Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie Recipe

The Pioneer Woman’s Hearty Cheeseburger Pie Recipe for Families

Sinking your teeth into a hearty cheeseburger pie that captures classic comfort food magic.

This delightful dish blends the best of burger flavors into a flaky, golden crust.

Meat lovers and pastry enthusiasts will adore how simple ingredients create something extraordinary.

Legendary Pioneer Woman recipes always surprise you with unexpected twists on familiar favorites.

Each bite promises a delicious medley of ground beef, melted cheese, and buttery pastry.

Small touches like perfectly seasoned meat make this recipe stand out from typical dinner options.

Trust me, you’ll want to bookmark this crowd-pleasing creation for your next family meal.

Storage And Warming Tips For Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover cheeseburger pie in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the pie completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual slices or the entire pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
  • Reheat Oven Method: Thaw frozen pie in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 350F and warm slice for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
  • Microwave Option: Reheat individual slices for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Let stand for a minute to distribute heat evenly and maintain texture.

Best Things To Serve With Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie

  • Pair with Crisp Salad Sidekick: Serve a fresh, tangy green salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, meaty pie. The crunch and acidity will cut through the pie's hearty flavors, creating a perfect meal complement.
  • Match with Classic Burger Companions: Offer classic burger sides like crispy golden french fries or onion rings. These traditional accompaniments will enhance the cheeseburger pie's nostalgic comfort food vibe and provide a satisfying textural contrast.
  • Cool Down with Refreshing Drink: Pour an ice-cold root beer or a light, crisp beer like a pilsner to wash down the savory pie. The carbonation and coolness will refresh the palate and complement the rich, cheesy filling beautifully.
  • Elevate with Zesty Condiment Collection: Create a condiment station with tangy pickles, spicy mustard, classic ketchup, and homemade burger sauce. These add-ons let diners customize their pie experience and bring extra layers of flavor to each bite.

Fun Ways To Change Up Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie

  • Mexican Fiesta Pie: Swap ground beef with spicy chorizo, add diced jalapeños, and top with pepper jack cheese. Mix in taco seasoning for extra zest.
  • Mediterranean Lamb Fusion: Replace beef with ground lamb, incorporate crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle oregano. Add chopped kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • BBQ Bacon Lover's Version: Mix in crispy bacon bits with ground beef, drizzle bbq sauce over the filling, and use smoked cheddar cheese for a robust smoky taste.
  • Buffalo Chicken Transformation: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken, mix in buffalo sauce, and top with blue cheese crumbles. Garnish with chopped green onions for added freshness.

Common Questions About Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie

  • What makes this cheeseburger pie different from a regular burger?

This pie transforms classic burger flavors into a comforting casserole-style dish. Instead of a traditional bun, it uses a unique buttermilk batter that bakes around the seasoned ground beef, creating a creamy, cheesy meal that’s easier to serve and share.

  • Can I use a different type of milk if I don't have buttermilk?

While buttermilk provides the best texture and tangy flavor, you can substitute it by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using. This creates a similar acidic reaction that helps tenderize the batter.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! The cheeseburger pie reheats wonderfully and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It’s perfect for making ahead and enjoying quick, satisfying meals throughout the week. Just cover and warm in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.

  • How can I make this recipe more kid-friendly?

Kids typically love this dish because it combines burger flavors in a fun, cheesy format. You can customize it by using mild cheddar, adding extra cheese.

What Makes Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie So Tasty

  • Reinvent Classic Comfort: Transform traditional burger flavors into a delightful pie that brings excitement to weeknight dinners with a unique twist on a beloved classic.
  • Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Combine ground beef, pantry staples, and minimal prep into one-dish wonder that saves time and delivers maximum flavor without complex cooking techniques.
  • Quick Family-Pleasing Meal: Create a hearty dish that satisfies everyone's cravings, offering a perfect balance of meaty goodness and cheesy comfort in less than an hour from start to finish.
  • Versatile Serving Option: Enjoy as a complete meal that works brilliantly for casual family dinners, potlucks, or spontaneous gatherings with its crowd-pleasing combination of burger-inspired ingredients.

