Cheeseburger pie: the name itself conjures images of two beloved comfort foods merging into one glorious dish. And that’s precisely what it is! Imagine the savory, cheesy goodness of a cheeseburger, transformed into an easy-to-bake pie. No need to fuss with burger patties – this recipe combines all the classic flavors into a simple, delicious bake that even the Pioneer Woman herself adores. Ready in just 40 minutes, this Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie Recipe is destined to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special and how you can easily recreate it in your own kitchen.
What Exactly is Cheeseburger Pie?
Forget traditional pie crusts. Cheeseburger pie takes a delightfully different approach. Think of it as a savory pie where ground beef, cheese, and seasonings are topped with a fluffy, almost cobbler-like batter. Many recipes, including the Pioneer Woman’s, use a simple batter made with flour or Bisquick, creating a light and airy topping that perfectly complements the rich, meaty filling. The result is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare. It’s the perfect weeknight meal when you crave something satisfying and hassle-free.
Top 3 Tips for a Delicious Cheeseburger Pie
Making cheeseburger pie for the first time? Don’t worry, it’s incredibly straightforward. However, keeping a few key tips in mind will ensure your pie is a resounding success. Here are three essential tips to elevate your cheeseburger pie to perfection:
1. Lean Ground Beef is Your Best Choice
In most burger recipes, a bit of fat in the ground beef is welcomed for flavor and juiciness. However, for cheeseburger pie, lean ground beef is the preferred option. Why? Because leaner beef renders less fat during cooking, preventing your pie from becoming greasy. While you can always drain excess fat after browning the meat, starting with lean ground beef (like 90/10 or leaner) will naturally contribute to a more balanced and enjoyable pie.
2. Gently Mix the Batter for a Fluffy Topping
The topping for cheeseburger pie isn’t a traditional pie crust; it’s a batter designed to bake into a light and fluffy layer. The key to achieving this texture is to avoid overmixing. Just like with pancake or muffin batter, overmixing develops gluten, which can result in a tough and chewy topping instead of the desired airy and tender texture. Stir the batter ingredients until they are just combined, and no large lumps remain. This gentle approach guarantees a perfectly light topping for your pie.
3. Embrace Classic Cheeseburger Condiments
To truly capture the cheeseburger essence of this pie, don’t shy away from serving it with your favorite burger condiments! Think beyond just ketchup and mustard. Pickles, with their tangy crunch, are a classic pairing. Burger sauce or Thousand Island dressing adds a creamy, flavorful element. For fresh toppings, consider shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced tomatoes, or thinly sliced red onions. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also bring textural contrast to the warm, cheesy pie.
The Pioneer Woman’s Tried-and-True Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
Ready to bake your own Pioneer Woman-inspired cheeseburger pie? Look no further than this easy-to-follow recipe, adapted from her website. Add this to your repertoire of comforting and crowd-pleasing recipes!
Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
A close up shot of a slice of Pioneer Woman's Cheeseburger Pie on a plate, showcasing the layers of meat, cheese, and fluffy topping.
ALLEKO/Getty
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
Directions:
- 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 the meat is browned and the onions are softened, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet 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. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until just combined and smooth. Pour the batter evenly over the meat 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 golden brown and the center of the pie is set. To check if the center is set, gently insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with just moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Let the pie cool slightly before slicing into 6 even wedges. Serve warm with your favorite toppings like pickle slices, ketchup, and burger sauce, if desired.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any 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.
Enjoy this comforting and easy Pioneer Woman cheeseburger pie recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any casual dinner or potluck.
