The Legendary Cheeseburger Pie That’s Been a Family Reunion Staple Since 1976
Some recipes transcend time, and this classic cheeseburger pie is living proof. Originally clipped from a magazine nearly five decades ago, this humble dish has graced countless tables, earned a permanent spot in family recipe boxes, and somehow manages to taste just as comforting today as it did the very first time it came out of the oven. With a golden, cheesy crust encasing a savory seasoned beef filling, it’s the kind of dish that makes people close their eyes after the first bite and say, “Yes, that’s exactly what I needed.”
Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck, feeding a crowd at a family gathering, or simply craving something warm and satisfying on a weeknight, this old-fashioned cheeseburger pie never disappoints. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and practically makes itself. Here’s everything you need to recreate this timeless classic in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup all-purpose baking mix (such as Bisquick)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch glass pie dish and set it aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion together, breaking the meat apart as it browns. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onion is soft and translucent, about 7 to 8 minutes.
- Drain any excess grease from the beef mixture, then spread it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pie dish.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef layer.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, baking mix, and eggs until smooth and well combined. Pour this batter gently over the beef and cheese layer in the pie dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the pie to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the filling set so each slice holds together beautifully.
Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Pie
For an even richer flavor, try using a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. You can also add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the beef while browning for a deeper, more savory taste. If you like a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes works wonderfully mixed into the meat.
Make It Your Own
This recipe is wonderfully versatile. Feel free to stir diced green bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or even jalapeños into the beef mixture before layering. Some families like to top each slice with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of ketchup for that true cheeseburger experience right on the plate.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for 60 to 90 seconds, or place them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. The crust firms back up nicely and tastes almost as good as fresh out of the oven.
