If you’re anything like me, dinnertime can sometimes feel like a scramble—especially on those busy weeknights when time is short, but the craving for something hearty and comforting is very, very real. That’s exactly where this Cheeseburger Pie swoops in to save the day.
This recipe is inspired by the kind of warm, homestyle cooking we all know and love from the Pioneer Woman—simple, satisfying, and made with ingredients most of us already have on hand. It has all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger, but with a cozy, biscuit-like crust that makes it feel just a little extra special. We’re talking about browned ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and a tender topping that’s part quiche, part savory pie—baked until golden and delicious.
This is one of those dishes that my family didn’t even know they needed until I put it in front of them. Now? It’s part of our regular dinner rotation. It’s quick to put together, doesn’t make a huge mess, and it always disappears from the plate. Whether you’re feeding picky kids, hungry teenagers, or just want a meal that feels like comfort, this is it.
Let’s jump right in with everything you’ll need to get started.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 pound lean ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 large eggs
½ cup milk
½ cup Bisquick or any all-purpose baking mix
Pickles, ketchup, and mustard for garnish (optional but fun!)
STEP 1: PREHEAT AND PREP
First things first—go ahead and preheat your oven to 400°F. While that’s warming up, lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish. I usually use a glass pie plate, but anything oven-safe will do the trick here. Set it aside while we prepare the filling.
STEP 2: BROWN THE BEEF
Grab a large skillet and heat it over medium-high. Add your ground beef and chopped onion to the pan. You’re looking for the beef to turn a nice golden brown and the onions to get soft and a little translucent. This should take around 7–10 minutes.
If there’s any excess grease once the meat is cooked, go ahead and drain it off. No one wants a soggy bottom in their pie!
STEP 3: ADD FLAVOR
Now’s the time to bring in that rich, savory flavor. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, along with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Give everything a good mix and let it cook together for one more minute to bring all those flavors together. Then, remove it from the heat.
STEP 4: LAYER IN THE PIE DISH
Take your prepared pie dish and spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom. This forms the base of your pie, just like a traditional burger patty does in a sandwich. Don’t pack it down too tightly—you want it to stay juicy and tender.
Next, sprinkle that glorious shredded cheddar cheese all over the top of the beef. It’s okay if it looks like a lot—it’ll melt into all the nooks and crannies and make this pie irresistibly cheesy.
Cheeseburger Pie Recipe (Inspired by Pioneer Woman)
Bake It to Golden, Cheesy Perfection
Alright, if you’ve made it this far, you’ve already got the beefy base and that layer of melty cheddar all set in your pie dish. Now it’s time for what I like to call the “magic topping.” This simple mix of eggs, milk, and Bisquick creates a light, biscuit-like crust that puffs up beautifully in the oven, making the whole dish feel like something way more special than the effort required.
This is honestly my favorite part of the recipe. It’s just the right balance of savory and satisfying, and it pulls everything together in the most delicious way.
STEP 5: WHISK TOGETHER THE BATTER
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and Bisquick until the mixture is smooth. It’s going to look a little like pancake batter—that’s exactly what you want.
This topping is super forgiving. Just make sure there aren’t any big lumps of baking mix left, and you’re good to go. If you like a slightly richer flavor, you could even use whole milk or add a dash of garlic powder to the mix, but that’s totally optional.
STEP 6: POUR IT ON
Now it’s time to pour the batter right over the beef and cheese mixture. I like to pour slowly and evenly, letting it naturally spread out across the pie dish. No need to stir or press anything down—the batter will settle over the top and bake into a golden crust.
Don’t worry if some of the cheese peeks through or if the batter doesn’t look perfectly even. The oven is going to take care of that for you.
STEP 7: BAKE IT TO PERFECTION
Pop the pie into your preheated 400°F oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is fully set.
You’ll know it’s ready when the top is nicely puffed up and has a light golden hue. If you give the dish a gentle shake and the center doesn’t jiggle, it’s done. Another way to check? Just stick a toothpick into the middle—it should come out clean.
While it’s baking, your kitchen is going to smell incredible. We’re talking cozy diner vibes, with that unmistakable cheeseburger aroma wafting through the house. If your family isn’t already asking what’s for dinner, they will be soon.
