My kids ask for this Cheeseburger Pie more than almost anything else I make, and I get it.
It tastes exactly like a cheeseburger, but it comes together in one pie plate with almost no cleanup.
Ground beef, melty cheddar, and a fluffy golden topping bake into something that feels like a casserole and eats like your favorite drive-thru order.
I first made this on a Tuesday night when I had ground beef thawed, no buns in the freezer, and three hungry people staring at me.
I grabbed my Bisquick, dumped in the classic burger flavors I already had on hand, and this pie was born.
It has been in my regular dinner rotation ever since, and I think it is about to become one of yours too.
If you love easy, hearty dinners, this one belongs on your table this week.
| Quick Recipe Summary | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Servings | 8 slices |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
This pie is a close cousin to a good Cowboy Casserole, only it leans fully into cheeseburger flavor instead of Tex-Mex spice.
Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
This recipe earns its spot in heavy rotation for a lot of reasons.
It uses ingredients most of us already keep stocked, and it does not ask for a trip to a specialty grocery store.
The batter forms its own crust as it bakes, so there is no rolling, no chilling, and no fussing with pastry dough.
Cleanup is quick since everything happens in one skillet and one pie dish.
It also reheats beautifully, which makes it a smart choice for meal prep or next-day lunches.
- Comes together with pantry staples and one pound of ground beef
- No pie crust to roll out or chill
- Ready from start to finish in under an hour
- Freezes well for busy weeknights
- Easy to customize with your family’s favorite burger toppings
You might also enjoy: Taco Casserole
Ingredients
Every ingredient here plays a role in making this pie taste like an actual cheeseburger, from the seasoned beef to the tangy sauce swirled right into the filling.
Measurements below make one standard 9 inch pie, and you can easily double it for a crowd.
- 1 pound lean ground beef, at least 80 percent lean
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup Original Bisquick baking mix
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, chopped dill pickles
Read Also: Burger Sauce Recipe
Kitchen Equipment Needed
You likely already own everything on this list, and none of it is complicated to use.
A good nonstick skillet and a sturdy pie plate are really the only two things doing heavy lifting here.
- Large skillet for browning the beef and onions
- 9 inch pie plate
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Box grater, if shredding cheese from a block
- Rubber spatula
I bake this in the same dish I use for my Mashed Potato Casserole, and it holds up beautifully to both sweet and savory bakes.
Recommended Products for This Recipe
These are a few products I personally reach for when I make this pie, based on years of testing recipes like this one in my own kitchen.
1. Ceramic 9 Inch Pie Dish
A heavy ceramic pie dish heats evenly, so the Bisquick topping bakes into a uniform golden color instead of browning faster around the edges.
It also goes straight from oven to table, which saves you a dish. I have had mine for years and it still looks brand new.
2. Cast Iron Skillet
Browning the beef and onions in cast iron gives you deeper caramelization than a thin nonstick pan, which means more flavor baked into the final pie.
It also holds heat well, so the onions soften evenly instead of steaming. This is one pan I reach for several times a week.
3. Sharp Cheddar Cheese Block
Shredding your own cheddar from a block melts noticeably smoother than pre-shredded bags, which are coated in anti-caking starch.
A sharp block also gives the pie a bolder, more grown-up cheeseburger flavor. It is a small swap that makes a real difference.
4. Handheld Meat Chopper
A dedicated meat chopper breaks up ground beef into small, even crumbles far faster than a spoon or spatula.
Even crumbles cook more evenly and give the filling a better texture once it is baked. I use mine for chili, tacos, and this pie alike.
Another favorite: Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Cheeseburger Pie
1. Preheat the Oven and Prep the Pie Plate
- Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and let it fully preheat before the pie goes in.
- Grease a 9 inch pie plate generously with butter or nonstick cooking spray, making sure to coat the sides as well as the bottom.
- Set the prepared pie plate aside on your counter within easy reach of the stove.
2. Brown the Ground Beef and Onion
- Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef and diced onion at the same time.
