Cheeseburger Pie Recipe: A Hearty, Delicious Comfort Dish

Cheeseburger pie is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the best elements of a cheeseburger—tender ground beef, melty cheese, and savory spices—into a warm, hearty pie. This crowd-pleasing recipe has become a family favorite and is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. It’s easy to prepare, offers a satisfying balance of flavors, and is sure to leave everyone asking for seconds. With a buttery, flaky crust, flavorful filling, and gooey cheese, this dish is a fusion of a classic cheeseburger and the beloved pie.

Whether you’re new to the concept of cheeseburger pie or have tried it before, this detailed recipe will guide you through every step, ensuring you achieve the perfect outcome. From the ingredients to the step-by-step cooking process, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making the best cheeseburger pie at home. Get ready to dive into a savory experience that’s both rich in flavor and satisfying to your hunger.

The History of Cheeseburger Pie

The cheeseburger pie combines two beloved American culinary staples: the cheeseburger and the traditional meat pie. This hybrid dish first gained popularity in the mid-20th century, when families started looking for creative ways to combine classic comfort food with more convenient, easier-to-make meals. The idea behind the cheeseburger pie is straightforward: take all the delicious elements of a cheeseburger—the ground beef, the cheese, and the pickles—and bake them inside a pie crust.

While the precise origins of cheeseburger pie are hard to pin down, it is believed that this dish was invented as a way to combine the simplicity of a casserole with the deliciousness of a burger. Over time, various versions of cheeseburger pie have appeared in cookbooks and home kitchens across the United States, each with slight variations on the filling and crust.

Despite the variations, one thing remains constant: cheeseburger pie is a crowd-pleasing meal that combines familiar flavors in a new and comforting way. It’s a versatile recipe, allowing for endless customization based on personal preferences. Whether you prefer extra cheese, more veggies, or a different type of meat, cheeseburger pie can be adapted to suit your tastes.

Ingredients for the Perfect Cheeseburger Pie

To make the best cheeseburger pie, we need to gather all the essential ingredients that will come together to create a rich, satisfying dish. The following list includes the key components of the filling, crust, and seasonings to make your cheeseburger pie a standout.

For the Filling:

1 pound of ground beef – The foundation of the pie, providing savory protein and richness. Ground chuck or ground beef with a higher fat content works best to ensure flavor and tenderness.
1 small onion, diced – Onion adds sweetness and depth to the filling. Yellow or white onions are typically used, but you can also experiment with red onions for a sharper taste.
1 tablespoon of garlic, minced – Garlic brings an aromatic element to the dish, complementing the beef and other ingredients.
1/4 cup of ketchup – Ketchup provides a tangy sweetness that is essential for that classic cheeseburger flavor.
2 tablespoons of mustard – Mustard adds a little sharpness and acidity, balancing out the richness of the beef and cheese.
1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce – A touch of Worcestershire sauce adds umami and deepens the flavor of the meat filling.
1/2 teaspoon of salt – Essential for seasoning the beef and bringing out its natural flavors.
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper – Pepper adds a subtle heat and enhances the overall seasoning of the pie.
1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika – Smoked paprika introduces a hint of smokiness to the filling, making it taste even more like a grilled cheeseburger.
1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese – A rich, sharp cheddar cheese adds creaminess and a satisfying cheesiness to the filling. You can also use a blend of cheeses, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, for a more melty texture.
1/4 cup of dill pickle relish (optional) – For a tangy, classic cheeseburger twist, pickle relish can be added to the filling. It enhances the overall flavor and mimics the familiar toppings of a burger.

For the Pie Crust:

1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour – The base for your pie crust, which will provide structure and flakiness.
1/2 teaspoon of salt – Enhances the flavor of the pie crust and balances the richness of the filling.
1/2 cup (1 stick) of cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes – Cold butter is essential for achieving a flaky, tender crust. It should be worked quickly into the flour to prevent it from melting.
1/4 cup of ice water – Ice-cold water helps the dough come together without overheating the butter, ensuring a tender and flaky texture.

For the Topping:

1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese – Additional cheese for the topping, which melts beautifully into the pie and enhances the cheeseburger flavor.
1 tablespoon of finely chopped green onions (optional) – Green onions add a mild, fresh flavor to the topping, providing contrast to the richness of the cheese.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cheeseburger Pie

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into the process of making your cheeseburger pie. Follow these detailed instructions to ensure the pie comes out perfectly every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk the ingredients together to ensure even distribution.
Cut in the Butter: Add 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes) to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter. This step is crucial for achieving a flaky crust.
Add Ice Water: Slowly add 1/4 cup of ice water, a tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to add too much water at once—just enough to bind the dough.
Chill the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, knead it a few times to bring it together, and form it into a disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the butter to firm up and the dough to relax.
Roll out the Dough: Once chilled, roll out the dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/8-inch thick. Carefully transfer the dough into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Add the diced 1 small onion and minced 1 tablespoon of garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is softened and fragrant.
Season the Filling: Stir in 1/4 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of mustard, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Add Cheese and Pickles: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined. If desired, add 1/4 cup of dill pickle relish for a tangy kick.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Fill the Crust: Pour the beef and cheese filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the filling, followed by a sprinkling of finely chopped green onions if desired.
Seal the Pie: Fold the edges of the crust over the filling to create a rustic edge, leaving the center exposed. If you prefer a fully covered pie, you can roll out additional dough and cover the entire pie, cutting slits for ventilation.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the Pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to cut clean slices.

Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Pie

Use High-Quality Meat: Ground beef with a higher fat content will provide more flavor and tenderness. Consider using 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and texture.
Make It Ahead: Cheeseburger pie can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is especially helpful for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Customize the Toppings: You can add extra toppings like sliced tomatoes, lettuce, or even bacon for added flavor. Consider serving the pie with a side of crispy French fries or a simple salad.
Freeze for Later: If you have leftovers, cheeseburger pie freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Conclusion: A Perfect Cheeseburger Pie

This cheeseburger pie recipe combines the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the convenience and heartiness of a pie. With a flaky crust, savory beef filling, and gooey cheese, this dish is a surefire hit for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or a weekend treat, cheeseburger pie is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the fusion of two beloved dishes, and savor every bite!