Experience the ultimate comfort food with Pioneer Woman’s Cheeseburger Pie. This hearty dish combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a delicious pie format. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a weekend family meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into how to create this savory delight!
Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste (optional)
- 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese
- ½ cup Original Bisquick mix (or all-purpose flour)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a medium glass pie plate (9-inch) with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until soft, for about 3 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, which usually takes around 10 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the beef, then season it with salt, black pepper, and optionally, garlic powder.
- Spread the cooked and seasoned beef mixture evenly into the prepared pie plate. Sprinkle the grated Cheddar cheese over the beef layer, ensuring it covers the surface evenly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Bisquick mix (or flour), milk, and eggs until well combined. This creates a smooth batter.
- Carefully pour the batter over the beef and cheese layers in the pie plate, ensuring it covers the entire surface evenly.
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm and enjoy this comforting slice of cheeseburger pie with your favorite sides or a crisp green salad.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 514 per serving
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serve Warm: Pioneer Woman’s Cheeseburger Pie is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the cheese is gooey and the crust is crisp. Serve it warm for maximum flavor and comfort.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add a pop of color and freshness to your Cheeseburger Pie by garnishing it with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving. Not only does it enhance the presentation, but it also adds a burst of flavor.
- Pair with Sides: Complement the hearty flavors of the pie with your favorite sides such as a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or seasoned fries. The combination of textures and flavors will elevate your meal to new heights.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place individual slices in the microwave or oven until heated through.
- Freeze for Later: Cheeseburger Pie can also be frozen for future enjoyment. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm in the oven until heated through.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground “beef” or crumbled tofu seasoned with your favorite spices. Add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different types of cheese to customize the flavor profile of your Cheeseburger Pie. Try sharp cheddar for an extra tangy kick, pepper jack for a spicy twist, or Swiss for a milder, nutty flavor.
- Spice it Up: Add a kick of heat to your pie by incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the beef mixture. For a smoky flavor, sprinkle in some smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
- Topping Options: Get creative with toppings to customize your Cheeseburger Pie to your taste. Top it with sliced tomatoes, pickles, crispy bacon, or caramelized onions before serving for added texture and flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Infuse the Bisquick mix with dried herbs such as oregano, thyme, or basil to add a subtle herbaceous flavor to the crust. Alternatively, sprinkle fresh herbs like rosemary or sage over the top before baking for a fragrant finish.
- Mini Pies: Instead of one large pie, make individual-sized mini pies by dividing the ingredients among smaller pie dishes or ramekins. This is perfect for portion control and for serving at parties or gatherings.
- Tex-Mex Twist: Give your Cheeseburger Pie a Tex-Mex flair by seasoning the beef with taco seasoning and adding toppings like salsa, diced avocado, and sour cream before serving. Serve with a side of tortilla chips for a complete meal.
FAQs:
- Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
- Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile. Adjust seasonings accordingly to complement the chosen meat.
- Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
- Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free baking mix or flour alternative in place of the Bisquick mix to make the pie crust gluten-free. Ensure that all other ingredients used are also gluten-free.
- Can I make this Cheeseburger Pie ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the pie up to a day in advance. Simply assemble the layers in the pie plate, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Bake as directed when you’re ready to serve.
- What side dishes pair well with Cheeseburger Pie?
- Cheeseburger Pie pairs well with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, a fresh garden salad, or sweet potato fries. Choose sides that complement the hearty flavors of the pie.
- How do I know when the Cheeseburger Pie is done baking?
- The pie is done when the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
- Can I freeze leftovers of this Cheeseburger Pie?
- Yes, you can freeze leftover slices of Cheeseburger Pie for future enjoyment. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Is it necessary to pre-cook the pie crust before adding the filling?
- No, there’s no need to pre-cook the pie crust for this recipe. The crust will bake along with the filling in the oven and will become golden and crispy as it cooks.
- Can I use pre-made pie crust instead of making the Bisquick mixture?
- Yes, you can use pre-made pie crust if you prefer. Simply line the pie plate with the pre-made crust, then follow the recipe instructions for the filling and baking.
- How can I make this recipe more kid-friendly?
- To make it more appealing to kids, consider adding their favorite toppings such as sliced olives, diced bell peppers, or even some hidden vegetables mixed into the beef filling.
Indulge in the warmth and flavor of Pioneer Woman’s Cheeseburger Pie. With its simple yet satisfying combination of ground beef, onions, cheese, and a golden Bisquick crust, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe delivers comfort in every bite. Try it out and savor the goodness of homemade cheeseburger pie today!