Ingredients
For a classic Southern-Style Cheeseburger Pie, you will need:
For the crust:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (optional, for brushing)
For the filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon mustard (Dijon or yellow)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1/2 cup dill pickle slices, chopped
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
Optional toppings: extra cheese, pickles, or a drizzle of ketchup for serving.
Step-by-Step Method
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your pie bakes evenly and the crust becomes perfectly golden.
2. Prepare the Pie Crust
- Roll out your pre-made or homemade pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Press gently to cover the bottom and sides evenly.
- Optional: Brush the edges with melted butter for a golden finish.
3. Cook the Beef Mixture
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles with a spatula.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne (if using). Cook for another minute.
- Mix in Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and mustard. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes to combine flavors. Remove from heat.
4. Combine Cheese and Pickles
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs with milk.
- Stir in the shredded cheese and chopped pickles.
- Fold in the cooked beef mixture until everything is evenly incorporated.
5. Assemble the Pie
- Pour the beef, cheese, and pickle mixture into the prepared pie crust.
- Spread it evenly and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Optional: Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top for a melty crust layer.
6. Bake
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the eggs are set, the cheese is melted, and the crust is golden brown.
- To check doneness, insert a knife in the center; it should come out clean.
7. Cool and Serve
- Allow the pie to cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with extra pickles or a drizzle of ketchup for that classic cheeseburger flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Southern-Style Cheeseburger Pie
- Cheese Variety: Mixing cheddar with a bit of Monterey Jack or mozzarella creates a gooey, melty filling.
- Add Veggies: For extra flavor, sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, or jalapeños with the beef.
- Crust Options: A flaky buttery crust works best, but a biscuit topping can give it a Southern twist.
- Make Ahead: This pie can be prepared a day in advance and baked fresh when needed. Just keep it covered in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
The Southern-Style Cheeseburger Pie is comfort food at its finest. It combines the familiar, satisfying taste of cheeseburgers with the cozy appeal of a baked pie. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any family gathering, this dish will quickly become a favorite. The crispy crust, juicy beef, gooey cheese, and tangy pickles come together to create a truly irresistible culinary experience.
If you want, I can also create a shortcut version with time-saving hacks so it can be ready in under 30 minutes without losing flavor. That would be perfect for busy weeknights. Do you want me to do that?
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