Cheeseburger Pie Baked Casserole

This cheeseburger pie brings the best parts of a juicy burger straight to your dinner table in a cozy, family-friendly bake. With just one pan and pantry basics, you get a golden, cheesy crust encasing all the beefy flavor of a classic cheeseburger. It is perfect for weeknights when you crave comfort food but want the ease of slicing into a savory pie instead of firing up the grill.

I grew up eating a version of this when my mom wanted to stretch a pound of beef and now I make it regularly for my own family especially on chilly days when we want something fun and filling

Ingredients

• Olive oil: adds flavor and helps brown the beef use extra virgin for best taste
• Lean ground beef: remains tender and keeps the pie from becoming greasy choose fresh ground for best results
• Chopped yellow onion: brings sweetness and balance look for firm onions with tight skins
• Kosher salt: highlights all the savory notes use just enough to bring out flavor
• Worcestershire sauce: gives depth and a bit of tang opt for high quality brands with no fillers
• Large eggs: help bind the pie and create structure fresher eggs always work best
• Whole buttermilk: provides richness and a soft crumb try to use real cultured buttermilk for the creamiest texture
• Salted butter: melted for richness high quality butter makes a big difference
• All purpose flour: is the base of the topping for tenderness scoop and level for accuracy
• Baking powder: gives a lift and lightness choose aluminum free if possible
• Shredded cheddar cheese: adds sharpness and gooey melt buy a block and shred yourself for optimal melting
• Pickle slices: optional but a classic burger pairing crisp dill chips are best
• Ketchup and burger sauce: optional for serving choose your favorite varieties

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef and Onions:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Add ground beef onion and salt Cook for eight to ten minutes stirring occasionally until the meat is browned and crumbly and the onions are softened draining excess fat if needed

Boost the Flavor:

Add Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture Stir and cook until fully absorbed about two minutes for extra savory goodness

Prepare the Pie Dish:

Spray a nine inch pie plate all over with nonstick spray then spread the beef and onion mixture evenly in the dish

Mix the Pie Batter:

In a separate bowl whisk eggs buttermilk and melted butter together until completely smooth Add in flour and baking powder and whisk until a thick lump free batter forms

Pour and Top:

Pour the batter over your meat layer spreading it evenly so it covers the filling completely Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese uniformly over the top

Bake:

Place in a four hundred degree oven Bake for about twenty five minutes until the top is puffed and golden and the center is set A knife inserted in the middle should come out clean

Serve:

Let the pie cool just a few minutes before slicing Serve warm with pickle slices ketchup or burger sauce for a burger joint experience at home

Save

My favorite part is always the cheese on top it browns and bubbles in the oven just like a cheeseburger under the broiler Last summer my niece helped add extra pickles before baking and now that is our secret burst of flavor hidden under the cheese

Storage Tips

Leftover slices keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for three days For best results reheat in the oven or toaster oven to restore crispness You can also freeze the whole pie after baking Simply wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months Thaw overnight then rewarm in the oven

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or plant based crumbles can easily swap for beef Still brown well for flavor but watch the moisture

Sharp white cheddar pepper jack or even Swiss can change up the cheesy topping Pick your family’s favorite

No buttermilk on hand Stir one tablespoon lemon juice into milk and let sit five minutes as a quick homemade option

Serving Suggestions

Slice and serve with a crunchy green salad for balance A pile of baked fries or roasted potatoes makes it a true diner style dinner For brunch try it with a spoonful of salsa or hot sauce on top

Cultural and Historical Context

Cheeseburger pie is a clever American shortcut that emerged in family cookbooks in the nineteen seventies It combined classic burger flavors with the casserole convenience everyone loved This recipe follows that tradition bringing old school flavor to new kitchens

Recipe FAQs

→ What kind of ground beef works best?

Lean ground beef is ideal as it produces less excess fat, resulting in a less greasy pie and balanced texture.

→ Can I substitute the buttermilk?

If you don't have buttermilk, mix whole milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar for a similar tang and tenderness.

→ How can I add extra flavor?

Try mixing in mustard or hot sauce with the beef, or topping the pie with sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions.

→ What cheese is best for this pie?

Sharp or medium cheddar melts well and complements the beef, but Monterey Jack or Colby work nicely too.

→ How do I know when it’s done baking?

The top should be golden brown and the center just set—insert a knife to ensure it comes out clean before removing from the oven.