Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie

This homemade Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie transforms classic burger flavors into a comforting, easy-to-make dinner that my family requests weekly. The savory ground beef topped with melted cheddar and a golden Bisquick crust creates a meal that satisfies even the pickiest eaters in my household.

I first made this cheeseburger pie during a particularly hectic week when I needed something quick that would please everyone. The empty plate and requests for seconds told me this recipe would become a permanent fixture in our dinner rotation.

Ingredients

• Ground beef provides the hearty base for this dish. Look for 80/20 lean to fat ratio for best flavor
• Large onion adds sweetness and depth. Choose a yellow onion for a milder taste
• Cheddar cheese creates that classic cheeseburger flavor. Opt for freshly grated rather than pre shredded for better melting
• Bisquick mix gives you that perfect golden crust with minimal effort. Store brand versions work well too
• Whole milk creates a rich batter. The fat content matters for texture
• Eggs bind everything together and help the topping rise
• Salt and pepper are essential for highlighting the beef flavor
• Garlic powder adds an extra dimension of flavor that complements the beef wonderfully

How To Make Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie

Prepare the oven

Heat your oven to 200°C and lightly grease a 23 centimetre glass pie plate with vegetable oil. The glass conducts heat evenly for perfect browning.

Sauté the aromatics

Cook the chopped onion in a large skillet over medium heat until translucent and just beginning to soften. This usually takes about 3 minutes and creates a foundation of flavor.

Brown the beef

Add ground beef to the onions and cook thoroughly until no pink remains. Break the meat into small crumbles with your spatula as it cooks. This should take about 10 minutes for properly developed flavor.

Season the mixture

Drain excess fat from the skillet then season the beef and onion mixture with salt pepper and garlic powder. Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference.

Assemble the base layers

Transfer the seasoned beef mixture into your prepared pie plate spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the meat layer ensuring complete coverage.

Prepare the batter

In a bowl whisk together the Bisquick or flour milk and eggs until smooth with no lumps. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter.

Bake to perfection

Pour the batter evenly over the meat and cheese layers. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Serve

Allow the pie to cool slightly for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the pieces hold their shape when served.

My favorite part of this recipe is how the Bisquick creates this magical crust that rises to the top while baking. My daughter actually started calling it "upside down pizza pie" the first time I made it and the name stuck in our household ever since.

Make Ahead Options

This cheeseburger pie works wonderfully as a make ahead meal. You can prepare the beef mixture up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake simply transfer the beef to the pie plate add cheese and whisk up the fresh batter to pour over top. This cuts your active cooking time in half on busy nights.

Smart Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Plant based meat alternatives work surprisingly well too. If you do not have Bisquick you can use all purpose flour mixed with 1/2 teaspoon baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt for each 65 grams of flour. For a dairy free version use plant milk and dairy free cheese substitutes.

Serving Suggestions

We love serving this cheeseburger pie with classic burger toppings on the side. Set out small bowls of diced tomatoes shredded lettuce pickles and condiments like ketchup and mustard. Each person can top their slice as desired for a customizable dinner experience. A simple green salad with vinaigrette makes the perfect accompaniment for a complete meal.

Storage Tips

The cheeseburger pie keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover leftovers with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or place the entire pie covered with foil in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until heated through.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute the Bisquick mix with something else?

Yes, you can substitute the Bisquick mix with all-purpose flour as mentioned in the ingredients list. Alternatively, you can make your own Bisquick substitute by combining 1 cup of flour with 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder, 0.5 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of cold butter or shortening cut into the flour mixture.

→ How can I add more flavor to my cheeseburger pie?

To enhance the flavor, consider adding Worcestershire sauce, mustard, or ketchup to the beef mixture. You can also mix in some chopped pickles, bell peppers, or mushrooms. For extra flavor, use a blend of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack or add some cooked bacon bits before the cheese layer.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, bring the mixture to room temperature, add the cheese and batter, then bake as directed. Alternatively, you can fully bake the pie, refrigerate, and reheat individual slices as needed.

→ What can I serve with cheeseburger pie?

This pie pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or pickle spears for that classic burger accompaniment. French fries, sweet potato fries, or roasted potatoes also make excellent sides. For a lighter option, consider a tomato and cucumber salad with vinaigrette.

→ Can I freeze cheeseburger pie?

Yes, this pie freezes well. You can freeze it either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, prepare through adding the batter but don't bake. Cover tightly and freeze. When ready, thaw completely and bake as directed. For baked pies, cool completely, slice, wrap individual portions, and freeze. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

→ What type of ground beef works best for this pie?

Medium-fat ground beef (around 85% lean/15% fat) works best for this pie as it provides enough fat for flavor but won't make the dish greasy. If using leaner beef, consider adding a tablespoon of butter or oil when cooking the onions to ensure the meat remains moist and flavorful.