If you’ve ever wished for a comforting, all-in-one dish that combines the nostalgic flavors of a cheeseburger with the hearty satisfaction of a pie, you are about to fall in love with this Cheeseburger Pie Recipe. It’s a creative spin on classic cheeseburgers, wrapped up in a golden, crispy hash brown crust and filled with savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and sharp cheddar cheese. This dish is perfect for family dinners or when you want that warm, homestyle feeling delivered in one irresistible slice. Get ready for a recipe that’s as much fun to make as it is to devour!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential—they each bring a unique element to the texture, flavor, and color of the pie, making it a perfect balance of crispy, gooey, tangy, and savory.
- 16-ounce bag shredded hash browns: This forms the crispy crust that adds a delightful crunch to every bite.
- 1 tablespoon oil: Helps brown the hash browns beautifully and prevents sticking.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors throughout the pie.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the dish.
- ½ cup milk: Keeps the filling creamy and moist.
- 1 cup finely diced butternut squash: Brings a hint of sweetness and vibrant color that brightens the pie.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle, aromatic note into the filling.
- ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into the filling, delivering that classic cheeseburger cheesiness.
- 1 medium onion, finely diced: Adds savory richness and a bit of texture.
- 1 lb. ground beef: The star protein for that true cheeseburger experience.
- 1 teaspoon salt: For seasoning the beef perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Elevates the flavor of the beef filling.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Adds tangy sweetness reminiscent of classic burger toppings.
- 1 tablespoon mustard: Brings a bit of sharpness and balance to the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the beef mixture for a cohesive filling.
- ½ cup beef broth: Adds moisture and rich, meaty flavor.
How to Make Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Hash Brown Crust
Start by heating the oil in your pie dish, then toss in the frozen shredded hash browns along with salt and pepper. Press the hash browns evenly into the dish to form the crust. The goal is to create a crispy, golden base to hold all the delicious filling inside. Bake this crust a little before adding the filling to ensure it crisps up perfectly.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Vegetables
While the crust is baking, sauté the finely diced onion with the ground beef in a skillet. Season with salt, garlic powder, and pepper, stirring often until the beef is browned and the onions are tender. Add the diced butternut squash, ketchup, and mustard, then mix well. This creates the savory, slightly sweet filling that mimics the flavors of your favorite cheeseburger, with an extra touch of warmth from the squash.
Step 3: Thicken the Filling
Sprinkle the cornstarch over the beef mixture and stir it in to help thicken the filling as it cooks. Pour in the beef broth and allow everything to simmer gently. This ensures that the filling isn’t watery, delivering a rich, cohesive texture to your pie.
Step 4: Assemble and Add Cheese
Once your crust is ready, gently pour the beef filling into it. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top to create that signature melty, cheesy layer. This cheese not only enhances flavor but also helps bind the whole dish together as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Pop the assembled pie back into the oven and bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the crust edges are crispy. This final baking step melds all the flavors together, creating a warm and comforting pie that’s irresistible.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Top your cheeseburger pie with fresh slices of ripe tomato, crisp lettuce, or a few pickles to mimic the joy of eating a real cheeseburger. A sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh parsley adds a bit of freshness and vibrant color that makes each slice pop.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Crispy oven fries or a tangy coleslaw work wonderfully too, enhancing the meal without overshadowing the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pie as individual mini servings using ramekins, perfect for a party or cozy dinner. You can also add a drizzle of your favorite burger sauce or a dollop of sour cream on top for an extra layer of indulgence that guests will talk about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cheeseburger pie keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap to preserve its moisture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze this pie either before baking or after it has fully cooled. Wrap it securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to keep freezer burn at bay. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat your cheeseburger pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy and the filling less appealing.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Absolutely! Just peel and shred fresh potatoes, then squeeze out excess moisture before using them for the crust. This will help the crust get nice and crispy.
Is ground turkey a good substitute for ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well if you prefer a leaner option, but you might want to add a little extra seasoning to boost the flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Add extra seasoning to keep the flavors rich and satisfying.
How spicy is this Cheeseburger Pie Recipe?
It’s wonderfully mild, making it great for all taste buds. You can always add a pinch of chili powder or hot sauce to the beef mixture if you like a bit of heat.
What can I do if the filling seems too wet?
Adding a bit more cornstarch or cooking down the filling longer before assembling will help thicken it up so your pie doesn’t get soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Cheeseburger Pie Recipe is one of those dishes that’ll quickly become your go-to comfort food. It’s easy to assemble, packed with familiar flavors, and has that perfect combination of crispy and cheesy that makes every bite a delight. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, trust me—you’ll want to keep this recipe handy for many cozy nights ahead!
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Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheeseburger Pie is a hearty and comforting dish combining a crispy hash brown crust with a flavorful ground beef and butternut squash filling layered with sharp cheddar cheese and tangy ketchup-mustard sauce. Perfect for a family dinner, this recipe offers a creative twist on traditional cheeseburgers in a convenient pie form.
Ingredients
Hash Brown Crust
- 16-ounce bag shredded hash browns, frozen
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Butternut Squash Mixture
- ½ cup (5 ounces) finely diced butternut squash
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup milk
- ¾ cup (3 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, very finely diced
Ground Beef Filling
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ cup beef broth
Instructions
- Prepare the Hash Brown Crust: Preheat your oven and lightly oil a baking dish. Toss the frozen shredded hash browns with 1 tablespoon oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Press them evenly into the bottom of the baking dish to form the crust layer.
- Cook Butternut Squash and Mix: In a skillet, lightly cook the diced butternut squash with garlic powder and black pepper until tender. Stir in milk and shredded cheddar cheese and cook until the cheese melts and the mixture is creamy. Add the finely diced onion and mix well.
- Prepare Ground Beef Filling: In a separate pan, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Add ketchup and mustard, stirring to combine.
- Thicken the Beef Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with beef broth until smooth. Pour this into the beef mixture and cook gently until the sauce thickens and coats the beef evenly.
- Assemble the Pie: Spread the beef mixture evenly over the hash brown crust in the baking dish. Then layer the butternut squash and cheddar mixture over the beef filling.
- Bake the Pie: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake until the top is golden brown and bubbly, approximately 25-30 minutes. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the butternut squash with sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a spicier pie, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
- Make sure to thoroughly drain excess fat from the ground beef to avoid a greasy pie.
- This pie reheats well and makes delicious leftovers for the next day.
- For a lighter version, use lean ground beef and reduce the amount of oil.
