Name: Cheeseburger Pie with Cheddar Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 cup ketchup; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup Bisquick; 1 cup milk; 2 large eggs

Nothing beats the cozy comfort of a savory pie that reminds you of your favorite burger joint. This Cheeseburger Pie with Cheddar Recipe wraps all those classic flavors into one easy, baked dish that’s perfect for feeding the family or impressing friends on a casual night.

A round, golden-brown baked dish in a clear glass pie dish is shown from above. The top layer is smooth and firm, dotted with darker orange, slightly crispy lines and patches that suggest melted cheese or baked sauce. The crust is evenly browned, creating a textured edge that rises slightly around the dish. Next to the dish, a white bowl filled with sliced green pickles sits on a white marbled surface, with some pickle slices scattered nearby. A red and white checkered cloth is partly visible in the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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 Cheddar Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheeseburger Pie with Cheddar Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheeseburger Pie with Cheddar Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this cheeseburger pie more times than I can count, and every time it delivers that nostalgic, hearty flavor combo with zero fuss. It’s one of those recipes that comforts you like a warm hug from an old friend.

All-in-One Meal: Combines the juicy beef, tangy ketchup, and cheesy topping into one dish for easy serving and minimal cleanup.
Speedy and Simple: Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect when you want something homemade without the hassle.
Family Favorite: Everyone from kids to grandparents loves the familiar cheeseburger flavors in pie form.
Customizable: You can swap ingredients or add your favorite burger toppings on the side to make it your own.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When shopping for this dish, pick fresh, quality ingredients for the best flavor. Ground beef with good fat content keeps the meat juicy, while sharp cheddar cheese provides that irresistibly rich bite. And don’t forget the Bisquick—a pantry hero here that creates a light, fluffy topping!

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl with golden vegetable oil, a mound of fresh ground beef, a medium onion halved to show its crisp layers, a small white bowl of bright red ketchup, a small white bowl filled with fine pale Bisquick mix, a clean white ceramic bowl with creamy milk, two large whole brown eggs with smooth shells, a neat pile of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and small heaps of coarse sea salt, cracked black peppercorns, and fine garlic powder—all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Vegetable Oil: Perfect for browning the beef without overpowering other flavors.
Ground Beef: The star of the dish, bringing hearty flavor and satisfying protein.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked with the beef.
Salt: Enhances all the savory elements in the pie.
Black Pepper: Offers a subtle spicy kick to balance richness.
Garlic Powder: Gives a warm, aromatic undertone without the fuss of fresh garlic.
Ketchup: Brings tangy, sweet notes that mimic classic burger sauce.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully, adding sharp, creamy texture on top.
Bisquick: Creates the fluffy, biscuit-like topping that’s light yet substantial.
Milk: Combines with Bisquick and eggs to form that perfect batter consistency.
Eggs: Bind the topping ingredients together, helping it set as it bakes.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Cheeseburger Pie with Cheddar Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to lighten it up or add a little extra zing, there’s plenty of room for customization to suit your taste buds and dietary needs.

Lean and Light: For a lower fat option, I often swap out the ground beef for lean ground turkey and use reduced-fat cheddar cheese. It still delivers that comforting cheeseburger flavor but with fewer calories and less grease.
Homemade Ketchup Twist: Instead of store-bought ketchup, I sometimes mix tomato sauce with a pinch of sugar and a splash of vinegar to create a tangy homemade alternative—adds a fresh, bright note to the dish.
Veggie Boost: Adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture not only ups the nutrition but adds wonderful texture. Just sauté them along with the onions for about 5 minutes before mixing with the beef.
Spicy Kick: If you’re a fan of heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or swap black pepper for cayenne powder. It gives the pie a little spicy surprise that’s just right for casual gatherings.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheeseburger Pie with Cheddar Recipe

A close-up of a slice of layered pie on a white plate with a decorative edge, showing three layers: the bottom layer is a crumbly, brown meat mixture, the middle layer is melted yellow cheese, and the top layer is a smooth, bright yellow layer topped with red sauce drizzled in lines. A silver fork held by a woman's hand is lifting a bite from the pie slice. Next to the pie is a small piece of green pickle. The background has a white marbled surface with a blurred round pie dish behind. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pan Ready

First things first—preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). While it’s warming up, lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or similar baking pan. This helps prevent the pie from sticking and makes clean-up a breeze. I like using a little vegetable oil or non-stick spray for an even coating.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Soften Onions

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pound of ground beef and your chopped onion, stirring occasionally. Cook this until the beef is fully browned and the onions become soft and translucent—usually about 7 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess grease after cooking to keep the pie from becoming greasy.

