If you’re craving a comforting dish that brings the best flavors of a juicy cheeseburger into a warm, savory pie, you’re going to love this Cheeseburger Pie Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of crispy, cheesy, and meaty goodness wrapped up with a delightful hash brown crust and a subtle sweetness from butternut squash. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for a crowd-pleaser that melts hearts and satisfies appetites, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between classic and innovative, simple ingredients and incredible flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to create a symphony of textures and tastes. Each component adds its own character, from the crispy hash browns creating a golden crust to the sharp cheddar melting into every bite, making your Cheeseburger Pie Recipe irresistibly delicious.
- 16-ounce bag shredded hash browns, frozen: Provides a crispy, golden crust that holds all the savory filling together.
- 1 tablespoon oil: Helps to crisp the hash browns and keeps the crust perfectly golden.
- 2 teaspoons salt, divided: Enhances all flavors evenly throughout the pie.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat.
- 1/2 cup milk: Keeps the filling creamy and smooth.
- 1 cup (5 ounces) finely diced butternut squash: Adds a gentle sweetness and a pop of color to the filling.
- 1-1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, divided: Infuses the pie with aromatic depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Balances the flavor of the filling with a mild spicy note.
- 3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Brings that classic cheeseburger tang and gooey melt.
- 1 lb. ground beef: The hearty star of the filling, seasoned and packed with flavor.
- 1 medium onion, very finely diced: Adds sweetness and texture to the filling.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Gives the pie a nostalgic burger flavor with a hint of tangy sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon mustard: Boosts the filling with a slight zing reminiscent of a real cheeseburger.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling for a perfect slice.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: Adds moisture and savory richness to the filling.
How to Make Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by heating oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the frozen hash browns, sprinkle half the salt, half the garlic powder, and black pepper, then cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy and golden brown. This creates the perfect crust base for your pie that’s both crispy and flavorful.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a separate pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and crumbled. Stir in the finely diced onion and cook until softened. This mix forms the hearty, savory foundation of the filling.
Step 3: Build the Filling
Add the diced butternut squash, ketchup, mustard, remaining salt, garlic powder, and pepper to the beef. Stir in the beef broth and sprinkle the cornstarch over the mixture to help thicken it as it simmers. Continue cooking until the squash is tender and the mixture is slightly thickened for that perfect pie consistency.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Press the crispy hash browns into the bottom and up the sides of a greased pie dish to form a crust. Pour in the beef mixture evenly, then sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top to melt gloriously in the oven.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the pie for about 45 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the filling is set. Let it cool slightly before slicing to let all the flavors meld together beautifully.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take this dish to the next level. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a burst of color and a fresh bite that contrasts nicely with the warm, cheesy filling.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, or roasted vegetables for added nutrition and texture. Classic pickles or coleslaw also make fantastic sides to bring in that true cheeseburger vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in mini ramekins for fun personal pies, or top with a fried egg for a brunch twist. You could also add caramelized onions or jalapeños before baking to tailor the flavor profile and add a bit of flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your Cheeseburger Pie tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will only deepen with time, making leftovers just as delightful.
Freezing
You can freeze the pie either before or after baking. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and it will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven until warmed through to maintain the crispy crust and prevent the filling from becoming soggy. You can also microwave slices if short on time, but the oven is best for texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Absolutely! Shredded fresh potatoes will work fine, but be sure to squeeze out excess moisture to help the crust crisp up properly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Cheeseburger Pie Recipe?
You can swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils and use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian while still maintaining a meaty texture.
Can I prepare this pie in advance for a party?
Definitely. Assemble the pie the day before, keep it refrigerated, and bake just before serving to impress your guests with minimal stress.
What kind of cheddar cheese is best?
Sharp cheddar is ideal for its bold flavor that shines through the rich beef filling, but you can mix in a bit of mozzarella for gooey stretch if you prefer.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I make it milder or spicier?
The recipe is quite mild but flavorful. You can easily add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or jalapeños for heat, or omit pepper for a gentler taste perfect for kids.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one recipe that transforms everyday ingredients into an unforgettable meal, this Cheeseburger Pie Recipe is it. It’s heartwarming, easy to make, and delivers all the cheeseburger satisfaction in a cozy pie form. Next time you want something different yet familiar, dive into making this pie – you won’t regret it!
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Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Cheeseburger Pie combines all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger into a hearty baked casserole. A crispy hash brown crust holds a seasoned ground beef filling with onions, tangy ketchup, and mustard, topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese and butternut squash for a subtle sweetness. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this dish serves 4-6 with minimal prep time and a golden, bubbly finish.
Ingredients
Hash Brown Crust
- 16-ounce bag shredded hash browns, frozen
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2 teaspoons salt, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup (5 ounces) finely diced butternut squash
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Meat Filling
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 medium onion, very finely diced
- 2 teaspoons salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Hash Brown Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the frozen shredded hash browns with 1 tablespoon of oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and milk. Mix well to coat evenly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and about an inch up the sides of a greased 9-inch pie dish or similar baking dish to form the crust.
- Prebake the Crust: Place the crust in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes until it begins to turn golden and crisp around the edges. This step helps set the crust so it holds the filling better.
- Cook the Ground Beef Mixture: While the crust prebakes, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and crumble it as it cooks. When the beef starts to brown, add the finely diced onion, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Sauce and Vegetables: Stir in the ketchup, mustard, and cornstarch to the beef mixture. Pour in the beef broth and add the finely diced butternut squash. Simmer for 5-8 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the squash starts to soften but still holds its shape. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the cooked beef mixture over the prebaked hash brown crust, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake the Pie: Return the assembled pie to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the filling is hot throughout.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cheeseburger pie cool for about 5 minutes to set before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite side salad or vegetables.
Notes
- For extra crunch, you can sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top of the cheese before baking.
- If you like your filling spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños with the onions.
- The finely diced butternut squash adds a subtle sweetness and nutrition, but you can substitute with diced carrots if preferred.
- Make sure to drain excess grease from the ground beef to keep the pie from becoming too oily.
- This recipe can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking, just increase the baking time by about 10 minutes if baking from cold.
