This hamburger pie is the kind of dinner that shows up on a Tuesday and somehow feels like a hug.
It’s seasoned ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce, tucked under a blanket of buttery mashed potatoes, and finished with a layer of melted cheddar.
My mom made a version of this hamburger pie recipe at least twice a month when I was growing up, usually on the nights when the fridge looked emptier than she wanted to admit.
It only takes one pan, a handful of pantry staples, and about forty five minutes from start to finish.
| Quick Recipe Summary | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 35 minutes |
| Total Time | 55 minutes |
| Servings | 6 servings |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
If you love a good baked casserole, you will probably also fall for my Cheeseburger Pie, which leans into the same cozy flavors with a pie crust base.
Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Pie Recipe
There are a lot of ground beef dinners out there, but this one earns its spot in the regular rotation.
It’s forgiving, filling, and it uses ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Comes together with basic pantry and fridge staples, no special trip to the store required
- One skillet for the filling means less cleanup afterward
- Mashed potato topping can be made ahead of time to save even more effort
- Easily doubled for a crowd or halved for a smaller household
- Freezes beautifully, so you can stash a second pan for a busy week later
- Kid friendly flavors that even picky eaters tend to approve of
This recipe scratches the same itch as my Cottage Pie, another mashed potato topped classic that never goes out of style.
Ingredients
Everything here is simple and easy to find, but a few small choices make a big difference in the final texture and flavor.
- 2 pounds ground beef, 85 percent lean
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) green beans, drained
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups mashed potatoes, prepared (about 2 pounds russet potatoes)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Prefer your mashed potatoes extra silky? My Creamy Mashed Potatoes recipe is exactly what I use for this pie.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
You do not need anything fancy for this hamburger pie recipe, but a couple of tools make the job easier.
- Large oven safe skillet or a 9×13 inch baking dish
- Cast iron skillet, if you want to go from stovetop to oven in one pan
- Large pot for boiling potatoes
- Potato masher or ricer for smooth mashed potatoes
- Wooden spoon for breaking up the ground beef
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Offset spatula, useful for spreading the potato topping evenly
You might also enjoy: Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes, another comforting plate built around the same creamy potato base.
Recommended Products for This Recipe
These are products I genuinely reach for when I make this hamburger pie recipe at home, based on what has actually made the process easier or the results better in my own kitchen.
1. Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
A good cast iron skillet lets you brown the beef, build the sauce, and bake the whole pie without dirtying a second dish.
It also holds heat beautifully, which helps the top get that slightly crisped, golden edge around the potatoes.
2. OXO Good Grips Potato Masher
Smooth mashed potatoes make or break this dish, and a sturdy masher gets you there without lumps or a workout.
The comfortable handle also makes quick work of a big batch of potatoes.
3. Le Creuset Stoneware Baking Dish
If you would rather bake in a dish than a skillet, this one distributes heat evenly so the filling bubbles gently instead of scorching at the edges.
It also looks nice enough to bring straight to the table.
4. Microplane Garlic Press
Fresh minced garlic makes a real difference in the beef filling, and a good press saves you from sticky fingers and uneven bits.
It is a small tool that gets used constantly once you have one.
5. Sharp Cheddar Cheese Block, Aged
Pre-shredded cheese works fine, but a block of good aged cheddar that you shred yourself melts smoother and tastes noticeably sharper on top of the pie.
It is a small upgrade that people notice.
For another beef dinner that pairs well with these same tools, check out my Beef Stroganoff.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Hamburger Pie
Step 1: Boil and Prepare the Potatoes
- Peel the russet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized 1 to 2 inch chunks so they cook at the same rate.
- Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water by about an inch, then add a generous pinch of salt.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 to 18 minutes, until a fork slides in easily.
- Drain the potatoes well in a colander and return them to the warm pot to let excess steam escape for a minute or two.
- Add the butter and milk or cream to the hot potatoes and mash until smooth, then stir in the egg yolk while the potatoes are still warm so it fully incorporates.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set the mashed potatoes aside while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and let it fully preheat while you work on the filling.
