Here’s a detailed, step-by-step article on making a Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie. I’ve made it unique and thorough so you could follow it easily for a cozy, flavorful meal.
Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie: A Comfort Food Classic
If you love juicy cheeseburgers but wish they were a little easier to make for dinner night, the Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie is the perfect solution. This dish combines the savory flavors of a cheeseburger—seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and rich sauces—into a baked pie that’s hearty, cheesy, and satisfying. It’s comfort food at its finest, and the best part is, it’s simple enough to make any night of the week.
Ingredients
To make a 9-inch pie, you’ll need:
For the crust:
- 1 ready-made refrigerated pie crust (or homemade if preferred)
For the filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons mustard (yellow or Dijon, your choice)
- 2 tablespoons pickles, finely chopped (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing the crust)
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Make sure the edges are even and gently press them against the sides.
- Prick the bottom lightly with a fork to prevent air bubbles during baking.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and onions are softened (about 6–8 minutes).
- Add the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Combine Cheese and Condiments
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef with cheddar, mozzarella, ketchup, mustard, and pickles if using.
- Make sure everything is evenly distributed. The mixture should be thick but spreadable.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
- Spoon the beef-cheese mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Optionally, add a second pie crust on top or leave it open-faced. If using a top crust, make a few slits to allow steam to escape.
- Brush the edges (and top if using a crust) with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
Step 5: 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.
- For a crispier crust, you can bake for an additional 5 minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Step 6: Serve
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes.
- Slice into wedges and serve with a side of coleslaw, fries, or a fresh green salad for a full Southern-style meal.
Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Pie
- Cheese Choices: Mix cheddar with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra flavor.
- Vegetable Boost: Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for more texture.
- Sauce Variations: Swap ketchup for barbecue sauce for a smoky Southern twist.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the pie and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
This Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie brings the joy of a cheeseburger into a warm, cheesy, and comforting pie. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you just want a homemade twist on an American classic.
If you want, I can also create a crispy, golden-topped version with a cheesy crust layer that makes it even more decadent and Southern-style.
Do you want me to do that?
