½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup baking mix, such as Bisquick
1 cup milk
2 large eggs
½ teaspoon garlic powder, optional
½ teaspoon mustard powder, optional
For serving, you can also set out ketchup, yellow mustard, sliced pickles, or a little extra shredded cheese.
A note about the baking mix
A prepared biscuit baking mix is what gives this style of pie its easy, self-forming crust. Different brands may vary slightly in their ingredients and texture.
If you’re using a homemade baking mix, choose one designed for biscuits or quick breads and expect minor differences in how the batter sets.
Helpful Tools
You won’t need much equipment for this recipe.
9-inch pie plate
Large skillet
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Colander or spoon for draining excess fat
Baking sheet, optional, for easier handling
A glass or ceramic pie plate works well. If your dish is especially deep or narrow, the pie may need a little extra baking time.
Ingredient Substitutions and Additions
One reason this recipe has stayed popular is that it doesn’t mind a few changes.
Use a different cheese
Cheddar is the classic choice, but these cheeses also work nicely:
Monterey Jack
Colby Jack
Mild cheddar
Pepper Jack
A cheddar and mozzarella blend
For a sharper, more pronounced flavor, use mature cheddar.
Add classic cheeseburger toppings
Want to lean into the cheeseburger theme? Stir some of these into the cooked beef:
Finely chopped dill pickles
A teaspoon of yellow mustard
A little ketchup
Cooked, crumbled bacon
Finely diced bell pepper
A pinch of smoked paprika
Be careful not to add too much liquid from ketchup or pickles, as excess moisture can affect the finished texture.
Swap the ground beef
Ground turkey can work as a substitute, although the flavor and texture will be a little different. Cook it thoroughly and season it well.
Ground chicken is another option, but because it is usually leaner, the filling may taste less rich.
Make it spicier
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, diced jalapeño, or Pepper Jack cheese.
Make it without onion
Simply leave the onion out or replace it with a small amount of onion powder.
The recipe will still work, although you will lose some of that classic savory flavor.
How to Make Cheeseburger Pie
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate with butter or cooking spray.
Set it aside while you prepare the beef.
Step 2: Brown the ground beef
Place a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it browns.
Continue cooking until the beef is no longer pink and the onion has softened.
If there’s a lot of excess fat in the skillet, drain it carefully. Leaving a little moisture and flavor is fine, but too much grease can make the pie heavy.
Stir in the salt, black pepper, and optional garlic powder or mustard powder.
Step 3: Transfer the beef to the pie plate
Spread the cooked beef and onion mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared pie plate.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef.
Try to distribute the cheese from edge to edge so every slice gets a generous amount.
Step 4: Prepare the batter
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the baking mix, milk, and eggs until the mixture is mostly smooth.
A few tiny lumps are fine. You don’t need to beat it for ages.
The batter will be fairly thin compared with traditional biscuit dough. That’s normal—it’s meant to pour over the filling and set in the oven.
Step 5: Pour the batter over the filling
Slowly pour the batter over the beef and cheese.
It may look as though the mixture is going to disappear into the filling, but don’t worry. As it bakes, the eggs and baking mix help the batter set into a tender layer.
Place the pie plate on a baking sheet if you want extra stability when moving it into the oven.
Step 6: Bake until set
Bake for approximately 25–30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the center is set.
The edges should look firm, and a knife inserted near the center should come out without wet batter clinging to it.
If the top browns before the middle sets, loosely cover it with foil and continue baking for a few more minutes.
Cooking times can vary with the pie plate, oven, and baking mix, so use the appearance and doneness of the center as your guide.
Step 7: Let it rest before slicing
Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes.
This short rest helps the layers settle and makes it easier to cut neat wedges.
I know it’s tempting to dig straight in when the cheese is bubbling and the kitchen smells wonderful, but those few minutes are worth it!
Step 8: Slice and serve
Cut the pie into six wedges and serve while warm.
Add a simple salad, green beans, roasted broccoli, or potato wedges to complete the meal.
For an extra cheeseburger-inspired finish, serve it with ketchup, mustard, and sliced dill pickles on the side.
Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Pie
Drain excess fat from the beef
Too much grease can leave the finished pie oily or prevent the batter from setting as neatly. Lean ground beef makes the recipe especially convenient.
Spread the filling evenly
An even layer of beef and cheese helps the batter bake more consistently and gives you slices that hold together.
Don’t worry about a few small lumps
The batter doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth. Whisk just until the ingredients are combined.
Check the center before removing the pie
The top can look golden before the middle is fully set. Check the center rather than relying only on color.
Let it rest
The pie will be easier to slice after a short cooling period, and the filling won’t spill out quite as readily.
Don’t overload it with toppings
Extra cheese and a few pickles can be delicious, but too many wet or heavy additions can change the texture. Keep the filling balanced for the most dependable result.
What to Serve With Cheeseburger Pie
This pie is filling enough to serve as the main dish, but a simple side makes dinner feel complete.
Try pairing it with:
Green salad: Crisp lettuce and a tangy vinaigrette balance the rich beef and cheese.
Roasted broccoli: An easy vegetable side with a little crunch.
Green beans: Serve them steamed or sautéed with garlic.
Potato wedges: Perfect if you want a classic burger-and-fries feeling.
Coleslaw: Creamy or vinegar-based slaw adds a refreshing contrast.
Tomato and cucumber salad: Fresh, colorful, and easy to prepare.
Pickles and sliced tomatoes: A simple way to bring traditional burger toppings to the table.
If you’re feeding a hungry family, serve the pie with roasted potatoes and a vegetable. If you’re keeping dinner lighter, a crisp salad is usually all you need.
