Hey there, busy friend!
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably had one of those nights where you’re staring into the fridge, wondering how to pull off dinner without losing your mind. Enter the Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie — a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s equal parts comfort food and weeknight lifesaver. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a meal that’ll have your family asking for seconds (and maybe thirds!).
Not only is this recipe simple, but it also hits that sweet spot between hearty and wholesome, making it perfect for busy moms, professionals, or anyone craving a no-fuss, delicious meal. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into the magic of this cheeseburger pie!
🍽 Why You’ll Love This Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie
- It’s a time-saver: On the table in under an hour, this pie is a weeknight hero.
- It’s family-approved: Even picky eaters won’t say no to cheeseburgers in pie form.
- It’s versatile: Serve it with pickles, ketchup, or burger sauce — or get creative with toppings!
- It’s approachable: You don’t need fancy tools or culinary school skills to nail this recipe.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you get started:
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 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
- Pickle slices, ketchup, or burger sauce for serving (optional, but highly recommended!)
👩‍🍳 How to Make Cheeseburger Pie Like a Pro
1. Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Trust me, you don’t want to pop this beauty into a cold oven — we’re aiming for golden, cheesy perfection here.
2. Sauté the Beef and Onions
Heat up a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle in that olive oil, and toss in the ground beef, chopped onions, and kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and crumbly and the onions are soft — about 8 to 10 minutes. Feel free to drain any excess fat (I usually do if I’m feeling virtuous). Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and cook for 2 minutes until it’s absorbed.
3. Assemble the Pie
Spray a 9-inch pie plate with nonstick cooking spray. Transfer your beef mixture into the pie plate — it’s already smelling amazing, right?
4. Make the Buttermilk Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter until smooth. Add the flour and baking powder, and whisk again until the batter is silky. Pour it over the beef in the pie plate.
5. Cheese It Up
Sprinkle that glorious cheddar cheese all over the top. This is where the magic happens — gooey, melty, golden-brown goodness.
6. Bake to Perfection
Pop the pie into the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, until the top is browned and the center is set. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells like a cozy diner on a Saturday night.
7. Serve with Style
Slice it up and serve with pickles, ketchup, and/or burger sauce. My kids love it with a drizzle of ketchup, while I’m partial to a tangy burger sauce.
đź’ˇ Cooking Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Pie
- Don’t overthink the beef: Lean ground beef works best, but you can absolutely use ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter option.
- Cheese swap: Cheddar is classic, but pepper jack or gouda adds a fun twist.
- Make it ahead: You can prep the beef filling a day in advance and refrigerate — just assemble and bake when ready.
- Worried about lumps in the batter? Don’t stress! A few lumps are perfectly fine and will bake out beautifully.
🥰 A Little Story from My Kitchen
The first time I made this Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie, it was a hail-Mary attempt to feed my hangry kids after soccer practice. I’ll be honest — I didn’t expect much. But when I pulled it out of the oven, the smell alone had them racing to the table. Now, it’s one of our most requested dinners, and I love that it’s just as easy on me as it is delicious for them.
âť“ FAQs
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well, and even plant-based crumbles can make this vegetarian-friendly.
How should I store leftovers?
Pop any leftover slices in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave.
Can I freeze cheeseburger pie?
Yes! Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What sides go well with this dish?
A simple green salad, coleslaw, or roasted veggies balance the richness perfectly.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, and you’re good to go!
How do I make the batter fluffier?
Make sure your buttermilk is at room temperature, and don’t overmix the batter.
✨ Bonus: More Easy Dinner Ideas!
If you loved this cheeseburger pie, check out some of my other quick-and-easy recipes over on Time to Cooks:
For more tips on buttermilk substitutes, visit The Kitchn’s Guide to Buttermilk Substitutes.
So, the next time you’re staring into your fridge wondering, What on earth am I going to make for dinner? — remember the Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie. It’s quick, comforting, and guaranteed to make you the dinnertime hero. Go ahead, give it a whirl — your taste buds (and your family) will thank you.