Cheeseburger pie – it sounds like a delightful mashup of two beloved comfort foods, and that’s precisely what it is! Imagine the savory, cheesy goodness of a cheeseburger transformed into an easy-to-bake pie. No messy burger assembly required; just a simple, delicious bake that brings all those classic flavors together. Even the queen of comfort food herself, the Pioneer Woman, is a fan! Ree Drummond’s cheeseburger pie recipe is a weeknight dinner winner, ready in just around 40 minutes. Let’s dive into the details of this unique and tasty creation, and explore the recipe that will become a family favorite in no time.
What Exactly is Cheeseburger Pie?
This isn’t your typical fruit pie. Cheeseburger pie is a savory dish featuring ground beef, cheese, and seasonings, often bound together with flour or a mix like Bisquick. Forget fussing with pie crusts! Many recipes, including the Pioneer Woman’s, use the dry ingredients to create a batter that bakes into a fluffy, cobbler-style topping. The result is a comforting, flavorful pie that’s incredibly easy to prepare. Its simple ingredients and straightforward method make it a perfect dish for busy weeknights and anyone craving that classic cheeseburger taste in a new, exciting format.
Top 3 Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Pie
Making cheeseburger pie for the first time? Keep these three simple tips in mind to ensure a truly delicious outcome and avoid common pitfalls. These insights will elevate your cheeseburger pie from good to absolutely irresistible.
1. Lean Ground Beef is Your Best Bet
For cheeseburger pie, lean ground beef is actually preferable to fattier grinds like 80/20 or 85/15. Why? Lean beef releases less grease during cooking, preventing your pie from becoming overly oily. While you can always drain excess fat after browning the meat, starting with lean ground beef minimizes this step and keeps the focus on the savory flavors. This ensures a more pleasant texture and prevents the bottom of your pie from becoming soggy.
2. Mix the Topping Batter Gently
The topping for cheeseburger pie is typically a batter, and the key here is gentle mixing. Stir the batter ingredients just until they combine. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a tough and chewy topping instead of the desired light and fluffy texture. Think of it like making muffins – a gentle hand ensures the best, most tender result.
3. Embrace Classic Cheeseburger Condiments
To truly capture the cheeseburger spirit, don’t shy away from serving your pie with classic burger condiments. Think beyond just ketchup! Pickles, mustard, and burger sauce are all fantastic additions. For a fresh element, consider shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced tomatoes, or onions to add a cool, crisp contrast to the warm, cheesy pie. These toppings aren’t just garnishes; they are integral to the full cheeseburger experience.
Ree Drummond’s Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
Ready to try the Pioneer Woman’s famous cheeseburger pie? This recipe, adapted from her website, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy casserole recipes. Get ready to experience cheeseburger bliss in pie form!
Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
Close-up shot of a slice of cheeseburger pie with melted cheese and visible ground beef filling, served on a white plate.
Image: ALLEKO/Getty – Hearty slice of Pioneer Woman’s Cheeseburger Pie, showcasing its cheesy topping and ground beef filling.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup chopped yellow onion
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon salted butter, melted
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings for serving: pickle slices, ketchup, burger sauce
Instructions:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Yields: 6 servings
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, chopped onion, and kosher salt. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until browned and onions are softened, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease if desired. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and cook for another 2 minutes, until absorbed.
- Grease a 9-inch pie plate with nonstick cooking spray. Transfer the cooked meat mixture to the prepared pie plate, spreading it evenly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, room temperature buttermilk, and melted butter until smooth. Add all-purpose flour and baking powder; whisk just until smooth and combined. Pour this batter evenly over the ground beef mixture in the pie plate.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the topping is nicely browned and the center of the pie is set. To check if it’s set, a toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
- Let the cheeseburger pie cool slightly before slicing into 6 servings. Serve warm with your favorite cheeseburger toppings such as pickle slices, ketchup, and burger sauce, if desired.
- Storage: Store leftover cheeseburger pie slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
Looking for More Comfort Food Inspiration?
If you enjoyed this Pioneer Woman cheeseburger pie recipe, explore these other comforting and hearty dishes:
- Craving Comfort? This Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy Recipe Hits All the Cozy, Delicious Notes
- This Shortcut Chicken Cobbler Is the Perfect Cozy Casserole Supper: So Easy and Creamy
- Cozy Up With Baked Ziti: A Comfort Favorite That’s Cheesy, Easy and Perfect for Any Occasion