- If you plan to bake in a separate dish rather than an oven safe skillet, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish now.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven safe skillet over medium high heat until it shimmers.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned with no pink remaining.
- Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking so it becomes fragrant without burning.
- Drain off any excess grease from the skillet, tilting the pan and spooning it out carefully.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
- Stir the tomato sauce and tomato paste into the browned beef mixture until fully combined.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, and smoked paprika, stirring to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste, keeping in mind the cheese on top will add its own saltiness later.
- Let the mixture simmer over low heat for 5 minutes so the flavors meld together and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Add the Green Beans
- Fold the drained green beans into the beef and tomato mixture until evenly distributed.
- Spread the beef mixture into an even layer across the bottom of the skillet or your prepared baking dish.
Step 6: Top with Mashed Potatoes
- Spoon the mashed potatoes over the beef mixture in large dollops, spacing them evenly across the surface.
- Use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to gently spread the potatoes into an even layer, sealing the edges so the filling is fully covered.
- Drag a fork lightly across the top of the potatoes to create texture, which helps those peaks turn golden and slightly crisp as it bakes.
Step 7: Add the Cheese
- Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potato layer.
- Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese to add later in the baking process.
Step 8: Bake the Pie
- Place the skillet or baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, until the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Remove the pie from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Return the pie to the oven and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the potato peaks are golden brown.
Step 9: Rest and Serve
- Remove the hamburger pie from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing, so the filling has time to set.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Read Also: Turkey Shepherds Pie
Tips for The Best Hamburger Pie
A few small details make the difference between a good hamburger pie and a great one.
- Drain the ground beef thoroughly to avoid a greasy or watery filling
- Let the mashed potatoes cool slightly before spreading if they feel too loose to hold their shape
- Use a fork to texture the potato topping so it gets crispy golden peaks in the oven
- Do not skip the resting time, since it helps the pie hold together when sliced
- Taste the beef mixture before adding the potatoes and adjust the seasoning as needed
- For extra flavor, mix a spoonful of sour cream or a little grated parmesan into the mashed potatoes
My Garlic Mashed Potatoes make an excellent swap for the potato topping if you want an extra punch of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This hamburger pie is hearty enough to stand on its own, but a few sides round out the meal nicely.
Since it already leans rich and savory, I like pairing it with something a little lighter or a little crunchy on the side.
- A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
- Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread for scooping up extra sauce
- Steamed broccoli or roasted carrots for a pop of color
- Pickled onions or a small dish of pickles for acidity
- A cold glass of iced tea or lemonade alongside
Another favorite: Green Bean Casserole, which makes a natural side if you want to double down on the green bean flavor.
Variations of Hamburger Pie
Once you have the basic technique down, this recipe is easy to customize based on what you have on hand or what your family prefers.
- Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
- Use sweet potatoes instead of russets for a slightly sweeter, softer topping
- Stir corn or peas into the beef mixture along with the green beans
- Add a layer of sauteed mushrooms for extra earthiness
- Mix taco seasoning into the beef and swap cheddar for a Mexican blend for a Tex-Mex twist
- Top with crushed crackers or fried onions for extra crunch instead of only cheese
If a Tex-Mex spin sounds appealing, you will probably also love my Taco Casserole.
Storage and Reheating
This hamburger pie holds up well in the fridge and even freezes nicely, which makes it a great make-ahead option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, until warmed through
- To reheat a larger portion, cover with foil and warm in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for about 20 minutes
- Freeze the fully baked and cooled pie, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months
- Thaw frozen pie overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven
For another dish that freezes just as well, take a look at my Tater Tot Casserole.
Nutritional Facts
Nutrition will vary slightly depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use, but here is a general estimate per serving, based on 6 servings.
- Calories: approximately 480
- Protein: 28 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fat: 27 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Sodium: 620 milligrams
If you are tracking your meals closely, my Mashed Potato Casserole post also includes a similar nutritional breakdown worth comparing.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
While this is a comfort food dish, several of the ingredients bring real nutritional value to the table.
