About This Recipe
Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie is a savory, comforting casserole that translates the classic flavors of a cheeseburger into a pie format. It is a dish rooted in the tradition of Southern home cooking, which often utilizes simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create hearty meals. The recipe typically features a base of seasoned ground beef, onions, and often a biscuit or pie crust layer, topped with cheese and baked until golden. It is a straightforward, one-dish meal that emphasizes flavor and ease of preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is appreciated for its simplicity and familiar flavors. It requires minimal prep time and uses ingredients commonly found in kitchens. It is a practical solution for a family dinner, offering the taste of a cheeseburger without the need for grilling or assembling individual burgers. The dish yields a consistent, satisfying result that can be easily customized with standard burger toppings, served alongside simple sides like a green salad or pickles.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup dill pickle slices, plus more for serving
- 1 (8-count) can refrigerated biscuit dough or 1 unbaked pie crust
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
Step by Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the flour, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat. Fold in the pickle slices.
- If using biscuit dough, press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate to form a crust. If using a prepared pie crust, place it in the pie plate.
- Spoon the beef mixture into the crust and spread evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs until well combined. Slowly pour this mixture over the cheese and meat in the pie crust.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with additional pickle slices if desired.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, ground turkey or a plant-based ground meat alternative can be used as a substitute for ground beef.
Can I make this without a crust?
Yes, you can bake the filling in a greased pie dish or skillet for a crustless version. The cooking time may need slight adjustment.
What are common serving suggestions?
This pie is commonly served with traditional burger accompaniments such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, additional pickles, or a dollop of ketchup or mustard on the side.
You Must Know
Allowing the pie to rest for 10 minutes after baking is crucial. This step lets the filling set, making it easier to slice and serve neat portions. Draining excess fat from the cooked beef is also important to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover cheeseburger pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or in a conventional oven until warmed through. For best results, the pie is not recommended for freezing due to the potential for the custard filling and biscuit crust to separate or become soggy upon thawing and reheating.
