If you’ve ever wished for a comfort food that combines all the nostalgic flavors of a cheeseburger in one cozy dish, let me introduce you to a game changer: the Cheeseburger Pie Recipe. This recipe marries crispy hash browns, hearty ground beef, melty sharp cheddar, and a subtle hint of butternut squash for an unexpected twist. It’s an all-in-one meal that’s endlessly satisfying and surprisingly easy to make, perfect for warming up a busy weeknight or impressing friends at your next dinner gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cheeseburger Pie Recipe plays a starring role, bringing together distinct textures and flavors that create harmony in every bite. The combination of simple pantry staples and fresh elements makes this dish as approachable as it is delicious.
- 16-ounce bag shredded hash browns: The crisp, golden crust base that holds everything together with a delightful crunch.
- 1 tablespoon oil: Helps to crisp up those hash browns perfectly without sticking.
- 2 teaspoons salt, divided: Enhances the natural flavors throughout the pie and balances the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a subtle hint of heat and depth to the base seasoning.
- 1/2 cup milk: Keeps the hash brown crust tender and moist as it bakes.
- 1 cup (5 ounces) finely diced butternut squash: A sweet, buttery note that adds color and a gentle earthiness to the filling.
- 1-1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, divided: Infuses a warm, savory flavor reaching every element of the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides an additional layer of spice to the filling mixture.
- 3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into the beef for that rich, gooey cheeseburger essence everyone loves.
- 1 lb. ground beef: The hearty protein that brings this recipe its signature “burger” taste.
- 1 medium onion, very finely diced: Adds a sweet, savory crunch that amplifies the beef’s flavor.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Offers tangy sweetness, mirroring the classic cheeseburger condiments.
- 1 tablespoon mustard: Lends a zesty kick that brightens the entire filling.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Thickens the beef broth for a luscious, gravy-like texture inside the pie.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: Keeps the filling moist and deeply flavorful without being too heavy.
How to Make Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Hash Brown Crust
Start by preheating your oven and heating the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the shredded hash browns along with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and the black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the hash browns begin to crisp and develop a lovely golden color. Once ready, gently press this mixture into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a pie dish to create a sturdy crust that will hold all the filling.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
In a separate pan, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with the remaining salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Once the beef begins to brown, add the finely diced onion and butternut squash, cooking until softened and fragrant. Stir in ketchup, mustard, and cornstarch, mixing thoroughly. Pour in the beef broth and let everything simmer until the mixture thickens beautifully, soaking in all those rich flavors.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Pour the beef mixture over your crispy hash brown crust, then sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese generously over the top. This cheese layer will melt into an irresistible blanket of gooey goodness during baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your assembled pie into a preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden. Once out of the oven, allow the pie to rest for a few minutes to set, making it easier to cut and serve.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this pie is how well it pairs with classic cheeseburger toppings as garnishes. Think fresh dill pickles, diced tomatoes, or even a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. Sprinkle some chopped green onions or a handful of fresh parsley to add a pop of color and freshness to each serving.
Side Dishes
While this Cheeseburger Pie Recipe is a meal in itself, pairing it with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables can lighten the plate. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness perfectly, or go for baked sweet potato fries that echo the comforting vibe while adding a different texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins for a personal touch, or use biscuit dough to create a flaky crust instead of hash browns. You can also drizzle a little homemade burger sauce on top or swirl in some pickled jalapeños for that exciting zing that cheeseburger lovers crave.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Cheeseburger Pie Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld wonderfully overnight, making leftovers just as tasty as freshly baked.
Freezing
This pie freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then place it in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat the pie in a 350°F oven until warmed through, which usually takes around 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the crust crispy and the cheese delectably melted.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh, grate your potatoes and squeeze out excess moisture before cooking. This method takes a bit more prep but gives you control over freshness and texture.
Is it okay to substitute ground turkey for ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well if you want a leaner option. Just be mindful it cooks faster and may need a bit more seasoning to boost flavor.
What can I use if I don’t have butternut squash?
Sweet potatoes or pumpkin can be excellent substitutes, offering similar sweetness and color. They also help keep the filling moist and add great nutritional value.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based crumble or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian cheeseburger pie.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Cheeseburger Pie Recipe is mild by nature, focusing on savory and tangy flavors rather than heat. You can always add chili flakes or hot sauce to the filling if you love a little kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about the comfort and creativity wrapped up in this Cheeseburger Pie Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that invites smiles, second helpings, and plenty of compliments. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving a fun twist on a classic favorite, this recipe is destined to become one of your go-to meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
Print
Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheeseburger Pie combines all the delicious flavors of a classic cheeseburger layered into a savory pie with a crispy hash brown crust. With a flavorful ground beef filling mixed with sharp cheddar, ketchup, mustard, and diced butternut squash for added texture, this hearty dish makes a comforting meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Crust
- 16-ounce bag shredded hash browns, frozen
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Filling
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 medium onion, very finely diced
- 1 cup (5 ounces) finely diced butternut squash
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt, divided
- 1–1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
- 3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a mixing bowl, toss the frozen shredded hash browns with 1 tablespoon of oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Press the seasoned hash browns evenly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust.
- Bake the crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the crust is set. This helps to crisp up the base before adding the filling.
- Cook the beef filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, finely diced onion, and butternut squash until the beef is browned and fully cooked and the vegetables have softened, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the filling: Stir in 1 teaspoon salt, 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, ketchup, mustard, and sprinkle the cornstarch over the mixture. Mix well to combine and cook for another 2 minutes. Add the beef broth, stir, and simmer until the mixture thickens slightly, roughly 3-5 minutes.
- Add cheese and milk: Lower the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of milk until the cheese is melted and the filling is creamy.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the cooked beef and cheese mixture over the baked hash brown crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the assembled pie: Return the pie to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the filling is bubbly and the top is starting to brown.
- Cool and serve: Remove the cheeseburger pie from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This rest time helps the pie set for easier serving.
Notes
- You can substitute butternut squash with finely diced carrots or leave it out if preferred.
- For a crispier crust, bake hash browns longer before adding filling if desired.
- This pie keeps well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator and reheats well in the oven or microwave.
- Add pickles or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the filling for extra cheeseburger flavor.