Ground beef is a strong source of protein and iron, both important for energy and muscle maintenance.
- Ground beef supplies protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12
- Potatoes offer potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, especially when the skins are included
- Green beans add fiber, vitamin K, and antioxidants with very few calories
- Garlic and onion contain compounds linked to heart health and immune support
- Cheddar cheese provides calcium and additional protein
For another vegetable forward side that boosts the nutrition of any beef dinner, try my Sauteed Green Beans with Garlic.
FAQs About Hamburger Pie
1. Can I make hamburger pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire pie up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator.
Bake it fresh when you are ready to eat, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time since it will start cold.
2. Can I use instant mashed potatoes instead of homemade?
Instant mashed potatoes will work in a pinch and save some time on a busy night.
The texture will be a bit smoother and less rustic than homemade, but the flavor still holds up well in this dish.
3. What can I use instead of green beans?
Corn, peas, or diced carrots all work well as substitutes if green beans are not your favorite.
You can also leave out the vegetable entirely and serve a side salad or steamed veggies alongside instead.
4. Why is my hamburger pie watery?
A watery pie usually means the ground beef was not drained thoroughly enough before adding the sauce.
Make sure to spoon off excess grease and liquid from the skillet before building the rest of the filling.
5. Can I freeze hamburger pie before baking it?
Yes, you can assemble the pie completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze it unbaked for up to 2 months.
Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding extra time if the center is still cold.
Hamburger Pie
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef 907g, 85% lean
- 1 medium yellow onion about 1 cup or 150g, diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce 425g
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) green beans 411g, drained
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups mashed potatoes prepared, about 2 pounds or 907g russet potatoes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream 120ml
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded, divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Equipment
- Large oven safe skillet or 9×13 inch baking dish
- Cast iron skillet optional, for stovetop-to-oven cooking
- Large pot for boiling potatoes
- Potato masher or ricer for smooth mashed potatoes
- Wooden spoon for breaking up ground beef
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Offset spatula useful for spreading potato topping evenly
Method
- Boil and prepare the potatoes: Peel and cut potatoes into 1-2 inch chunks. Boil in salted water for 15-18 minutes until tender. Drain and return to pot to steam dry.
- Mash potatoes with butter, milk, egg yolk, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. If using a separate baking dish, lightly grease a 9×13 inch dish.
- Brown the ground beef: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Cook onion for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add beef and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned, breaking it apart. Add garlic during the last minute and drain excess grease.
- Build the sauce: Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Fold in drained green beans and spread the beef mixture evenly in the skillet or baking dish.
- Top with mashed potatoes: Spoon potatoes over the beef mixture in dollops and spread evenly, sealing the edges. Drag a fork across the top for texture.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar over the potatoes.
- Bake for 20 minutes until bubbling. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar on top and bake for another 8-10 minutes until golden and melted.
- Rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Nutrition
Notes
- Drain the ground beef thoroughly after browning to avoid a greasy or watery filling.
- Let the mashed potatoes cool slightly before spreading if they feel too loose to hold their shape.
- Use a fork to texture the potato topping so it gets crispy golden peaks in the oven.
- Do not skip the resting time—it helps the pie hold together when sliced.
- Taste the beef mixture before adding the potatoes and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- For extra flavor, mix a spoonful of sour cream or grated parmesan into the mashed potatoes.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze the fully baked and cooled pie, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months.
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
This hamburger pie recipe is proof that a handful of humble ingredients can turn into something the whole table looks forward to.
It is warm, filling, and endlessly adaptable to whatever you have in your kitchen that night.
Give it a try this week, and let me know in the comments how your family likes it.
If you make this recipe, I would love to see it. Feel free to share a photo here with me.
Recommended:
- Corned Beef and Potato Pie
- Beef Pot Pie
- French Onion Beef Casserole
- Mashed Potato Balls
- Broccoli Cheese Casserole
