If you love the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger but want an easy family dinner, this Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie is the perfect recipe. Seasoned ground beef, tender onions, plenty of melted cheddar cheese, and a golden savory topping come together in one comforting baked dish.
It’s hearty, simple, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it with a crisp salad, green beans, coleslaw, or your favorite burger toppings for a complete meal.
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Topping
- ½ cup all-purpose baking mix, such as Bisquick
- ½ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Diced pickles
- Sliced green onions
- Extra shredded cheddar
- Ketchup
- Yellow mustard
- Cooked crumbled bacon
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish and set it aside.
2. Brown the Beef
Place a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, breaking the beef apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Continue until the beef is completely browned and the onion is tender.
Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
3. Season the Beef
Return the skillet to the heat and stir in the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Cook for another minute, stirring well so the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
4. Assemble the Filling
Transfer the seasoned beef mixture to the prepared pie dish.
Spread it evenly across the bottom.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef.
For the best texture, freshly shredded cheddar melts especially well.
5. Make the Topping
In a medium bowl, whisk together the baking mix, milk, and eggs.
Whisk just until the mixture is smooth and no large lumps remain.
The batter should be relatively thin and pourable.
6. Add the Batter
Slowly pour the batter over the beef and cheese.
Try to distribute it evenly across the entire surface.
Some of the cheese may remain visible, which is perfectly fine.
7. Bake
Place the pie in the preheated oven.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is puffed and golden brown and the center is set.
A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.
8. Rest Before Serving
Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes.
This gives the filling time to settle and makes the pie much easier to slice.
9. Add Your Favorite Toppings
Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
For an authentic cheeseburger-inspired finish, serve slices with pickles, ketchup, and mustard on the side.
Helpful Tips
Drain the beef well: Excess grease can make the bottom of the pie oily or soggy.
Don’t overmix the topping: Whisk the batter just until smooth for a tender, light crust.
Use freshly shredded cheese: It melts smoothly and gives the pie a better cheesy texture.
Let it rest: Waiting a few minutes before slicing helps the layers hold together.
Don’t overbake: Remove the pie once the topping is golden and the center is set to keep it tender.
Delicious Variations
Bacon Cheeseburger Pie
Add ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon to the seasoned beef before adding the cheese.
Spicy Cheeseburger Pie
Add diced jalapeño to the beef mixture and replace some of the cheddar with pepper jack cheese.
Mushroom Cheeseburger Pie
Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms with the onions before adding the ground beef.
BBQ Cheeseburger Pie
Replace the ketchup with your favorite barbecue sauce and add a little extra cheddar cheese.
Pickle Cheeseburger Pie
Add finely chopped dill pickles to the beef mixture for a tangy flavor reminiscent of a classic cheeseburger.
What to Serve With It
This hearty pie pairs wonderfully with:
- Crisp green salad
- Coleslaw
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted vegetables
- French fries
- Sweet potato fries
- Pickles
- Corn on the cob
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for convenience, or warm them in a 325°F (165°C) oven for a better texture.
Make-Ahead Tip
The beef mixture can be cooked and seasoned ahead of time and refrigerated.
When ready to bake, place the beef mixture in the pie dish, add the cheese, prepare the topping, and bake until golden and completely set.
For best results, prepare the topping immediately before baking.
Final Result
This Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie is everything you want in a cozy family dinner: savory seasoned beef, gooey melted cheddar, tender onions, and a golden, fluffy topping.
It’s easy enough for a weeknight but satisfying enough for a Sunday supper. Add your favorite burger toppings and serve it warm for a comforting meal everyone will want seconds of.