I love this dish because it’s quick to throw together and hits all the right notes—savory, cheesy, and totally comforting. It uses pantry staples, and I can customize it depending on what I have in the fridge. The top puffs up into a soft, almost biscuit-like layer while the bottom stays rich and beefy. Whether I’m cooking for family or just want leftovers that reheat beautifully, this cheeseburger pie is always a win.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb ground beef 1 small onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp paprika ½ tsp garlic powder ½ tsp onion powder Salt & black pepper, to taste 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend) ½ cup milk 2 large eggs ½ cup all-purpose flour 1 tbsp butter or oil (for greasing the dish)
Optional add-ins: Diced pickles Diced bell peppers Cooked bacon bits
Directions
Cook the Beef I heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef with the diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. I drain off any excess fat, then stir in the garlic, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. I cook it for one more minute until fragrant, then set it aside.
Prepare the Batter In a bowl, I whisk together the milk, eggs, and flour until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. This is what forms the light, fluffy top layer.
Assemble the Pie I grease a pie dish or small baking dish with butter or oil. I spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly across the bottom, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, and pour the batter over everything, spreading it out if needed.
Bake I bake the pie at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is puffed, lightly golden, and set in the center. I let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people and takes about 45 minutes total — 15 minutes of prep and 30–35 minutes of baking.
Variations
I sometimes add diced pickles to give it a true cheeseburger twist.
Cooked bacon or crumbled sausage gives it a smoky, meat-lover spin.
For a veggie boost, I toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or chopped bell peppers.
I’ve also made this with turkey or plant-based ground meat for a lighter version.
For extra cheesiness, I mix some of the cheese into the batter before baking.
Storage/Reheating
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat slices in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. The texture stays soft and fluffy, and the flavors deepen even more by the next day.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. I sometimes prepare the beef and batter ahead and store them separately. Then I assemble and bake when I’m ready. It also reheats well, so baking it in advance works too.
What kind of cheese works best?
I usually go for sharp cheddar for that classic cheeseburger flavor, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheddar blend all melt beautifully.
Can I use biscuit or pancake mix instead of flour?
Yes. I’ve used pancake mix in a pinch—it gives a slightly sweeter flavor and still rises nicely. Just reduce or skip the added seasonings if your mix already contains salt or spices.
Can I freeze it?
I can freeze the whole pie after baking, or individual slices wrapped tightly. I reheat straight from frozen in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20–25 minutes.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely. It’s a fun, familiar flavor that most kids enjoy. I sometimes leave out stronger spices and offer ketchup or ranch on the side for dipping.
Conclusion
Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie is a down-home favorite that brings comfort and flavor to the table with minimal fuss. It’s the kind of recipe I keep in my back pocket for busy nights or whenever I need a hearty, feel-good meal that everyone will love. Simple, cheesy, and always satisfying—it’s a classic for a reason.
This easy cheeseburger pie brings all the flavor of a classic burger in a cozy baked dish. With savory beef, melty cheese, and a simple batter crust—it’s the ultimate comfort dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or blend)
1/2 cup milk
2 large eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tbsp butter or oil (for greasing the dish)
Optional Add-ins: diced pickles, bell peppers
Instructions
Cook the Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until browned.
Drain excess fat.
Stir in garlic, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute more.
Prepare the Batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and flour until smooth.
Assemble the Pie:
Grease a pie dish or small baking dish with butter or oil.
Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly in the dish.
Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Pour the batter over the top.
Bake:
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden and puffed.
Serve:
Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm for that delicious cheeseburger-in-a-pie experience!
Notes
Customize with your favorite toppings: add diced pickles for tang, bacon for smoky flavor, or bell peppers for a pop of color.
This dish reheats well and is great for leftovers or meal prep.
Serve with ketchup, mustard, or your favorite burger sauce on the side.
