If you’re craving a comforting, savory meal that’s easy to whip up and guaranteed to satisfy the whole family, look no further than Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie. This delicious and hearty dish combines all the mouthwatering flavors of a classic cheeseburger packed into an irresistible pie form. Ideal for busy weekdays or a relaxed weekend dinner, this cheeseburger pie features seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, onions, pickles, and a golden, flaky crust, baked to perfection. It’s an American classic reinvented by Ree Drummond—the beloved Pioneer Woman herself—well-known for her home-cooked recipes brimming with warmth, simplicity, and unbeatable flavor. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or craving classic comfort food, this cheeseburger pie will quickly become a favorite recipe in your household.
Ingredients:
Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare the perfect Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie:
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1 pound ground beef (preferably 85-90% lean for balanced flavor)
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon ground black pepper
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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2 tablespoons ketchup
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1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
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½ cup dill pickle chips, roughly chopped (optional, but highly recommended)
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar for extra flavor)
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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1 cup whole milk
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2 large eggs
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the pie dish)
Preparation:
Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to creating the perfect Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie:
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pie Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish using cooking spray or butter. This ensures your pie won’t stick, and it helps in creating that crispy, golden-brown crust we love.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and finely chopped onion. Cook the mixture until the beef is browned and thoroughly cooked through—about 6-8 minutes. Break apart the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once done, carefully drain off any excess fat to prevent a greasy pie.
Season the beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well, ensuring everything is thoroughly combined, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the flavors meld nicely. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped dill pickles, setting this filling aside to slightly cool.
Step 3: Assemble the Cheeseburger Pie
Transfer the cooked beef mixture evenly into your prepared pie dish. Top it generously with shredded cheddar cheese, spreading the cheese uniformly over the beef. The cheddar cheese will melt deliciously into the meat mixture as the pie bakes, creating that irresistible cheeseburger taste.
Step 4: Prepare the Pie Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, milk, and eggs until smooth and fully combined. It should resemble pancake batter—pourable yet slightly thickened. This mixture creates a biscuit-like topping that turns golden and slightly crispy as it bakes.
Carefully pour this batter evenly over the cheese and beef mixture. Spread gently with a spatula to ensure it covers the filling completely, forming a perfect top crust.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Place the assembled cheeseburger pie into your preheated oven. Bake uncovered for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, fluffy, and cooked through. The top should be puffed slightly and beautifully golden when done.
Remove your cheeseburger pie from the oven and allow it to cool briefly—about 5-10 minutes—before slicing. This helps it set properly, making serving easier and more enjoyable.
Variation
Feel free to experiment and adjust this versatile cheeseburger pie recipe to suit your tastes. Here are some delicious variations to consider:
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Bacon Cheeseburger Pie: Add cooked and crumbled beef bacon strips to the ground beef mixture for a smoky, savory twist.
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Southwest Cheeseburger Pie: Incorporate diced jalapeños, a sprinkle of taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
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Veggie-Loaded Cheeseburger Pie: Mix sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or tomatoes into the filling for added nutrients and flavor.
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Turkey Cheeseburger Pie: Substitute lean ground turkey for beef for a lighter, healthier alternative.
COOKING Note:
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For an extra crispy topping, brush lightly with melted butter halfway through baking.
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To achieve optimal texture, allow your pie to rest briefly after baking before slicing. This prevents filling from spilling out and ensures neat, appetizing servings.
Serving Suggestions:
This Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie makes a fantastic meal on its own but can be elevated even further with these delicious side dish options:
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Crispy French fries or sweet potato fries
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Fresh garden salad with vinaigrette dressing
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Classic coleslaw
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Steamed broccoli or green beans
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Homemade potato wedges
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Garlic butter corn on the cob
Serve each slice with additional ketchup, mustard, and pickles on the side, allowing everyone to customize their servings to taste.
Tips:
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Cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar cheese melts better and more smoothly compared to pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents.
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Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef helps control excess fat, providing a healthier result without compromising flavor.
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Meal Prep: You can easily prepare the beef mixture a day ahead, store it in the refrigerator overnight, and quickly assemble and bake the pie the next day.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 8 servings):
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Calories: 350 kcal
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Protein: 22 g
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Sodium: 700 mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I freeze Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie?
A: Absolutely! Wrap the cooled pie tightly in foil or place it in an airtight freezer container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Q2: Can I use ground chicken instead of beef?
A: Yes, ground chicken or turkey works wonderfully and makes for a lighter alternative without sacrificing taste.
Q3: What kind of cheese is best?
A: Sharp cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix cheeses—Colby, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack are excellent variations.
Conclusion
The Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie recipe perfectly captures the essence of comfort food. Simple to assemble, hearty, and delightfully flavorful, this savory pie makes a reliable meal that pleases adults and kids alike. Whether serving it as a weekday dinner, weekend brunch, or special family gathering, its inviting aroma and satisfying taste make it an instant crowd-pleaser. Easy to customize, nutritious, and undeniably tasty, this cheeseburger pie from Ree Drummond’s kitchen is guaranteed to find a permanent spot in your rotation of family-favorite recipes. Enjoy!
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Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare the perfect Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie:
-
1 pound ground beef (preferably 85-90% lean for balanced flavor)
-
1 medium onion, finely chopped
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
-
½ teaspoon garlic powder
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2 tablespoons ketchup
-
1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
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½ cup dill pickle chips, roughly chopped (optional, but highly recommended)
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar for extra flavor)
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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1 cup whole milk
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2 large eggs
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the pie dish)
Instructions
Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to creating the perfect Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish using cooking spray or butter. This ensures your pie won’t stick, and it helps in creating that crispy, golden-brown crust we love.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and finely chopped onion. Cook the mixture until the beef is browned and thoroughly cooked through—about 6-8 minutes. Break apart the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once done, carefully drain off any excess fat to prevent a greasy pie.
Season the beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well, ensuring everything is thoroughly combined, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the flavors meld nicely. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped dill pickles, setting this filling aside to slightly cool.
Transfer the cooked beef mixture evenly into your prepared pie dish. Top it generously with shredded cheddar cheese, spreading the cheese uniformly over the beef. The cheddar cheese will melt deliciously into the meat mixture as the pie bakes, creating that irresistible cheeseburger taste.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, milk, and eggs until smooth and fully combined. It should resemble pancake batter—pourable yet slightly thickened. This mixture creates a biscuit-like topping that turns golden and slightly crispy as it bakes.
Carefully pour this batter evenly over the cheese and beef mixture. Spread gently with a spatula to ensure it covers the filling completely, forming a perfect top crust.
Place the assembled cheeseburger pie into your preheated oven. Bake uncovered for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, fluffy, and cooked through. The top should be puffed slightly and beautifully golden when done.
Remove your cheeseburger pie from the oven and allow it to cool briefly—about 5-10 minutes—before slicing. This helps it set properly, making serving easier and more enjoyable.
Notes
-
For an extra crispy topping, brush lightly with melted butter halfway through baking.
-
To achieve optimal texture, allow your pie to rest briefly after baking before slicing. This prevents filling from spilling out and ensures neat, appetizing servings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Protein: 22 g