Simple and Delicious Cheeseburger Pie Recipe for Quick Family Meals

Mastering cheeseburger pie

Dive into the delicious versatility of cheeseburger pie, a comforting low-carb casserole that combines hearty proteins and flavorful vegetables for a satisfying meal. This dish is popular for its simple preparation, making it a favorite for busy households and weekend gatherings alike. With a base of ground beef or bison cooked with crispy bacon, onions, and bell peppers sautéed in reserved bacon grease, cheeseburger pie offers a rich, savory depth typical of classic cheeseburgers. The layering of melted cheese and a creamy cauliflower rice or biscuit-like batter adds texture and richness.

Designed to fit various dietary preferences, this recipe is adaptable to vegan, gluten-free, and low-carb lifestyles, offering substitutions such as plant-based ground meat or alternative crusts. The use of spices like cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and white pepper infuses the pie with balanced, aromatic flavors. Also known as “hamburger quiche” or “savory ground beef tart,” cheeseburger pie appeals to those seeking traditional comfort food with a modern twist.

Benefits and Advantages of cheeseburger pie

Cheeseburger pie shines as a quick, nutritious option for family meals. Its ease of assembly saves cooking time, making it ideal for weeknights or meal prep. High in protein thanks to ground beef or plant-based alternatives, it supports muscle maintenance and keeps you satiated. The presence of vegetables like onions and bell peppers boosts fiber intake and adds vitamins, while cheese offers calcium and smooth, creamy flavor.

This casserole is naturally adaptable: it can be made gluten-free by selecting an appropriate crust or omitting it for a crustless version baked in a casserole dish. Vegan versions with plant-based ground meat and cheese maintain satisfaction without animal products. The recipe’s low-carb foundation using cauliflower rice or biscuit batter aligns well with no-sugar-added or keto diets. Using lean ground beef (80-90% lean) ensures less grease and a healthier fat profile.

The balanced ingredients and customizable nature improve its accessibility, making it a go-to dish for those seeking comforting, wholesome meals that accommodate diverse dietary needs. Terms like “burger casserole” and “cheesy meat pie” keep content fresh and SEO-friendly throughout.

Essential Ingredients for cheeseburger pie

For an authentic and flavorful cheeseburger pie, gather the following comprehensive ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or vegan meat substitute
• 8 oz thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or vegan cheese
• 1 cup diced onions
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1 cup riced cauliflower or biscuit-like batter (made from baking mix, milk, eggs)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for cauliflower rice version)
• 1 deep-dish or 8×8-inch baking dish (greased)

Each ingredient plays a role: ground meat delivers protein; bacon adds smokiness and crisp texture; cheese enhances creaminess; and vegetables contribute color, crunch, and nutrients. Spices round out the savory profile while cauliflower rice or biscuit batter provides a satisfying base.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your cheeseburger pie

To adapt cheeseburger pie for different dietary needs, consider the following substitutions and tips:

• Vegan: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles such as pea or soy protein. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives made from almond or cashew. Substitute sour cream with vegan versions or omit.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free biscuit or baking mix for the batter, or opt for a crustless version by baking the filling in a casserole dish. Verify all processed ingredients are gluten-free.
• Low-Carb: Use cauliflower rice instead of batter for lower carbs. Reduce cheese amount if desired and increase vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added volume without calories.
• Dairy-Free: Swap cheese with nutritional yeast or plant-based cheeses and replace sour cream with dairy-free yogurt alternatives.
• Flavor Enhancements: Add smoked paprika or chipotle powder for smoky heat. Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or chives for freshness.

These substitutions preserve the savory and satisfying qualities of cheeseburger pie while offering flexibility to fit any lifestyle or preference.

For additional comfort food inspiration, consider my Garlic Chicken recipe, another family-friendly classic with rich flavors.

How to Prepare the Perfect cheeseburger pie: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating the perfect cheeseburger pie involves layering flavors and textures to produce a satisfying low-carb casserole. Follow these detailed steps for the best results.

