This Old Fashioned Impossible Cheeseburger Pie is a delightful twist on the classic cheeseburger, transformed into an easy-to-make, satisfying pie. Imagine sinking your fork into a creamy, cheesy custard that’s studded with seasoned ground beef and baked to golden perfection. This recipe captures all the beloved flavors of a juicy cheeseburger without the hassle of individual patties and buns. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Effortless Comfort Food: This pie is the epitome of comfort food, offering a warm, hearty meal with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
- Simple Ingredients: The recipe relies on pantry staples and readily available ingredients, making it accessible and budget-friendly. You probably have most of what you need on hand already!
- Customizable: Feel free to adapt the recipe to your liking. Add your favorite cheeseburger toppings like pickles, tomatoes, or bacon for an extra burst of flavor.
- Crowd-Pleasing: This pie is always a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a great option for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual dinners with friends.
- Versatile: Serve it with a side salad for a complete meal, or enjoy it as a satisfying snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped white onion
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Bisquick mix
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400º Fahrenheit (200º Celsius). This ensures that the pie cooks evenly and the custard sets properly. Grease a 9-inch round deep-dish pie plate (or cake pan) with cooking spray. This will prevent the pie from sticking to the pan and make it easier to remove after baking.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped white onion until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are translucent. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break up the ground beef into small pieces as it cooks for even distribution in the pie.
Step 3: Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Excess fat can make the pie greasy, so it’s important to remove it. Use a spoon or a fat separator to drain the fat, leaving the beef and onions in the skillet.
Step 4: Incorporate the minced garlic, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Stir well to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed. The garlic adds a lovely aromatic flavor, while the salt and pepper enhance the overall taste of the beef.
Step 5: Evenly spread the beef mixture in the bottom of the prepared pie plate. This creates a solid base for the cheeseburger pie. Make sure the beef is distributed evenly so that every slice has a good portion of the meat.
Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture. The cheese will melt and create a gooey, cheesy layer that complements the savory beef.
Step 7: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Bisquick mix, milk, and eggs until combined. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. This mixture forms the custard that will hold the pie together.
Step 8: Pour the Bisquick mixture evenly over the beef and cheese layer in the pie plate. Make sure the mixture covers the entire surface of the beef and cheese.
Step 9: Bake for 30 minutes or until the center of the pie is set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top of the pie is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Step 10: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the custard to set a bit more, making it easier to slice.
Step 11: Serve immediately.
Step 12: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great choice.
- Offer your favorite cheeseburger toppings, such as pickles, sliced tomatoes, lettuce, ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise.
- Serve with a side of crispy french fries or sweet potato fries for a classic cheeseburger experience.
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can add a tangy creaminess to the pie.
- Consider serving with a side of coleslaw or potato salad for a potluck or barbecue.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Add diced tomatoes, green peppers, or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra vegetables.
- For a spicier pie, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- Use different ground meats, such as ground turkey or ground chicken, for a lighter version.
- If you don’t have Bisquick mix, you can make your own by combining flour, baking powder, salt, and shortening.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
45 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving Protein: 25-30 grams per serving Sodium: 500-600mg per serving
Conclusion
This Old Fashioned Impossible Cheeseburger Pie is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a fun and convenient format. With its simple ingredients, customizable nature, and crowd-pleasing appeal, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a potluck dish that everyone will love, this recipe is a winner. The combination of savory ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and a creamy Bisquick custard creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a truly unforgettable meal!
Questions and Answers
Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the cheeseburger pie ahead of time. Assemble the pie according to the instructions, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
Q2: Can I freeze the cheeseburger pie?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cheeseburger pie, but the texture of the custard may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, bake the pie completely and let it cool to room temperature. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, transfer the pie to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Q3: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to customize the flavor of the pie. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a sharp provolone would be delicious alternatives to cheddar. You can also use a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
Q4: I don’t have Bisquick mix. What can I use instead?
A: If you don’t have Bisquick mix, you can make your own homemade version. Combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of shortening (or cold butter, cut into small pieces) in a bowl. Cut the shortening into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Use this homemade Bisquick mix in the recipe as directed.
Q5: Can I add other toppings to the pie before baking?
A: Yes, you can definitely add other toppings to the pie before baking. Some great additions include:
- Diced tomatoes: Add a layer of diced tomatoes over the beef mixture for a burst of freshness.
- Pickles: Sprinkle some chopped pickles over the cheese layer for a tangy flavor.
- Bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor to the pie.
- Green peppers: Diced green peppers add a slightly sweet and savory flavor.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy and umami flavor to the pie.
Feel free to get creative and add your favorite cheeseburger toppings! Just be sure not to overload the pie with too many toppings, as this could prevent the custard from setting properly.
