Savoury ground beef and onion tucked under a light, fluffy batter and a blanket of melted cheddar.
This cheeseburger pie, the old-fashioned hamburger pie your grandma might have made,
tastes just like a cheeseburger and comes together with everyday ingredients.
Let’s talk about what this pie actually is. It isn’t a pie with a crust, and it isn’t quite a quiche either.
It’s closer to a savoury bake: a beefy filling on the bottom, then a simple batter of eggs, buttermilk,
flour and baking powder poured over the top.
In the oven, the batter puffs up into a tender, golden layer that wraps around the beef, while the cheddar on top melts and browns.
The flavour comes from browning the beef with onion until it’s caramelised and crumbly, then adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for that savoury, burger-joint depth. Serve each slice with pickles, ketchup or burger sauce, and it’s like eating a cheeseburger with a fork.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters, and anyone who grew up on the version from the back of the Bisquick box.
Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Pie
- Tastes like a cheeseburger: beef, onion, Worcestershire and cheddar.
- No crust needed: the batter bakes into its own fluffy layer.
- Pantry ingredients: simple staples you probably already have.
- About 40 minutes: 10 minutes of prep, then into the oven.
- Kid-friendly: top it like a burger and everyone’s happy.
Ingredient Notes & Easy Substitutions
Lean ground beef – Lean beef means little or no draining. Fattier ground round or chuck work too, just drain the grease. Ground bison or turkey are also fine.
Onion – Cooked with the beef until soft and sweet.
Worcestershire sauce – Adds that savoury, burger-like depth.
Eggs, buttermilk and melted butter – Form the base of the batter. Room temperature buttermilk mixes in more smoothly. No buttermilk? Use milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice.
Flour and baking powder – A homemade version of a baking mix. You can use 1/2 cup Bisquick instead of the flour, baking powder and butter.
Cheddar cheese – Melts into a golden, cheesy top.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Hamburger Pie
1. Brown the beef
Heat the oven to 400°F. Cook the beef, onion and salt in a little oil for 8 to 10 minutes, until browned and crumbly. Drain any extra fat, then stir in the Worcestershire and cook for 2 minutes more.
2. Fill the pie plate
Spray a 9-inch pie plate and spread the beef mixture evenly over the bottom.
3. Make the batter
Whisk the eggs, buttermilk and melted butter until smooth, then whisk in the flour and baking powder. It’s a thin, pourable batter. Pour it evenly over the beef.
4. Add the cheese and bake
Sprinkle the cheddar over the top and bake for about 25 minutes, until the top is golden and the centre is set. Let it sit for a few minutes, then slice like a pie.
Cheeseburger Pie
Equipment
- Large skillet
- 9-inch pie plate
- Medium bowl and whisk
- Nonstick cooking spray
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup yellow onion chopped
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Batter and topping
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole buttermilk room temperature
- 1 Tbsp salted butter melted
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For serving (optional)
- pickle slices, ketchup and/or burger sauce
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400°F.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the oil, ground beef, onion and salt and cook, stirring now and then, for 8 to 10 minutes, until the beef is browned and crumbly and the onion is soft. Drain any extra fat if you like.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce and cook for about 2 minutes more, until it has been absorbed.
- Spray a 9-inch pie plate with nonstick spray and spread the beef mixture in it.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk and melted butter until smooth. Add the flour and baking powder and whisk again until smooth. Pour evenly over the beef.
- Sprinkle the cheese all over the top. Bake for about 25 minutes, until the top is browned and the centre is set.
- Cut into slices and serve with pickles, ketchup or burger sauce if you like.
Notes
- Bisquick shortcut: Use 1/2 cup Bisquick in place of the flour, baking powder and melted butter, then make the recipe as written.
- No buttermilk? Put 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a measuring cup, add milk to the 1-cup line, stir and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Meat: Any ground beef works; fattier ground round or chuck may need draining, while sirloin or lean beef won't. Ground bison or turkey (1 pound) also work.
- Storage: Cover the pie plate tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the microwave.
- Nutrition: Estimated per serving from the ingredients (90% lean beef), without serving toppings.
Nutrition
Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Pie
- Brown the beef well: caramelised bits mean more flavour.
- Drain if needed: excess grease makes the batter soggy.
- Whisk the batter smooth: no lumps of flour.
- Use room temperature buttermilk: it blends more easily.
- Rest before slicing: it cuts into neater wedges.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not draining fatty beef: the pie turns greasy.
- Underbaking: the centre should be fully set.
- Skipping the grease on the pie plate: the batter can stick.
- Lumpy batter: whisk until smooth after adding the flour.
Easy Ways to Change It Up
The recipe card is the original version. These are optional ideas:
- Bacon cheeseburger pie: add crumbled cooked bacon to the beef.
- Bisquick version: use 1/2 cup Bisquick instead of the flour, baking powder and butter.
- Different cheese: American, Swiss or pepper jack.
- Add tomatoes: top with sliced tomatoes before the cheese.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Pie
Serve slices topped with pickle chips, ketchup, mustard or burger sauce, with shredded lettuce and diced tomato if you like. A crisp green salad or French fries on the side make it a full meal.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Prep ahead: brown the beef ahead of time and refrigerate, then assemble and bake.
- Leftovers: cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: warm slices in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cheeseburger pie?
A savoury bake of seasoned ground beef topped with a simple batter and cheese. It isn’t really a pie or a quiche, but somewhere in between.
Can I make cheeseburger pie with Bisquick?
Yes. Use 1/2 cup Bisquick in place of the flour, baking powder and melted butter.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice to a measuring cup, top up to 1 cup with milk, stir and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
What meat can I use?
Any ground beef, or 1 pound of ground bison or turkey.
How long does leftover cheeseburger pie last?
Up to 3 days in the fridge, tightly covered.
Cheesy, beefy and wonderfully nostalgic, this cheeseburger pie is a comforting dinner that tastes like your favourite burger.
Grab the pickles and ketchup, and dig in.
