Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie

Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie is a comforting, savory dish that’ll have your taste buds dancing with joy. This delightful recipe combines the hearty goodness of a classic cheeseburger with the convenience of a pie. Imagine sinking your teeth into a flaky crust encasing tender ground beef, sautéed onions, and a creamy cheese blend—all baked to golden perfection. It’s a dish that evokes the warmth of family gatherings and Sunday dinners, making it a must-try for anyone looking to bring a little Southern charm into their kitchen. With easy step-by-step directions, you’ll be whipping up this delicious meal in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie a standout is its effortless preparation and the smiles it brings to the table. This recipe is not only easy to make, but it’s also family-friendly, ensuring that picky eaters won’t be able to resist a slice. With minimal ingredients required, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the meal. Plus, the bake time is quick, meaning you’ll have a piping hot pie ready to serve in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or as a dish to impress guests at any get-together!

Ingredients for Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie

1 lb lean ground beef: A flavorful base that delivers rich, hearty notes.
1 medium yellow onion, diced: Sweet and aromatic, adding depth to the filling.
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: For that gooey, melty finish you love in a cheeseburger.
1 pre-made pie crust (9-inch): Convenient and flaky, ready to cradle all the deliciousness.
3 large eggs: Binding the ingredients together for a perfect texture.
1 cup whole milk: Creamy and smooth, adding richness to the filling.
2 tbsp ketchup: A classic touch that enhances the beefy flavor.
2 tbsp mustard: For that zesty kick that every cheeseburger deserves.

Step-by-Step Directions for Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensuring your oven is ready will help achieve that perfect bake.
Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned, then drain excess fat. This step adds flavor and keeps your filling from becoming greasy.
Sauté the diced yellow onions in the skillet with the beef until translucent. This step infuses the beef with a sweet, savory taste from the onions.
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until frothy. This mixture will create a custard-like filling that binds your ingredients beautifully.
Spread the beef-onion mixture in the pre-made pie crust, then pour the egg mixture over it. Make sure it’s evenly distributed for a balanced flavor in every slice.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. The cheese will melt and create a gorgeous, gooey layer that completes the pie.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is puffed. Watch as the aroma fills your kitchen, building anticipation for the feast to come.
Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This brief cooling period helps set the filling so each slice stays intact when you serve.

Tips & Tricks for Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie

To make your Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie even better, consider these chef secrets and optional extras:

Spice it up: Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for an extra kick.
Herbs and spices: Incorporate some dried oregano, garlic powder, or thyme in the beef mixture for added depth of flavor.
Make it lower in calories: Swap out the whole milk for skim milk and the cheese for a lower-fat version. You won’t sacrifice much flavor!
Extra toppings: Feel free to serve the pie with fresh toppings like chopped tomatoes or shredded lettuce to give it that fresh-off-the-grill feel.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with various sides. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or classic coleslaw for a refreshing crunch. For a more indulgent experience, fried pickles and sweet potato fries are fantastic accompaniments. Don’t forget some ketchup or a zesty BBQ sauce on the side for dipping!

Nutritional Information for Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie

Each serving of Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie is approximately 350 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used. It is a great source of protein from the ground beef and eggs, along with calcium from the cheese and milk. While it’s definitely an indulgent treat, enjoy it in moderation. Consider pairing with a side of vegetables to balance the meal!

Storing Tips & Variations for Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie

Leftover Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie can be conveniently stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, simply place in the microwave or warm it in an oven until heated through. For longer preservation, this pie can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just wrap it tightly and store in an airtight container.

If you want variations to mix things up, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. You can also add different cheeses, like pepper jack for a spicy twist, or incorporate veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms for an added healthy touch.

Conclusion for Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie

There’s no reason to wait to bring the comforting flavors of Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie into your kitchen. This recipe is not only quick and easy but also delivers a dish that is satisfying for the whole family. So grab your ingredients, follow the step-by-step directions, and get ready to delight in a warm, cheesy slice of Southern goodness today!

FAQs

1. Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of a pre-made one?
Absolutely! A homemade pie crust can add a wonderful touch to your Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie, enhancing its flavor and texture.

2. What can I substitute for the ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner alternative. You could also use a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian option.

3. How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The pie is done when the edges are golden brown, and the center is puffed up. You can also insert a knife in the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready!

4. Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes! Feel free to incorporate diced bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms to elevate the nutritional value and flavor profile of your pie.

5. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat leftovers in the microwave for quick warming or place slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore the crust’s flaky texture.