There’s something incredibly comforting about this Cheeseburger Pie with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe—a perfect blend of juicy beef, smoky bacon, and melty cheddar that just melts into a golden, fluffy pie crust. It’s a fantastic twist on the classic burger that’s both hearty and homey, making it a great crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheeseburger Pie with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Cheeseburger Pie with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Cheeseburger Pie with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made this Cheeseburger Pie with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe countless times, and it never fails to be a hit. It hits all the right notes: classic cheeseburger flavors baked into a cozy, sliceable pie that's easy to serve and enjoy.
- All-in-One Comfort Food: You get your bacon, beef, cheese, and even a biscuit-like topping all in one dish—no need for buns or condiments on the side.
- Quick and Simple: From skillet to oven, it’s a straightforward recipe that comes together in under 40 minutes.
- Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults love it, and the customizable toppings let everyone make it their own.
- Great for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Cheeseburger Pie with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe uses familiar ingredients you probably already love and keep on hand. The magic happens by layering savory cooked beef and bacon, then covering it with a simple blend of eggs, milk, and baking mix that creates a tender, golden crust. Here are my key ingredient tips to make sure your pie turns out perfect.
- Bacon: I like using good-quality thick-cut bacon for robust flavor and satisfying crispiness. Chop it small so it distributes evenly.
- Ground Beef: Opt for 90% lean for flavor without too much grease; drain if needed to keep the pie from getting soggy.
- Onion: Finely diced sweet or yellow onion adds subtle sweetness and depth.
- Garlic Powder: Just a sprinkle to enhance savory notes without overpowering.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my go-to for that punch of cheesiness — freshly shredded melts best.
- Baking Mix (Bisquick): This shortcut creates a simple biscuit crust that’s soft but holds the filling beautifully.
- Milk and Eggs: These bind everything together and give the pie its custardy texture.
- Toppings: I keep shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and pickles for that fresh burger experience on top.
Make It Your Way
I love to keep this pie flexible depending on my mood or what’s in the fridge. You can easily swap in different cheeses or play around with seasonings to match your taste. Go ahead—make it yours!
- Variation: Sometimes, I add a handful of diced jalapeños for a bit of heat. It gives the pie a nice kick without being overwhelming.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap the beef and bacon for cooked mushrooms or meatless crumbles and use plant-based cheese to keep that cheesy yank.
- Extra Veggies: Mix in some finely chopped bell peppers or spinach with the onions for a greener, nourishing spin.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheeseburger Pie with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon Just Right
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and prepping your pie dish with cooking spray. Cook the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until beautifully crisp—this usually takes around 4-5 minutes. Make sure to move the pieces around so they brown evenly but don’t burn. Once done, transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain, leaving about a teaspoon of that flavorful bacon grease in the pan.
Step 2: Cook the Beef & Onion Perfectly
Next, add the ground beef and finely diced onion to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Sauté them for 6-7 minutes, breaking up the beef with your spatula as it cooks. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and cook for another minute to build flavorful depth. Be careful not to overcook the beef—just enough to get it nicely browned.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie Layers
Stir two-thirds of the crisp bacon back into the beef mixture, saving some for a finishing touch later. Spread the meat mixture evenly into your prepared pie pan, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. This layering is crucial—it ensures every bite has that perfect balance of meaty, cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Mix and Pour the Biscuit Topping
In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking mix, milk, and eggs until smooth. Pour this batter evenly over the meat and cheese layers in the pie pan. The batter will puff up in the oven to create a soft crust that holds all the filling in place.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Pop the pie into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown top and a set center—poke a knife in to check if it comes out clean. If all looks good, pull it out and let it rest for a few minutes so it slices easily.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Scatter the reserved bacon on top along with your favorite burger toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and pickles. Slice into wedges and serve immediately while still warm and melty. The contrast of warm pie and fresh toppings is just fantastic.
Top Tip
Having made this pie many times, I’ve learned a few secrets that really make it shine. These tips help you avoid sogginess and get a perfectly textured crust every single time.
- Drain Grease Well: After cooking the beef, drain any excess grease thoroughly to keep the pie from becoming too oily.
- Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar melts better and gives the pie that creamy, gooey texture you want.