Everything You Need For Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie

Main Proteins:
  • Ground Beef: A juicy, flavorful base for the pie that provides hearty protein and rich taste. Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that helps create a smooth, cohesive texture in the pie batter.
Dairy Components:
  • Buttermilk, Butter, Cheddar Cheese: Creamy ingredients that add richness and depth of flavor. Opt for full-fat versions for maximum taste.
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:
  • Flour, Baking Powder: Essential for creating a light, fluffy batter with good structure. Use all-purpose flour for consistent results.
  • Kosher Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Provides balanced seasoning to the meat and batter.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy, umami depth to the beef mixture. Provides complex flavor notes.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Used for cooking the beef and onions. Helps prevent sticking and adds subtle flavor.
  • Onion: Adds sweetness and aromatic quality to the beef mixture. Provides additional texture and flavor.
Optional Garnishes:
  • Pickle Slices, Ketchup, Burger Sauce: Classic burger condiments for serving. Enhance the cheeseburger-inspired theme of the pie.

Simple Steps To Make Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 400F (200C). Lightly spray a pie dish with cooking spray so nothing sticks.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Grab a skillet and heat some olive oil. Toss in:
  • Ground beef
  • Chopped onions
  • Salt

Cook everything until the beef looks golden and onions turn soft, around 8-10 minutes. Drain any extra grease. Splash in Worcestershire sauce and cook for another 2 minutes. Spread this meaty mix evenly in the pie dish.

Step 3: Mix the Magical Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Eggs
  • Buttermilk
  • Melted butter

Blend until silky smooth. Sprinkle in flour and baking powder, then whisk until everything looks perfectly combined.

Step 4: Create the Pie

Pour the batter over the meat, making sure it covers everything. Shower the top with shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pie into the oven and bake for about 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns golden and the center looks set.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the pie cool briefly. Slice and serve with pickles, ketchup, or burger sauce for extra yumminess.

Helpful Tips For Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie

  • Boost Flavor Depth: Add minced garlic or a dash of smoked paprika to the ground beef for an extra flavor kick that elevates the traditional cheeseburger pie taste.
  • Create Leaner Version: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or lean ground chicken to reduce fat content while maintaining the delicious protein base of the dish.
  • Perfect Batter Technique: Whisk eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter thoroughly to ensure a smooth, lump-free batter that creates a light, fluffy texture around the meat.
  • Customize Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack, Swiss, or a blend of cheeses to personalize the pie's flavor profile and add exciting taste variations.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the beef mixture and batter separately in advance, then assemble and bake just before serving to save time and maintain maximum freshness.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie Recipe

Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comfort meets nostalgia in this hearty cheeseburger pie, blending classic American flavors into one irresistible dish. Packed with ground beef, cheese, and a flaky crust, it promises a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • ½ cup chopped yellow onion
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Dairy and Batter Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole buttermilk (at room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon salted butter (melted)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Dry Ingredients:

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional Garnishes:

  • Pickle slices
  • Ketchup
  • Burger sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cooking vessel by coating a 9-inch pie plate with nonstick spray and heating the oven to 400F (200C).
  2. Create a robust meat foundation by sautéing ground beef with diced onions in a skillet, breaking down the meat into fine crumbles and cooking until the protein turns golden brown and the vegetables become translucent.
  3. Enhance the meat’s flavor profile by incorporating Worcestershire sauce, allowing the liquid to caramelize and intensify the savory notes. Drain any accumulated fat to maintain a clean, concentrated taste.
  4. Distribute the seasoned meat mixture evenly across the prepared pie plate, creating a uniform base for the subsequent layers.
  5. Craft a silky batter by whisking eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter until the mixture achieves a smooth, homogeneous consistency. Gradually integrate flour and baking powder, stirring carefully to eliminate any potential lumps.
  6. Gently cascade the liquid batter over the meat, ensuring complete and consistent coverage across the entire surface.
  7. Crown the pie with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese, distributing the dairy topping to create an enticing, melty finish.
  8. Transfer the assembled dish to the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for approximately 25 minutes until the top transforms into a golden-brown crust and the center sets firmly.
  9. After removing from the oven, permit the pie to rest briefly, which helps stabilize the structure and enhances serving ease.
  10. Present the cheeseburger pie with optional garnishes like pickle slices, ketchup, or burger sauce to complement the rich, comforting flavors.

Notes

  • Customize the meat by using ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that still packs incredible flavor.
  • Swap buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar if you don’t have buttermilk on hand, creating the same tangy richness.
  • Enhance the cheese layer by mixing different varieties like pepper jack or sharp cheddar for an extra flavor punch that elevates the entire dish.
  • Make this recipe gluten-free by substituting regular flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour without compromising the pie’s delicious texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star