If you’re craving comfort food that’s easy, hearty, and family-approved, this One-Pan Cheeseburger Pie Dinner is exactly what you need. Packed with seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, fluffy biscuit-style topping, and classic cheeseburger flavors, this simple baked dish transforms everyday ingredients into a satisfying meal. Best of all, everything cooks together in one pan, making cleanup quick and stress-free.
Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, planning a cozy weeknight dinner, or looking for a budget-friendly meal, this cheeseburger pie recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to make it step-by-step, plus tips, variations, and answers to common questions so you can master this comfort classic with confidence.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Cheeseburger Pie
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons:
- ✔ One-pan convenience
- ✔ Classic cheeseburger flavor
- ✔ Budget-friendly ingredients
- ✔ Kid-approved meal
- ✔ Perfect for busy weeknights
- ✔ Customizable toppings
It’s everything you love about a cheeseburger — transformed into a cozy baked casserole.
Ingredients for One-Pan Cheeseburger Pie Dinner
Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1½ cups biscuit or pie dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- Optional toppings: pickles, mustard, ketchup
These simple pantry staples combine to create a rich, savory, and satisfying dinner.
What Is Cheeseburger Pie?
Cheeseburger pie is a baked ground beef dish that mimics the flavors of a traditional cheeseburger. Instead of serving beef in a bun, it’s layered in a baking dish and topped with a biscuit-like or pie-style batter that bakes into a golden crust.
Think of it as:
- A savory meat pie
- A cheeseburger casserole
- A comfort food classic
It’s filling, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make One-Pan Cheeseburger Pie
Follow these easy steps for perfect results every time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9-inch oven-safe skillet or baking dish.
Using an oven-safe skillet keeps this truly one-pan.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Onion
In your skillet:
- Brown 1 pound ground beef over medium heat.
- Add finely chopped onion.
- Cook until beef is fully browned and onions are soft.
- Drain excess grease if necessary.
Season with:
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Cheese
- Stir in diced tomatoes.
- Spread mixture evenly in the pan.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
This creates the classic cheeseburger flavor layer.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg and Milk Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
Blend until smooth.
Step 5: Add the Biscuit or Pie Dough
Option 1: Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough over the top.
Option 2: Roll pie dough slightly and lay over mixture.
Then pour the egg-milk mixture evenly across the top.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until:
- The top is golden brown
- The center is set
- A knife inserted comes out clean
Let cool 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Tips for Perfect Cheeseburger Pie
1. Don’t Skip Draining the Beef
Too much grease can make the pie soggy.
2. Use Freshly Shredded Cheese
Melts better than pre-shredded.
3. Let It Rest
Cooling helps the pie set and slice cleanly.
4. Customize the Toppings
Add pickles, mustard, or ketchup after baking.
5. Use Lean Ground Beef
80–85% lean works best.
Delicious Variations to Try
This one-pan cheeseburger pie dinner is easy to customize.
Bacon Cheeseburger Pie
Add cooked crumbled bacon before baking.
Spicy Cheeseburger Pie
Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
Mushroom Swiss Version
Swap cheddar for Swiss and add sautéed mushrooms.
Low-Carb Option
Skip biscuit dough and increase cheese.
Tex-Mex Twist
Add taco seasoning and top with salsa.
What to Serve with Cheeseburger Pie
Make it a complete meal with:
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli
- Sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw
The simplicity makes it easy to pair.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Make Ahead
Prepare beef mixture earlier in the day. Assemble and bake later.
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in airtight container up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze baked pie for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat in oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Busy Families
This cheeseburger pie works well because:
- Uses everyday ingredients
- Quick preparation time
- Minimal dishes
- Easily doubles for larger families
- Reheats beautifully
It’s practical comfort food at its best.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make one-pan cheeseburger pie without biscuit dough?
Yes. You can use pie crust, crescent dough, or skip the crust entirely for a crustless version.
2. How do I keep cheeseburger pie from becoming watery?
Drain beef thoroughly and avoid adding excess tomato liquid.
3. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey works well for a lighter option.
4. What cheese works best in cheeseburger pie?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but Colby Jack or Monterey Jack also work well.
5. Can I prepare cheeseburger pie ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
6. Is cheeseburger pie kid-friendly?
Very much so! It tastes like a cheeseburger but in casserole form.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Not draining grease
❌ Overbaking
❌ Using too much liquid
❌ Cutting before resting
❌ Skipping seasoning
Simple attention to detail makes a big difference.
Nutritional Highlights
This recipe provides:
- High-quality protein
- Calcium from cheese
- Balanced carbs and fats
- Satisfying portion size
For a lighter version:
- Use low-fat milk
- Use lean ground beef
- Reduce cheese slightly
Why One-Pan Dinners Are So Popular
One-pan meals save:
- Time
- Effort
- Cleanup
They’re ideal for modern busy households while still delivering comfort and flavor.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Comfort Dinner
This One-Pan Cheeseburger Pie Dinner is everything you want in a weeknight meal — hearty, simple, flavorful, and satisfying. With seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar, fluffy biscuit topping, and customizable burger-style toppings, it brings classic cheeseburger flavor into a cozy baked format.
It’s affordable, easy to make, and guaranteed to please both kids and adults alike.
Ready to bring comfort food to your table tonight?
Grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and bake this delicious cheeseburger pie for your next family dinner.
If you loved this recipe, save it, share it, and explore more easy one-pan meals to simplify your weeknight cooking routine!