- Don't Skimp on Bacon: Mixing most of the bacon into the beef mixture infuses the pie with smoky flavor throughout, not just on top.
- Bake in the Right Pan: A 9-inch deep dish or 10-inch regular pie pan holds the batter perfectly—don't use a shallow 9-inch or the filling will overflow.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Pie with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
I always top my pie with crispy bacon bits, fresh shredded lettuce, juicy diced tomatoes, and tangy pickles. These toppings bring that familiar cheeseburger vibe and add a nice crunch and burst of freshness against the warm, cheesy filling.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or a side of crispy oven-baked fries for keeping the burger spirit alive. Coleslaw or baked beans also make great companions if you want something heartier and more traditional.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dinner party, I’ve served this pie with mini slider buns on the side so guests can scoop out pie fillings and “build” their own mini burgers. It also looks great when plated with a drizzle of mustard or ketchup and a small ramekin of your favorite dipping sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I wrap leftovers tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate them. The pie keeps well for up to 3 days and tastes just as good cooled or reheated.
Freezing
I’ve successfully frozen slices wrapped individually in foil and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, I recommend using the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to get the crust crisp again. Microwave works too if you’re short on time, but the crust might lose a bit of its lovely texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic and melts beautifully, you can swap in Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a smoked gouda for different flavors. Just make sure it’s a good melting cheese to keep the pie creamy.
I use Bisquick or any similar all-purpose baking mix. It acts like a biscuit batter and gives the pie a soft but firm top layer. If you’re in a pinch, you can try a homemade baking mix, but make sure it contains leavening agents like baking powder.
Yes! You can assemble the pie up to the point of pouring the batter and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just bring it to room temperature first to ensure even baking and bake as directed.
Definitely. This pie reheats well in slices and makes for a convenient protein-packed lunch or dinner. Just store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or microwave as needed.
Final Thoughts
This Cheeseburger Pie with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe is one of those cozy dishes that fills the kitchen with irresistible smells and brings everyone together at the table. It’s a winner in my house for busy weeknights, and I’m confident you’ll love how easy and satisfying it is. Give it a try—I think you’ll find it just as comforting and delicious as I do!
Print
Cheeseburger Pie with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheeseburger Pie is a savory and satisfying dish that combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger in a convenient pie form. Made with crispy bacon, ground beef, onions, cheddar cheese, and a fluffy Bisquick batter, this easy-to-make pie is perfect for a comforting main course. Topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles, it delivers all the taste of a cheeseburger in every bite.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 6 slices bacon chopped
- 1 pound ground beef (90% lean)
- ½ cup onion finely diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Cheese and Batter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup baking mix such as Bisquick
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- Cooking spray
Toppings
- Assorted toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and pickles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and coat a 9-inch deep dish pie pan or a 10-inch regular pie pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Bacon: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chopped bacon. Cook for 4-5 minutes until crisp, then remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel to drain. Leave 1 teaspoon of bacon grease in the pan.
- Cook Beef and Onions: Add the ground beef and finely diced onions to the skillet with bacon grease. Cook for 6-7 minutes, breaking up the beef with a spatula until browned and onions are softened.
- Season Meat: Stir in salt, pepper, and garlic powder, cooking for an additional minute to blend the flavors.
- Add Bacon to Meat Mixture: Return two-thirds of the cooked bacon to the pan, mixing it into the beef and onion mixture. Reserve the remaining bacon for garnish.
- Assemble Pie: Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared pie pan. Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Prepare Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the baking mix (Bisquick), milk, and eggs until smooth. Pour this batter evenly over the meat and cheese in the pie plate.
- Bake Pie: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the pie is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven, top with the remaining bacon and your choice of fresh burger toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and pickles. Cut into wedges and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use 90% lean ground beef for good flavor and to avoid excessive grease. If using higher fat ground beef, drain excess grease before assembling.
- This recipe works best with a 9-inch deep dish pie pan or a regular 10-inch pie pan to hold all the batter properly.
- Freshly grated cheddar cheese melts better and enhances the flavor of the pie.
- Allow the pie to rest for a few minutes before slicing to help it set and hold together better.
- Feel free to customize toppings with your favorite burger extras like pickled jalapeños or sautéed mushrooms.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (⅙ of pie)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
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