STEP 8: LET IT COOL A BIT
Once it comes out of the oven, let the pie cool for 5 to 10 minutes. This gives it a chance to set up a little, making it much easier to slice without falling apart. Plus, no one wants to burn their mouth on molten cheese.
If you want to really lean into the cheeseburger theme, now’s the time to get creative with toppings. I love adding sliced pickles, a little drizzle of ketchup or mustard, or even a few cherry tomatoes on the side. It gives it that extra “burger” feel and adds a pop of color too.
Tips and Simple Variations
Want to make this Cheeseburger Pie your own? Here are a few easy ideas:
Add Pickles to the Filling: Stir in some chopped dill pickles or relish directly into the beef mixture before baking for a tangy kick.
Mix Up the Cheese: Try using a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack or pepper jack if you want a little spice.
Make It Bacon-Cheeseburger Style: Add some cooked, crumbled bacon to the beef layer for even more flavor.
Go Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free baking mix in place of Bisquick to make this meal suitable for those avoiding gluten.
Make Ahead: You can prep the beef mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, just add the cheese and batter on top.
Cheeseburger Pie Recipe (Inspired by Pioneer Woman)
Your Questions Answered + Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got the full rundown on how to make this warm and satisfying Cheeseburger Pie, let’s talk through a few questions that tend to pop up when making this dish for the first time. Whether it’s about substitutions, reheating, or making ahead, I’ve got you covered with quick, helpful answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of meat besides ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute will work. Just keep an eye on the seasoning—you may want to add a bit more spice or flavoring depending on what meat you choose.
2. What can I use if I don’t have Bisquick?
No problem. If you don’t have Bisquick on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing ½ cup all-purpose flour with ½ teaspoon baking powder, a pinch of salt, and a teaspoon of cold butter or shortening. Cut the fat into the flour mixture until crumbly, then proceed as directed.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the beef and cheese layer ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, simply add the Bisquick batter on top and bake as usual. You may need to add an extra 5 minutes to the bake time if it’s going into the oven cold.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or in a 300°F oven until warmed through. The crust may soften slightly but still tastes great.
5. Can this recipe be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the baked pie. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 325°F until heated through.
6. What sides go best with Cheeseburger Pie?
I love serving it with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli to keep things balanced. You can also pair it with classic French fries, sweet potato fries, or even coleslaw for that true burger feel.
7. How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The top should be golden brown and puffed slightly. If you insert a toothpick in the center and it comes out clean, it’s ready. You can also gently shake the pie dish—if the center is no longer jiggly, it’s done.
Final Thoughts: Why This Cheeseburger Pie Deserves a Spot on Your Weekly Menu
This Cheeseburger Pie is one of those recipes that just makes sense. It’s easy to throw together, uses pantry staples, and pleases just about everyone who tries it. There’s something about the combination of savory beef, melted cheese, and a soft, golden crust that’s so nostalgic and satisfying.
It’s the kind of dish I turn to when I don’t feel like fussing over dinner but still want something warm and homemade. Whether it’s a weeknight meal, a casual weekend dinner, or even something to bring to a potluck, this recipe fits the bill. And the best part? You can make it your own with just a few small tweaks.
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Cheeseburger Pie (Inspired by Pioneer Woman)
Description
This Cheeseburger Pie is a hearty, comforting dish that captures the flavor of a classic cheeseburger in a savory pie form. Inspired by the homestyle cooking of the Pioneer Woman, this recipe features a flavorful ground beef filling, melty cheese, and a golden biscuit-like crust. It’s quick, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 large eggs
½ cup milk
½ cup Bisquick or all-purpose baking mix
Pickles, ketchup, and mustard for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish and set it aside.
2️⃣ In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease if necessary.
3️⃣ Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper to the beef mixture. Stir well and cook for another minute. Remove from heat and spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pie dish.
4️⃣ Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
5️⃣ In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and Bisquick until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the beef and cheese.
6️⃣ Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is set.
7️⃣ Let the pie cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with pickles, a drizzle of ketchup or mustard if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
For a more pronounced cheeseburger flavor, you can mix in chopped pickles or a dash of mustard into the beef filling before baking. This dish pairs well with a side salad or classic French fries. Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for an easy lunch.
