Sometimes, you just need a dish that feels like home—and this cheeseburger pie is exactly that. It’s comfort food at its finest, combining all the flavors you love in a cheeseburger with the ease of a one-pan meal. This recipe has been a go-to in my family for years, making appearances at busy weeknight dinners and even casual weekend get-togethers. It’s simple, satisfying, and has a certain nostalgia that brings me right back to my childhood kitchen. Whether you’re a busy parent, a beginner cook, or just someone who loves a hearty meal, this cheeseburger pie is about to become a staple in your home, too!

The recipe that hits all the comfort food notes

What makes this recipe special? It’s one of those dishes that packs a ton of flavor without requiring a ton of effort. The golden-brown Bisquick crust holds everything together, while the sharp cheddar adds that gooey, melty finish we all crave. It’s got all the classic cheeseburger elements—juicy ground beef, onions, and cheddar cheese—but transforms them into something a little more unexpected. It’s also incredibly versatile, so you can easily adapt it based on what you have on hand or even sneak in some extra veggies for the kids (not that they’ll notice!). Plus, with everything baking up in one pie dish, cleanup is a breeze—another reason this recipe is a weeknight lifesaver.

A little story: family dinners with a twist

I remember the first time I made cheeseburger pie was after flipping through an old, worn-out cookbook my mom passed down to me. I was a little skeptical—after all, a pie that tastes like a cheeseburger? But one bite was all it took to convince me this dish was a keeper. I can still recall the scent of the beef browning in the skillet, the comforting sound of the cheddar cheese sizzling in the oven, and how we all gathered around the table, forks eagerly digging in. These days, when I make it, I can almost see my younger self standing on tiptoe to help stir the Bisquick mixture, barely containing my excitement. Those kinds of food memories are the best, aren’t they?

Where does cheeseburger pie come from?

You may be wondering, how exactly did a cheeseburger turn into a pie? Well, this dish is actually a variation of the classic American “impossible pie,” which was popularized in the 1970s by Bisquick. The idea was to create a pie-like dish without needing to fuss over pastry or dough. The magic here is in the Bisquick mixture—it forms a soft, biscuit-like topping that makes the dish feel like a pie, but without the effort of rolling or crimping. Over the years, the recipe has evolved, with home cooks adding their own twists, but the essence of it remains the same: fast, hearty, and crowd-pleasing.

Let’s talk ingredients: the essentials and my little tweaks

Ground beef: The base of this recipe is, of course, ground beef. I recommend going for lean ground beef to avoid too much grease, but you could also use ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter option.
Onion and bell pepper: These veggies add a subtle sweetness and a bit of texture to balance out the richness of the meat and cheese. I’ve used red bell pepper here, but green bell peppers work just as well. Not a fan of peppers? Feel free to swap in mushrooms or even zucchini.
Cheddar cheese: The sharp cheddar brings that signature tang and creaminess that ties the whole dish together. If you’re in a pinch, any melting cheese will do—Monterey Jack or even mozzarella could be fun to try.
Bisquick baking mix: This is what makes the pie so wonderfully easy. If you’re out of Bisquick, you can make a quick homemade version by combining 1 cup of flour, 1 ½ tsp of baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
Paprika and parsley: These simple seasonings give the dish a little extra flavor. Paprika adds a touch of smokiness, while dried parsley brings some freshness to the mix. You could even add a pinch of cayenne if you’re feeling spicy!

Kitchen gear: what you need (and what you can skip)

For this cheeseburger pie, you don’t need a lot of fancy kitchen equipment. Here’s what I usually grab:

A large skillet: To brown your beef and sauté the veggies. A nonstick or cast-iron skillet works best.
Pie dish: I love using a 9-inch pie dish for this, but if you don’t have one, a square baking dish will also do the trick.
Mixing bowl: To whisk together the Bisquick mixture. A basic medium-sized bowl will work, and I promise—you don’t need to stress about getting all the lumps out.
Whisk or fork: For whisking the Bisquick, eggs, and milk. If you’re low on utensils, a fork works just fine!

