One-Pan Cheeseburger Pie Dinner — on a rainy October evening my kitchen smelled like caramelized onions and browned beef, and the whole house felt like a warm blanket. This One-Pan Cheeseburger Pie Dinner is a reader favorite because it brings together familiar burger flavors in a cozy, oven-baked pie that’s easy enough for weeknights and special enough for fall gatherings. If you love simple skillet meals, try similar weeknight ideas like our one-pan sausage and potatoes dinner for inspiration.
Why this recipe works
The One-Pan Cheeseburger Pie Dinner balances juicy seasoned beef, melty cheddar, and a tender crust so everyone gets the comfort of a cheeseburger without the mess of assembling sandwiches. It’s a favorite for busy bakers who still want that seasonal, homey feel—think pumpkins on the porch, a steaming mug nearby, and this pie making the house smell like Sunday dinner. The approach is forgiving, which makes it great for beginners.
Ingredients
Below are the ingredients you’ll need to make this One-Pan Cheeseburger Pie Dinner at home:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard (Dijon or yellow)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 refrigerated pie crust or puff pastry sheet
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped pickles or relish (optional)
- 1 tbsp oil or butter for the pan
If you can’t get enough cheese inspiration, check out our 10 best cheesy dinner casseroles for more comforting ideas.
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to assemble your One-Pan Cheeseburger Pie Dinner:
- Preheat and prepare
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or pie dish with oil or butter.
- Cook the filling
- Heat the skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Remove from heat and stir in pickles if using. Let the mixture cool slightly.
- Assemble the pie
- Lay the pie crust or puff pastry over the bottom and up the sides of the skillet, trimming excess if needed.
- Spoon the meat mixture into the crust, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the beef layer.
- Mix the custard and bake
- Whisk together eggs and milk, then pour evenly over the filling.
- Fold any remaining crust edges over the pie or create a lattice if you prefer.
- Bake 25–30 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is set. If the crust browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- Rest and serve
- Let the pie rest 10 minutes before slicing to set up for cleaner pieces.
- Serve warm with a simple green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables.
For more creamy, cozy ideas that pair well with this pie, take a peek at our best creamy dinner recipes collection.
Tips for success
- Use a hot skillet: Preheating the pan helps the crust crisp on the bottom for a better texture.
- Drain excess fat if needed: If your beef renders a lot of fat, spoon some out before filling the crust.
- Don’t overfill: Leave a little room so the egg mixture can set without spilling.
- Even shredding: Freshly shredding cheese melts more evenly than pre-shredded varieties.
- Rest before slicing: Allowing the pie to sit keeps the filling from becoming runny when cut.
Pair this with simple sides from our cozy night dinners page for a complete fall meal.
Possible variations
- Gluten-free: Swap the regular crust for a gluten-free pie crust or press a seasoned gluten-free biscuit dough into the pan to create a tasty base. One easy swap is to make a gluten-free One-Pan Cheeseburger Pie Dinner using a specialty crust and follow the same timing, checking for a golden edge.
- Streusel topping: For a playful savory-sweet autumn twist, try a savory streusel made from panko, melted butter, Parmesan, and herbs sprinkled on top for the last 10 minutes of baking — a fall-friendly crunch on your One-Pan Cheeseburger Pie Dinner.
- Vegetarian: Use a plant-based ground meat substitute, add mushrooms and lentils for heft, and keep the cheese or use a dairy-free option.
- Extra veggies: Stir in cooked diced carrots, peas, or corn for a more casserole-like feel. Or serve it alongside recipes from our delicious family dinner recipes collection for variety.
Storage recommendations
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Leftovers of the One-Pan Cheeseburger Pie Dinner reheat beautifully in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or in a skillet on medium-low heat.
- Freezer: For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze individual slices up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating tip: Cover with foil for oven reheating to prevent over-browning, and add a sprinkle of cheese before serving to refresh the topping.
This One-Pan Cheeseburger Pie Dinner is perfect for weeknights and weekend gatherings alike. Bake yours this weekend and share photos of your One-Pan Cheeseburger Pie Dinner with friends and family — it’s an easy way to bring that warm, seasonal feeling to the table.
Conclusion
If you enjoy quick, comforting pies, you might also like the classic take on this idea found in the Impossibly Easy Cheeseburger Pie Recipe – Allrecipes, which offers another simple method to get cheeseburger flavors into a baked dish.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes — assemble the pie up to the point before baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake from chilled, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Q: What cheese melts best for this pie?
A: Sharp or mild cheddar melts beautifully and gives that classic cheeseburger flavor. You can blend cheddar with Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
Q: How do I prevent a soggy crust?
A: Cook the beef mixture until most moisture evaporates, and avoid overloading with wet toppings. Preheating the pan and baking until the edges are golden helps crisp the crust.
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
A: Yes — ground turkey or chicken work well. Adjust seasoning to taste and ensure they are fully cooked before assembling.
One-Pan Cheeseburger Pie Dinner
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Beef, Comfort Food
Description
A cozy, oven-baked pie that combines juicy seasoned beef, melty cheddar, and a tender crust, bringing together all the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard (Dijon or yellow)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 refrigerated pie crust or puff pastry sheet
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped pickles or relish (optional)
- 1 tbsp oil or butter for the pan
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or pie dish with oil or butter.
- Heat the skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Remove from heat and stir in pickles if using. Let the mixture cool slightly.
- Lay the pie crust or puff pastry over the bottom and up the sides of the skillet, trimming excess if needed.
- Spoon the meat mixture into the crust, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the beef layer.
- Whisk together eggs and milk, then pour evenly over the filling.
- Fold any remaining crust edges over the pie or create a lattice if you prefer.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is set. Cover loosely with foil if the crust browns too quickly.
- Let the pie rest for 10 minutes before slicing to set up for cleaner pieces.
Notes
For a variation, use a gluten-free crust or add extra veggies like carrots or peas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American