1. Cook the bacon: Fry thick-cut bacon in a skillet until crisp. Reserve the bacon grease for sautéing vegetables and set bacon aside for topping.
2. Prepare the base: If using cauliflower rice, warm it gently in the bacon grease to infuse flavor. For a biscuit-like crust alternative, mix baking mix, milk, and eggs to prepare the batter.
3. Sauté vegetables and meat: In bacon grease, cook ground beef or bison with diced onions and bell peppers until brown and fully cooked. Season with salt, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, and white pepper.
4. Combine filling: Mix the cooked meat and veggies with the cauliflower rice base and fold in sour cream for creaminess. If using batter, pour the meat mixture into the baking dish and then pour batter over the top evenly.
5. Assemble the pie: Grease a deep-dish or 8×8 inch baking dish and transfer the filling mixture. Top generously with shredded cheese and crumbled crispy bacon.
6. Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes for batter-based, or 45-55 minutes if using cauliflower rice, until the cheese is bubbling and a golden crust forms.
7. Rest and serve: Allow the pie to cool for 10 minutes after baking to set the filling. Serve warm with your favorite classic cheeseburger toppings like lettuce, tomato slices, or pickles.

Using bacon grease to cook vegetables adds a savory depth to the filling and brings out richer flavors.

Try pairing this dish with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal. For a twist, check out my Garlic Chicken recipe for another hearty family favorite.

Mastering cheeseburger pie: Advanced Tips and Variations

To truly master cheeseburger pie, consider these tips and creative variations that’ll personalize your dish and boost flavor complexity.

Expert Tips

• Caramelized Onions & Mushrooms: Add these sautéed veggies to deepen the savory profile and add texture.
• Cheese Varieties: Use smoked gouda, pepper jack, or vegan cheeses to customize flavor and accommodate dietary preferences.
• Spice it Up: Include diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to introduce heat.
• Herbs & Seasonings: Fresh thyme, oregano, or parsley complement the meat’s flavor beautifully.
• Alternative Crusts: Experiment with sweet potato or cauliflower crusts for texture and nutritional changes.
• Resting the Filling: Let the mixture rest a bit before baking to allow flavors to meld and achieve a cohesive taste.

These suggestions help make cheeseburger pie adaptable to any preference or occasion.

How to Store cheeseburger pie: Best Practices

Keeping cheeseburger pie fresh and delicious after cooking is easy with proper storage.

Refrigeration

• Store cooled pie in airtight containers or cover tightly with plastic wrap.
• Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days to maintain flavor and food safety.

Freezing

• Wrap the pie securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use freezer-safe containers.
• Store in the freezer for up to 3 months for convenient future meals.
• Label with date to monitor freshness.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen pie overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until hot and crust is crisp.
• Microwaving is quicker but may yield a softer crust.

Cutting pie into portions before freezing helps with convenient meal prep.

Nutritional Value of cheeseburger pie

This pie can be tailored to fit gluten-free and low-carb needs by selecting suitable crusts and ingredients, making it nutrient-rich while satisfying cravings.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About cheeseburger pie

Simple and Delicious Cheeseburger Pie Recipe for Quick Family Meals

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• Total Time: 45-70 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Low-carb, high-protein

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Description

🍔 This Simple and Delicious Cheeseburger Pie combines hearty ground beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheese for a satisfying low-carb meal.
🥦 Using cauliflower rice or a biscuit-like batter, it provides a nutritious, versatile dish perfect for quick family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

8 thick-cut bacon slices
1 small onion, diced
1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
1 1/2 pounds ground beef or bison (80-90% lean)
Salt to taste
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
2 cups cauliflower rice (or substitute with baking mix batter – see notes)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
1/2 cup sour cream
2 large eggs (if using baking mix batter)
1/4 cup milk (if using baking mix batter)
1/2 cup baking mix (if using biscuit-like batter)
Additional shredded cheese for topping
Crumbled cooked bacon for topping
Optional: classic cheeseburger toppings like pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, or caramelized onions

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a deep-dish or 8×8-inch baking dish.
2. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon, crumble, and reserve bacon grease.
3. In the same skillet with bacon grease, sauté diced onion and bell peppers until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add ground beef to the skillet; season with salt, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, and white pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, draining excess fat if needed.
5. For cauliflower rice version: Stir in cauliflower rice, sour cream, and 1 cup shredded cheese until combined.
6. For baking mix batter version: In a separate bowl, whisk baking mix, milk, and eggs to form batter.
7. Spread meat and vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
8. If using baking mix batter, pour batter evenly over meat mixture.
9. Top with additional shredded cheese and crumbled bacon.
10. Bake for 35-55 minutes until the top is golden and cheese bubbles.
11. Remove from oven; let rest a few minutes before serving.
12. Garnish with optional toppings like pickles, lettuce, or caramelized onions as desired.

Notes

🥓 Reserve bacon grease for sautéing veggies to add rich flavor.
🧀 Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and texture.
🥦 Substitute cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or use baking mix batter for a biscuit-like crust.

• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
• Resting time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-55 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking, Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of pie)
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg