best texture
• Large eggs: bind the pie and help it set use the freshest eggs you can
• Baking powder: makes the topping puff and brown nicely check the date for freshness
• Optional toppings: like tomatoes lettuce pickles ketchup and mustard bring that true burger experience and let everyone customize their slice

• Look for bright yellow cheese with no dryness and beef that is bright red for the best quality.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Dish:

Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. Lightly grease a 9 inch pie dish with oil or butter so the pie does not stick.

Brown the Beef:

Heat a skillet on medium and add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook while stirring often. Keep going until there is no pink left and it starts to get a little golden for extra flavor.

Add Aromatics and Seasonings:

Add the chopped onion to the skillet along with garlic powder and onion powder. Sprinkle in salt and black pepper. Cook everything together until the onion is soft and translucent and the beef is cooked all the way through. Drain off any excess fat to keep the pie from being greasy.

Layer Beef and Cheese:

Spoon the cooked beef and onion mix evenly into the bottom of your greased pie dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar all over the top so every bite melts together.

Mix and Pour the Topping:

In a mixing bowl whisk milk flour eggs and baking powder until smooth with no lumps. Pour this batter gently over the beef and cheese making sure it spreads evenly across the dish.

Bake:

Put the pie dish into the hot oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center feels set. If you like a little extra browning leave it in a few more minutes and watch closely.

Rest and Serve:

Take the pie out and let it cool for five to ten minutes before slicing. This helps the filling hold together well for neat pieces.

Pin

Cheeseburger pie has become a family favorite because everyone can top their slice just how they like. My kids pile on pickles and ketchup while I love a mound of crisp lettuce or fresh tomato. Cheddar cheese is always our star ingredient and the sharpness makes the whole pie taste more savory and rich.

Storage Tips

Let cheeseburger pie cool completely before wrapping tightly with foil or plastic. Keep in the fridge for up to three days. Slices reheat best in an oven or toaster oven to bring back the crispy edges. For freezing cool the pie fully then wrap in layers of plastic and foil. To reheat from frozen thaw overnight and bake at 350 degrees until hot.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken is a lighter swap for beef just add a little more seasoning so it does not taste bland. Mix up the cheese choices with pepper jack or mozzarella if you want more flavor. Gluten free flour works well for the topping if you are cooking for anyone sensitive.

Serving Suggestions

Slice and serve cheeseburger pie with a side of crispy oven fries or a big green salad. Invite everyone to load up with toppings like they would at a burger bar. Set out bowls of chopped tomato pickles lettuce and a drizzle of mustard or your favorite burger sauce.

Cultural and Historical Context

Cheeseburger pie has roots in midwest cooking where casseroles rule the dinner table. This version is inspired by retro church cookbook recipes and became famous thanks to home cooks needing quick one dish meals that satisfied hungry families. It keeps the spirit of diner cheeseburgers but bakes it up in a more comforting form.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What type of beef works best for this dish?

Use lean or regular ground beef; leaner cuts minimize excess grease but keep the flavor.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake it in advance. Reheat in the oven until warmed through before serving.

→ Are there gluten-free alternatives for the batter?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for similar results.

→ What toppings pair well with this pie?

Chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, pickles, ketchup, and mustard all add a classic touch.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat individually in the microwave or oven.

→ Can I use a different cheese?

Cheddar melts well, but Monterey Jack or a cheese blend also work for added flavor variety.