Description
This Homemade Cheeseburger Pie is a comforting, savory casserole that transforms the classic cheeseburger into a hearty, baked dish. Featuring browned ground beef, caramelized onions, and melted cheddar cheese, all topped with a light egg-based crust, it offers a nostalgic and budget-friendly dinner option perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Cheese Layer
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Crust/Batter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Other
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing the pan
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the pie.
- Cook Beef and Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the ground beef and chopped onions until the beef is browned and the onions have softened. Remember to drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Season Meat: Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce (if using) to the beef mixture. Stir well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Prepare Pie Dish: Grease a 9-inch pie dish using cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef layer, ensuring full coverage for a delicious cheesy topping.
- Make Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and flour until the batter is completely smooth and free of lumps.
- Pour Batter: Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the beef and cheese layers in the pie dish.
- Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is fully set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing and serving to ensure clean cuts and enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the meat filling ahead of time and refrigerate it. Add the egg batter just before baking for convenience.
- Freezer Option: After baking and completely cooling, slice the pie and freeze portions wrapped tightly. Reheat in the oven for the best texture and flavor.
- Add Veggies: Enhance nutrition by incorporating finely diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach into the beef mixture.
- Cheese Flexibility: Substitute cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a spicy cheese blend to vary the flavor profile.
- Flavor Enhancers: For extra depth, add a dash of Dijon mustard or a spoonful of tomato paste to the beef layer.