- Break the beef apart with a spatula or meat chopper as it cooks, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks or scorches.
- Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, until the beef is fully browned with no pink remaining and the onion has softened and turned translucent.
- Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking so it becomes fragrant without burning.
3. Drain and Season the Filling
- Carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet, tilting the pan and holding the beef back with a spatula.
- Return the skillet to low heat and stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper until evenly distributed.
- Add the ketchup and yellow mustard, stirring until the beef mixture is coated and smells like a classic cheeseburger.
- Remove the skillet from the heat once everything is well combined.
4. Layer the Beef and Cheese
- Spread the seasoned beef and onion mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared pie plate.
- Press it down gently with the back of a spoon so it forms an even layer from edge to edge.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef, reserving the remaining 1/2 cup for later.
5. Mix the Bisquick Batter
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the Bisquick baking mix, milk, and eggs until the batter is smooth with no dry lumps remaining.
- Whisk for about 30 seconds, just until everything is fully incorporated. Overmixing is not a concern here since there is no gluten development to worry about.
6. Assemble the Pie
- Slowly pour the Bisquick batter over the beef and cheese layer in the pie plate, starting from the center and working outward.
- Use a spatula to gently spread the batter so it reaches all the edges and covers the filling completely.
- Do not stir the layers together. The batter needs to sit on top so it can bake into its own crust.
7. Bake the Pie
- Place the pie plate on the middle rack of your preheated oven.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- During the last 3 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top and return the pie to the oven just until it melts.
8. Cool, Slice, and Serve
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest on the counter for 8 to 10 minutes before slicing.
- This resting time lets the layers set, which makes for much cleaner slices.
- Slice into 8 wedges and top individual servings with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or chopped pickles as desired.
The browning technique here is the same one I rely on in my Classic Beef Chili Recipe, and it works just as well for both.
Tips for The Best Cheeseburger Pie
A few small habits make the difference between a good cheeseburger pie and a great one.
Pay attention to how well you drain the beef, since excess grease is the most common reason this pie turns out soggy.
- Shred your own cheese from a block for smoother melting
- Let the pie rest before slicing so it holds its shape
- Drain the beef thoroughly to avoid a greasy bottom layer
- Use whole milk for the richest, most tender crust
- Check for doneness with a toothpick rather than relying on time alone
Read Also: Meatloaf And Mashed Potatoes
Serving Suggestions
This pie is hearty enough to serve on its own, but a simple side rounds out the meal nicely.
I like to keep sides light and fresh since the pie itself is rich and cheesy.
- A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
- Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
- Classic French fries or crispy tater tots
- A simple cucumber and tomato salad
- Pickle spears on the side for extra crunch
You might also enjoy: Tater Tot Casserole
Variations of Cheeseburger Pie
Once you have made this pie once, it is easy to riff on it based on what your family likes best.
Think of the base recipe as a template you can dress up however you want.
- Bacon Cheeseburger Pie: stir in 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon with the beef
- Tex Mex Cheeseburger Pie: swap the seasoning for taco seasoning and use pepper jack cheese
- Mushroom Swiss Version: add sauteed mushrooms and swap cheddar for Swiss cheese
- Pizza Style: stir in a spoonful of pizza sauce and top with mozzarella and mini pepperoni
- Turkey Cheeseburger Pie: substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a lighter option
For a spicier twist, I borrow flavors straight from my Tex Mex Casserole and fold them right into this same base.
Storage and Reheating
This pie stores well, which makes it a great candidate for meal prep or planned leftovers.
Just be sure to cool it fully before covering it to prevent condensation from making the top soggy.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in foil for up to 2 months
- Reheat in a 350 degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes, covered with foil
- Microwave individual slices for 60 to 90 seconds if you are short on time
- Thaw frozen slices in the refrigerator overnight before reheating
Read Also: Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Nutritional Facts
Exact nutrition will vary depending on the specific brands and toppings you choose, but here is a general estimate per slice based on 8 servings.