Step-by-step: here’s how to make your new favorite dish

Preheat your oven to 400°F. This will get things nice and toasty, so your pie bakes up golden and perfect.
Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Don’t forget to add the paprika, parsley, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything around until the beef is fully cooked and the veggies are softened. (Pro tip: If you want to save some time, you can chop your veggies ahead of time or use pre-diced onion and pepper!)
Transfer the beef mixture: Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat and transfer the mixture into your pie dish. Spread it out evenly so every bite gets that beefy goodness.
Cheese time! Sprinkle the grated sharp cheddar evenly over the beef mixture. This is where the magic starts to happen. (If you’re a cheese lover like me, feel free to sneak in an extra handful of cheddar. I won’t tell!)
Mix the Bisquick batter: In a bowl, whisk together the Bisquick mix, milk, and eggs. It’s okay if the batter has a few lumps—nothing to worry about here. Pour the mixture over the beef and cheese, making sure everything is covered.
Bake it: Pop the pie into your preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, just cover it with a little foil. You want a nice golden top, not a burnt one.
Let it cool: Once baked, give your pie a few minutes to rest before slicing. Trust me, it’ll be easier to cut and hold together if it cools just a bit.

Variations: customize your cheeseburger pie!

Here’s where you can get creative with the recipe and make it your own:

Vegan version: Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative, use dairy-free cheddar, and replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free baking mix instead of Bisquick, and check that your other ingredients (like spices) are gluten-free too.
Add some veggies: For extra nutrition, try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the beef mixture. You could even toss in some frozen peas or corn for a pop of color.
Bacon cheeseburger pie: Add some crispy cooked bacon pieces to the beef mixture for an indulgent twist. I mean, who doesn’t love bacon?

Serving ideas: how to make it look (and taste) amazing

When it comes to serving cheeseburger pie, I like to keep it casual but a little dressed up. You can slice it like a traditional pie and serve it alongside a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables. A drizzle of ketchup or mustard on top (if you’re really channeling that cheeseburger vibe) adds a fun touch. For garnish, sprinkle some fresh parsley or green onions to brighten things up.

Drink pairings: what to sip with your pie

A good cheeseburger needs a good drink, right? For this pie, I suggest something simple and refreshing. A cold beer—like a lager or a light IPA—pairs perfectly with the savory flavors. If you prefer wine, a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or a chilled red like Pinot Noir works well, too. And for non-drinkers or kids, you can’t go wrong with a tall glass of iced tea or lemonade.

Leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat

If you have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, isn’t always likely), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for about a minute, or heat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can even freeze individual slices for later—just wrap them in plastic wrap and then foil, and they’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months.

Adjusting for different servings

This recipe is perfect for about six servings, but if you’re feeding a crowd, it’s easy to double. Just use a larger baking dish, and you might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. If you’re making it for fewer people, you can halve the recipe and use a smaller dish. The key is to adjust the baking time accordingly—just keep an eye on it!

Troubleshooting tips: avoiding common issues

Soggy bottom? Make sure to drain any excess grease from the beef before assembling the pie.
Too much browning on top? Cover with foil if the top is getting too dark before the center is fully cooked.
Bisquick mixture too thick? If your batter feels heavy, add a splash more milk to thin it out.

Give this cheeseburger pie a try!

If you’re looking for a cozy, no-fuss meal that hits all the right notes, this cheeseburger pie is it. It’s a delicious, family-friendly recipe that brings a little fun to the dinner table. The best part? You can easily make it your own with a few simple tweaks, so don’t be afraid to experiment!

FAQ:

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and gives a lighter flavor to the pie.
What can I use instead of Bisquick?
You can make your own version by combining flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes! You can add mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or even some frozen veggies to the beef mixture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply add the Bisquick mixture and pop it in the oven.
What should I serve with cheeseburger pie?
A simple salad or roasted veggies make a great side, and don’t forget a cold drink to wash it all down!

Best Cheeseburger Pie Recipe