Burger in a Crust: Classic Cheeseburger Pie for Cozy Dinners

Imagine the juicy, cheesy satisfaction of a classic American cheeseburger—but instead of a bun, it’s wrapped in a soft, golden crust and baked into a hearty sliceable pie. Welcome to the irresistible comfort of Cheeseburger Pie. This dish takes all the best parts of your favorite fast food treat—savory ground beef, tangy mustard, melty cheddar—and transforms them into a homestyle, oven-baked delight that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day spreads, or lazy weekends.

Cheeseburger pie originated in the 1970s as a quick, family-friendly meal, especially popularized by the “impossible pies” of Bisquick fame. Today, it’s just as beloved for its simplicity as for its nostalgic flavors. With just a handful of pantry staples and 30 minutes in the oven, you’ve got a warm, satisfying dish that’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Best of all, it’s endlessly customizable—think of it as a blank canvas for your burger-loving creativity.

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Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Ground beef	1 lb
Onion, chopped	1 small
Garlic, minced	1 clove
Ketchup	¼ cup
Yellow mustard	1 tbsp
Salt and pepper	To taste
Shredded cheddar cheese	1 cup
Milk	1 cup
Bisquick or baking mix	½ cup
Eggs	2

Ingredient Notes:

• For deeper flavor, try ground chuck (80/20) for the beef.
• Dijon mustard or BBQ sauce can replace yellow mustard for a twist.
• Add a handful of pickles or jalapeños to the meat mixture for a spicy, tangy surprise.

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Equipment Needed

• Large skillet: For browning the ground beef and building the burger-flavored base.
• Pie dish (9-inch): Holds the filling and batter, giving the pie its classic shape.
• Mixing bowls (2): One for the beef mixture and another for whisking the batter.
• Whisk: Helps create a smooth batter with no clumps.
• Oven mitts: Essential for safely handling the hot pie dish.

These tools make prep quick and cleanup minimal—perfect for a stress-free dinner night.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish with cooking spray or a light brush of oil.

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir frequently and break up the beef with a spoon or spatula. Cook until the meat is fully browned and the onions are tender—about 7–8 minutes.

Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared pie dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, Bisquick (or other baking mix), and eggs until smooth and pourable.

Pour the batter evenly over the meat and cheese in the pie dish, allowing it to settle naturally.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and set. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.

Allow the pie to cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps it firm up for neater slices.

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Tips and Variations

Make It Bacon: Add crumbled cooked bacon to the beef mixture for a bacon cheeseburger pie twist.

Pickle Power: Layer thinly sliced pickles between the meat and cheese for a classic burger zing.

Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free baking mix like Pamela’s or King Arthur to make this celiac-friendly.

Cheese Swaps: Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar can bring different textures and flavors.

Crustless Version: If you’re watching carbs, skip the baking mix and use an egg-heavy custard base with extra cheese and cream.

Vegetarian Option: Swap the beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, and add mushrooms for umami depth.

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Serving Suggestions

Cheeseburger pie is delicious on its own, but it pairs beautifully with classic diner-style sides. Serve it with:

• Crispy oven fries or tater tots
• A crisp iceberg wedge salad with ranch or blue cheese dressing
• Dill pickles or coleslaw for contrast
• A drizzle of ketchup or sriracha on top for those who love extra sauce

For a fun twist, serve mini slices with slider buns on the side, letting guests build their own mini cheeseburger sandwiches.

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Pairings

Beer: A cold, crisp lager or pilsner cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese. For something bolder, a hoppy IPA adds contrast.

Wine: Go with a light red like Pinot Noir or a chilled Lambrusco to match the pie’s savory tones.

Non-Alcoholic: A frosty cola, root beer, or a malted milkshake makes the meal feel like a retro diner experience.

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Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze slices or the entire pie for up to 2 months.

To Reheat: Microwave individual slices for 1–2 minutes or bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes to restore the crispy edges.

Let frozen slices thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~390 kcal
• Fat: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: 23g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
• Contains: Eggs, Dairy, Gluten

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Conclusion

This Cheeseburger Pie is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that brings all the joy of a classic burger in sliceable, oven-baked form. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, hosting a casual gathering, or just craving something nostalgic and satisfying, this dish hits the mark every time.

Don’t forget to share your variations—whether you went spicy, bacon-y, or totally veggie—on social media and tag us in your cheeseburger pie creations!

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