Name: Cheeseburger Pie Pioneer Woman: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes; 1/4 cup cold shortening, cut into cubes; 5-7 tablespoons ice water; 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cheddar cheese soup; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Cheeseburger Pie Pioneer Woman: Get ready to ditch the buns and grab a fork! This isn't your average weeknight dinner; it's a flavor explosion that takes all the best parts of a classic cheeseburger and bakes them into a comforting, crowd-pleasing pie. Imagine sinking your teeth into a flaky, golden crust filled with seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and all your favorite burger toppings. Sounds delicious, right?

While the exact origins of Cheeseburger Pie are a bit hazy, its popularity likely stems from the American love affair with the cheeseburger itself. The cheeseburger, a relatively modern invention, quickly became a symbol of American comfort food. This pie adaptation takes that iconic flavor profile and transforms it into a shareable, family-friendly meal.

What's not to love? People adore this dish because it's incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor payoff. The combination of savory beef, creamy cheese, and a buttery crust is simply irresistible. Plus, it's endlessly customizable! Add your favorite burger toppings like pickles, onions, or tomatoes to create a Cheeseburger Pie that's uniquely yours. So, preheat your oven and let's get baking!

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1/4 cup cold shortening, cut into cubes
5-7 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Optional toppings: chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, dill pickle slices, sesame seeds

Preparing the Crust:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures the salt is evenly distributed throughout the crust, which is crucial for flavor.
Add the cold butter and shortening to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter and shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to keep the butter and shortening cold. If they get too warm, the crust will be tough. I like to even chill the bowl and flour beforehand for extra insurance!
Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Continue adding water until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which will also result in a tough crust. You want a tender, flaky crust, so handle the dough as little as possible.
Form the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, making the dough easier to roll out. You can even refrigerate it for longer, up to a couple of hours, if you need to prepare it in advance.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. The dough should be thin enough to easily fit into your pie plate, but not so thin that it tears easily. If the dough starts to stick to the surface, add a little more flour.
Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Gently press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pie plate. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to create a decorative border. You can use a fork to crimp the edges, or you can use your fingers to create a more elaborate design.
Prick the bottom of the crust several times with a fork. This will prevent the crust from puffing up during baking.
Pre-bake the crust. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. This will help the crust maintain its shape during baking. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
Remove the parchment paper and pie weights and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on it during this second bake to prevent burning.
Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Preparing the Filling:

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. The onion will add a nice sweetness and depth of flavor to the filling.
Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy pie!
Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. These simple seasonings really enhance the flavor of the beef and onion mixture.
Add the ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. These ingredients add a tangy, savory flavor that is reminiscent of a classic cheeseburger.
Stir in the condensed cheddar cheese soup. This is the secret ingredient that makes the filling creamy and cheesy.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Reserve the remaining 1/4 cup for topping the pie.

Assembling and Baking the Pie:

Pour the beef mixture into the pre-baked pie crust. Spread it evenly over the bottom of the crust.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the filling.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The filling should be heated through and the cheese should be nicely browned.
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This will allow the filling to set up a bit and prevent it from being too runny.

Serving Suggestions:

This cheeseburger pie is delicious served warm or at room temperature. You can top it with your favorite cheeseburger toppings, such as chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, dill pickle slices, and sesame seeds. I personally love adding a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of ranch dressing for extra flavor. It's also great served with a side of french fries or onion rings for a complete meal. This pie is always a crowd-pleaser, and it's perfect for potlucks, parties, or a casual weeknight dinner. Enjoy!

Tips for Success:

Keep the ingredients cold: Especially when making the crust, cold ingredients are key to a flaky and tender result.
Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough crust. Handle the dough gently.
Pre-bake the crust: This prevents a soggy bottom crust. Use pie weights or dried beans to maintain its shape.
Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to add more or less of the seasonings to suit your preferences.
Get creative with toppings: Customize the pie with your favorite cheeseburger toppings.

Variations:

Add bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky and savory flavor.
Use different cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Swiss.
Add vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or jalapeños can add extra flavor and texture.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
Use a different crust: Try using a store-bought pie crust or a crescent roll crust for a quicker and easier option.

Storage:

Leftover cheeseburger pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Conclusion:

Okay, friends, let's be honest – you've scrolled this far because something about this Cheeseburger Pie Pioneer Woman recipe grabbed your attention, right? And I'm here to tell you, it's for good reason! This isn't just another weeknight dinner; it's a flavor explosion that's ridiculously easy to throw together and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. Think about it: all the comforting goodness of a juicy cheeseburger, baked into a warm, satisfying pie. What's not to love?

This recipe is a must-try because it's the ultimate comfort food mashup. It's quick, it's simple, and it's packed with flavor. Forget slaving over a hot grill; this pie delivers all the cheeseburger satisfaction with minimal effort. Plus, it's incredibly versatile! Want to kick things up a notch? Add some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick, or mix in some crumbled bacon for extra smoky flavor. For a healthier twist, use lean ground beef or even ground turkey. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

This Cheeseburger Pie Pioneer Woman recipe is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ideas to take it to the next level:

Serve it with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added tanginess.
Top it with your favorite cheeseburger toppings, like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickles, and onions.
Add a drizzle of ketchup, mustard, or your favorite burger sauce.
For a complete meal, serve it with a side of crispy french fries or a fresh green salad.
Consider making mini cheeseburger pies in muffin tins for a fun and portable appetizer.
Experiment with different cheeses! Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a blend of cheeses would be delicious.
If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a layer of caramelized onions to the bottom of the pie crust for a sweet and savory twist.

I truly believe this Cheeseburger Pie Pioneer Woman recipe will become a family favorite. It's the perfect solution for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you're craving a comforting and satisfying meal. It's also a great way to use up leftover ground beef or hamburger buns. Trust me, once you try it, you'll be hooked!

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a slice of cheeseburger heaven. I'm confident you'll love this recipe as much as I do. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments below – I can't wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy baking!

Don't forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends and family. Let's spread the cheeseburger pie love!