The Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie is a delightful fusion of classic cheeseburger flavors in a comforting pie form. This dish combines seasoned ground beef, onions, and cheese, all encased in a buttery pie crust. It’s a perfect family meal, offering the hearty satisfaction of a cheeseburger with the homestyle warmth of a baked pie. Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this pie is both nostalgic and innovative, making it a go-to comfort food that’s easy to prepare and sure to please all ages.

Ingredients

• Ground Beef (1 lb): Forms the hearty base of the pie, providing a rich, meaty flavor.
• Onion (1, diced): Adds a sweet, aromatic depth to the filling.
• Salt (1 tsp): Enhances the flavors of the ingredients.
• Black Pepper (½ tsp): Adds a mild heat and complexity.
• Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Imparts a subtle, savory undertone.
• Ketchup (¼ cup): Adds sweetness and tang, balancing the savory beef.
• Yellow Mustard (1 tbsp): Provides a sharp, tangy contrast.
• Worcestershire Sauce (1 tbsp): Adds umami and richness.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups): Melts into a gooey, creamy layer, delivering classic cheeseburger flavor.
• Pie Crust (1, pre-made or homemade): Encases the filling, providing a flaky, buttery texture.
• Eggs (2, beaten): Helps bind the ingredients together, creating a cohesive filling.

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
2. Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 lb of ground beef until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

   Tip: For extra flavor, add a pinch of salt while browning the beef.
3. Add Onions: Stir in 1 diced onion, cooking until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

   Tip: For a sweeter taste, caramelize the onions by cooking them on low heat for an additional 5-7 minutes.

4. Season the Beef: Mix in 1 tsp of salt, ½ tsp of black pepper, 1 tsp of garlic powder, ¼ cup of ketchup, 1 tbsp of yellow mustard, and 1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until well combined.

   Tip: Adjust the seasoning to taste; add more ketchup or mustard for a sweeter or tangier filling.

5. Prepare Pie Crust: Roll out your pre-made or homemade pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim any excess dough around the edges.

   Tip: For a flakier crust, chill the dough in the pie dish for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
6. Assemble the Pie: Spread the beef mixture evenly in the pie crust. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

   Tip: Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a richer flavor.

7. Add Egg Mixture: Beat 2 eggs in a bowl and pour them evenly over the cheese and beef mixture.

   Tip: Make sure the eggs are well distributed to help bind the ingredients together.

8. Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

   Tip: To avoid a soggy bottom crust, bake the pie on the lower rack of the oven.
9. Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool for about 10 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set.

   Tip: Serve with a side salad or vegetables for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

The Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie is a versatile dish that can be enhanced with a variety of sides and toppings to create a complete and satisfying meal.

Recommended Sides

1. Mixed Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette balances the rich flavors of the pie.
2. Coleslaw: Creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts provide a healthy and flavorful side.
4. French Fries: Classic crispy fries or sweet potato fries complement the cheeseburger theme.

Suggested Toppings

1. Pickles: Add a tangy crunch by serving dill or bread-and-butter pickles on the side.
2. Tomatoes and Lettuce: Fresh tomato slices and lettuce leaves add a light, crisp texture.
3. Hot Sauce: A dash of hot sauce can add a spicy kick for those who enjoy extra heat.
4. Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can provide a creamy contrast.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing Leftovers

1. Refrigeration: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

1. Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning. Heat for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
2. Microwave: For quicker reheating, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a microwave-safe cover. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking for even heating.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie

Bacon Cheeseburger Pie

Description: This variation adds crispy bacon to the traditional cheeseburger pie, enhancing its savory flavor.

How to Add Bacon:

1. Cook 6-8 slices of bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble.
2. After browning the ground beef and onions, mix in the crumbled bacon.
3. Proceed with the rest of the recipe, incorporating the bacon-flavored beef mixture.

Mushroom Swiss Cheeseburger Pie

Description: Incorporates mushrooms and Swiss cheese for a rich and earthy twist.

Steps to Incorporate Mushrooms and Swiss Cheese:

1. Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms in butter until tender.
2. Mix the mushrooms with the cooked ground beef and onions.
3. Replace cheddar cheese with 2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese.
4. Follow the original recipe steps, adding the mushroom mixture and Swiss cheese.

Tex-Mex Cheeseburger Pie

Description: Adds a Tex-Mex flair with taco seasoning and other Mexican-inspired ingredients.

Steps to Add Tex-Mex Ingredients:

1. Mix 1 packet of taco seasoning into the browned ground beef and onions.
2. Stir in 1 cup of canned corn, 1 cup of black beans (rinsed and drained), and 1 diced bell pepper.
3. Replace cheddar cheese with a mix of cheddar and pepper jack cheese.
4. Proceed with the original recipe steps, incorporating the Tex-Mex ingredients.

Vegetarian Cheeseburger Pie

Description: Uses plant-based meat alternatives and additional vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly option.

Steps to Use Plant-Based Alternatives and Vegetables:

1. Substitute 1 lb of ground beef with plant-based ground meat.
2. Sauté 1 cup of diced bell peppers and 1 cup of diced zucchini with the onions.
3. Mix the vegetables with the plant-based meat and proceed with the recipe as usual.
4. Use your preferred cheese or a dairy-free alternative for a fully vegetarian pie.

Buffalo Chicken Cheeseburger Pie

Description: Replaces ground beef with buffalo chicken for a spicy, tangy version.

Steps to Substitute with Buffalo Chicken:

1. Substitute 1 lb of ground beef with 1 lb of ground chicken.
2. Mix in ½ cup of buffalo sauce with the cooked chicken and onions.
3. Replace cheddar cheese with blue cheese crumbles or shredded mozzarella.
4. Follow the original recipe steps, using the buffalo chicken mixture and cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Yes, store-bought pie crust can be used for convenience and works well with this recipe. Just follow the package instructions for preparation.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef. Adjust the seasoning as needed to ensure the pie remains flavorful.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

To prevent a soggy crust, pre-bake the pie crust for 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C) before adding the filling.

Can I freeze the pie?

Yes, the pie can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

What size pie dish should I use?

A standard 9-inch pie dish is ideal for this recipe.

Can I omit the cheese or use a different variety?

Yes, you can omit the cheese or use a different variety, such as mozzarella, Swiss, or a dairy-free alternative.

How do I know when the pie is done baking?

The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly, typically after 25-30 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Yes, adding vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini can enhance the flavor and nutritional value.

What side dishes pair well with the pie?

Side dishes like a mixed green salad, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or French fries complement the pie perfectly.

Conclusion

The Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Pie is a simple yet delicious recipe that combines the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the convenience of a pie. Its straightforward preparation makes it an excellent choice for family dinners or casual gatherings. Experimenting with different variations like bacon, mushroom Swiss, Tex-Mex, vegetarian, or buffalo chicken can add exciting twists to the original dish. Personalize the pie to suit your tastes and enjoy a comforting, hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

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