Can You Make Cheeseburger Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes, with a little planning.
For the best texture, you can brown the beef and onion ahead of time, let the mixture cool, and refrigerate it in a covered container. When you’re ready to bake, add the cheese, mix the batter, assemble the pie, and bake.
You can also bake the pie ahead and reheat it, although the crust-like layer may soften slightly after refrigeration.
If preparing it in advance, keep the cooked beef refrigerated and assemble the batter shortly before baking for the freshest texture.
How to Store Leftover Cheeseburger Pie
Let leftovers cool, then refrigerate them in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
Stored in a refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, leftovers are generally best used within 3–4 days.
For convenience, slice the pie before storing it. That way, you can reheat one serving at a time.
How to Reheat Cheeseburger Pie
For individual slices, microwave until heated through, checking at short intervals to avoid drying them out.
For several portions, place the slices in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven until hot throughout.
Can You Freeze Cheeseburger Pie?
You can freeze the baked pie, but the texture of the batter may become a little softer after thawing.
Cool it completely, wrap individual slices tightly, and place them in a freezer-safe container. For best quality, use within about 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat until steaming hot throughout.
Recipe Information
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Resting time: 5–10 minutes
Total time: Approximately 40–50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main dish, dinner
Cuisine: American
Main ingredients: Ground beef, cheddar cheese, baking mix, milk, eggs, onion
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called a pie if there’s no pie crust?
The batter sets around the beef as it bakes, forming a tender, crust-like layer. That makes the dish sliceable like a savory pie without requiring a separate pastry crust.
Is Cheeseburger Pie the same as Bisquick Impossible Cheeseburger Pie?
They’re closely related. Many versions of Impossible Cheeseburger Pie use a prepared baking mix, eggs, and milk poured over seasoned ground beef. The exact ingredient amounts and layering methods vary between recipes.
Why is my Cheeseburger Pie soggy?
Excess fat from the beef, too much liquid in the filling, or underbaking can all contribute to a soggy pie.
Drain excess grease, avoid adding too many wet toppings, and make sure the center is set before removing it from the oven.
Can I use homemade biscuit mix?
Yes. A homemade biscuit-style baking mix can work, though the texture may vary depending on the flour, leavening, and fat in your mix.
Can I make Cheeseburger Pie without eggs?
Eggs help the batter set, so omitting them will substantially change the texture. An egg substitute formulated for baking may work, but results can vary.
For the most reliable classic version, use the eggs listed in the recipe.
Can I use a different baking dish?
A similar-sized oven-safe dish can work. A wider dish produces a thinner pie that may bake faster, while a smaller or deeper dish may need longer. Always check that the center has set before serving.
How do I know when Cheeseburger Pie is fully cooked?
The top should be lightly golden, and the center should be set rather than liquid.
The ground beef should be thoroughly cooked before it goes into the pie plate. If using a food thermometer to check the beef during cooking, ground beef should reach 160°F (71°C).
Can I add bacon?
Absolutely! Cook the bacon first, drain it, and crumble it into the beef mixture. Since bacon adds salt and fat, taste the filling before adding extra salt.
Can I make it with ground turkey?
Yes. Ground turkey can replace the beef, although it has a milder flavor. Season it well and cook it thoroughly before assembling the pie.
A Little More Old-Fashioned Comfort Food
If this Cheeseburger Pie brings back memories of simple family dinners, you might enjoy these other comforting recipes:
Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole — hearty layers of beef, potatoes, and cheese.
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole — savory beef, peppers, onions, and melted cheese.
Oven-Baked Poor Man’s Steak — a classic budget-minded comfort-food dinner.
Ham and Swiss Biscuit Sliders — warm, cheesy sandwiches for family meals.
Crockpot Garlic Pork Chops and Potatoes — a comforting slow-cooker dinner.
Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole — an easy make-ahead option for breakfast or brunch.
These are the kinds of dependable recipes that make everyday cooking feel a little easier.
Leave a Review and Share Your Cheeseburger Pie
Did you make this Cheeseburger Pie recipe?
I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a review and let me know whether you kept it classic or added bacon, pickles, or a different cheese.
If you took a photo of your golden, freshly sliced pie, share it on Pinterest so other home cooks can find it, too.
And if this recipe reminds you of something your mom, grandmother, or neighbor used to make, tell us about it in the comments. Those old family food memories are worth keeping.
Approximate Nutrition Information
The following figures are estimates for one of six servings, based on the ingredients listed above. Actual nutrition varies by brand, cheese choice, baking mix, and the amount of fat drained from the beef.
Estimated per serving:
Calories: 340
Protein: 23 g
Carbohydrates: 19 g
Fat: 19 g
Saturated fat: 9 g
Cholesterol: 115 mg
Sodium: 600 mg
Sugar: 4 g
Fiber: 1 g
These numbers are estimates and are provided for general informational purposes.
Final Thoughts
There is a reason recipes like Cheeseburger Pie stick around for decades.
They don’t ask much of you. A pound of ground beef, a little onion, some cheese, and a simple batter turn into a warm, satisfying dinner that feels like it belongs on a family table.
There’s no traditional crust to fuss over, no complicated preparation, and no long list of ingredients to track down.
Just brown the beef, pour the batter, bake until golden, and let the oven do its work.
Maybe that’s why my neighbor’s old recipe card has survived fifty years of kitchen use. It isn’t fancy, and it doesn’t pretend to be. It simply makes dinner easier—and gives everyone a reason to come back for another slice.
And on a busy weeknight, that’s a pretty wonderful thing.