Step 3: Season and Build Your Base

Season the cooked meat and onions with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Stir in ½ cup ketchup so every bit is evenly coated. Spread this mixture evenly into your prepared pie dish, creating a hearty base layer. Then, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese right over the top, making sure it’s spread uniformly—this cheesy layer takes the savory goodness up a notch!

Step 4: Whisk Up the Topping Batter

In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup Bisquick, 1 cup milk, and 2 large eggs until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. This topping bakes into a fluffy, golden crust that perfectly complements the savory filling beneath.

Step 5: Pour, Bake, and Wait Patiently

Slowly pour the Bisquick mixture evenly over the beef and cheese layers, making sure the batter fully covers the surface. Transfer your pie dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and feels set. A good test is to insert a knife into the center—it should come out clean without wet batter clinging to it.

Step 6: Cool, Slice, and Savor

Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. This short resting time helps the pie set fully, making it easier to slice and serve. Cut into six generous wedges and enjoy while warm. I love drizzling a little extra ketchup over the top and serving with crunchy pickles on the side for that classic cheeseburger vibe.

Top Tip

These tips come from my own kitchen adventures making the Cheeseburger Pie with Cheddar Recipe, designed to help you achieve that perfect balance of flavors and texture every time.

Drain the grease thoroughly: I learned that draining the excess fat from the cooked beef is key to preventing a soggy pie—this keeps the topping from getting greasy and keeps flavors clean.
Use sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a beautiful tang that cuts through the richness, boosting the savory notes of the meat mixture.
Whisk the topping until smooth: Taking the time to mix the Bisquick, milk, and eggs well ensures a light, fluffy topping that sets nicely in the oven.
Let it rest before slicing: I always wait the full 5 minutes after baking so the pie sets completely, making slicing easier without falling apart.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Pie with Cheddar Recipe

A clear glass round dish holds a layered casserole on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is dark brown cooked ground meat. Above it is a thick layer of shredded bright orange cheese spread evenly. A woman's hand is pouring a light cream sauce from a clear glass bowl over the cheese, the sauce flowing down in a smooth stream. The glass dish shows all layers clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

A drizzle of extra ketchup on top is a classic go-to that amps up the tangy flavor. For extra zest, don’t hesitate to add a few crunchy pickles on the side or even toss on some sliced fresh tomatoes. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley can add a fresh, vibrant touch as well.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs beautifully with simple sides like crispy oven-baked fries or a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. Creamy coleslaw or steamed veggies such as broccoli or green beans also make fantastic complements, balancing out the richness of the pie.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the pie has cooled completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days—perfect for quick reheats and weekday meals.

Freezing

The Cheeseburger Pie can be frozen after baking and cooling. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in an airtight freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps keep the topping fluffy and the crust crisp. You can also microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but the texture won’t be quite as nice.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is recommended for its tangy flavor, you can substitute with mozzarella for a milder taste or a blend of cheeses for extra richness.

Is Bisquick necessary, or can I make my own topping?

Bisquick provides the perfect balance of leavening and texture for this recipe. However, you could use a homemade biscuit or pancake mix substitute, but results may vary slightly in texture.

Can I make this pie gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, substitute Bisquick with a gluten-free baking mix designed for biscuits or pancakes, ensuring it has similar leavening properties.

How can I prevent the topping from being soggy?

Drain the excess grease from the cooked beef thoroughly before layering, and be sure to pour the topping evenly so it cooks through properly in the oven, helping it set firm and golden.

Final Thoughts

Making the Cheeseburger Pie with Cheddar Recipe feels like bringing a little slice of comfort right to your dinner table. It’s an easy, cozy meal that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones on busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your taste or pantry staples. I hope you enjoy making and savoring this delicious, warm dish as much as I do!