- Calories: approximately 340 per slice
- Protein: approximately 22 grams
- Fat: approximately 22 grams
- Carbohydrates: approximately 12 grams
- Sodium: approximately 620 milligrams
If you are watching sodium closely, my Broccoli Cheese Casserole makes a lighter side to balance out the plate.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
While this is a comfort food dish, a few of its ingredients bring genuine nutritional value to the table.
Ground beef and eggs both contribute protein and iron that support muscle repair and energy levels throughout the day.
- Ground beef provides protein, iron, and vitamin B12
- Onions and garlic contain antioxidants that support immune health
- Eggs offer high quality protein along with choline
- Cheddar cheese contributes calcium and additional protein
- Milk adds calcium and vitamin D to the overall dish
For a lighter option, try: Beef Stew
FAQs About Cheeseburger Pie
1. Can I make this Cheeseburger Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pie completely and refrigerate it unbaked for up to a day.
Add about 5 extra minutes to the bake time since it will be starting from cold.
2. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey works well as a lighter substitute in this recipe.
Since turkey is leaner, you may want to add a small drizzle of olive oil to the skillet to prevent sticking.
3. Why is my Bisquick topping not setting properly?
This usually happens when the filling underneath is too wet from excess grease.
Be sure to drain the beef thoroughly before layering it into the pie plate.
4. Can I freeze Cheeseburger Pie?
Yes, this pie freezes beautifully both baked and unbaked.
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
5. What can I use instead of Bisquick?
You can make a homemade version using flour, baking powder, salt, and a bit of shortening or butter.
Any all purpose baking mix will work in roughly the same proportions called for in this recipe.
This same egg and milk batter technique shows up again in my Beef Pot Pie Recipe, if you want to try it in a different form.
Cheeseburger Pie
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef 450g, at least 80% lean
- 1 medium yellow onion about 1 cup or 150g, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese 170g, shredded, divided
- 1/2 cup Original Bisquick baking mix 60g
- 1 cup whole milk 240ml
- 2 large eggs
- diced tomatoes for serving
- shredded lettuce for serving
- chopped dill pickles for serving
Equipment
- Large skillet for browning the beef and onions
- 9-inch pie plate greased
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Box grater (optional), if shredding cheese from a block
- Rubber spatula
- Handheld meat chopper (optional) for breaking up ground beef
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a 9-inch pie plate with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion for 8-10 minutes until browned and onion is soft. Add garlic during the last minute.
- Drain excess grease, then stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, ketchup, and mustard until well coated.
- Spread beef mixture evenly in the prepared pie plate and top with 1 cup of shredded cheddar.
- In a bowl, whisk together Bisquick, milk, and eggs until smooth. Pour over the beef layer, spreading to the edges. Do not stir.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Add remaining cheese during the last 3 minutes.
- Let rest for 8-10 minutes before slicing into 8 wedges. Top with tomatoes, lettuce, or pickles if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
- Drain the beef thoroughly to avoid a greasy bottom layer – this is the most common reason for sogginess.
- Shred your own cheddar from a block for smoother melting; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking starch.
- Use whole milk for the richest, most tender crust.
- Let the pie rest before slicing so it holds its shape cleanly.
- For a Bacon Cheeseburger Pie, stir in 1/2 cup of cooked crumbled bacon with the beef.
- For a Tex-Mex version, swap the seasonings for taco seasoning and use pepper jack cheese.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes covered with foil, or microwave individual slices for 60-90 seconds.
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
This Cheeseburger Pie has earned a permanent spot in my dinner rotation, and I think it will earn one in yours too.
It takes everything you love about a cheeseburger and turns it into something you can slice, share, and reheat all week long.
Give it a try this week and see how quickly it disappears from the table.
If you make it, I would love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment below or share a photo, I always enjoy seeing your versions of this family favorite.
Recommended:
- Cottage Pie Recipe
- Minced Beef And Onion Pie Recipe
- Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Crockpot Taco Casserole
- Green Bean Casserole Recipe
