One Pan Cheeseburger Pie Dinner

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Juicy, cheesy, and packed with comforting flavors, One Pan Cheeseburger Pie Dinner is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying without the mess. This dish brings together all the goodness of a classic cheeseburger — ground beef, sharp cheddar, onions, and a touch of seasoning — all baked into a golden, fluffy biscuit-like crust. And the best part? It all comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.

With every bite, you get that nostalgic cheeseburger taste wrapped in a cozy, oven-baked pie. It’s a cross between comfort food and a time-saving dinner hack, perfect for families, picky eaters, or anyone who loves hearty food made easy. Whether you serve it with a crisp salad or a pile of fries, this dish is bound to become a repeat favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This One Pan Cheeseburger Pie Dinner

• One-skillet magic: Less mess, more flavor. This recipe is built for convenience without sacrificing taste.
• Ready in under an hour: Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• Customizable: Add bacon, pickles, or your favorite burger toppings inside or on top.
• Family-approved: Even the pickiest eaters will ask for seconds.
• Great for leftovers: Reheats like a dream — if you have any left, that is.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment — and Why They Matter

Making One Pan Cheeseburger Pie Dinner doesn’t require fancy kitchen gear, but using the right tools will make the process smoother and ensure better results:

• Oven-safe Skillet (10 to 12-inch): This is the heart of the recipe. A cast iron or heavy-bottomed oven-safe skillet allows you to brown the beef on the stove and then transfer everything directly into the oven. It evenly distributes heat and helps develop flavor in the beef.
• Mixing Bowl: For preparing the biscuit topping. Choose a medium-sized bowl for easy whisking and pouring.
• Whisk or Fork: Used to mix the topping batter to a smooth consistency.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Essential for breaking up and browning the ground beef evenly.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Precision is key when mixing the biscuit layer and seasoning the meat properly.

Having these tools ready before you begin speeds up the process and prevents unnecessary kitchen scrambling.

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Preparation Tips

• Preheat the Oven Early: Since everything comes together quickly, have your oven hot and ready by the time the skillet portion is done.
• Drain Excess Grease: After browning the beef, make sure to remove most of the fat. Too much grease will make the crust soggy.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir just until combined. Overmixing can make the topping dense instead of light and biscuit-like.
• Add Toppings Before Baking: Want a cheesier finish? Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar on top right before placing it in the oven.

These small steps make a big difference in the final taste and texture of the pie.

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Ingredients for this One Pan Cheeseburger Pie Dinner

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

For the Biscuit Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup buttermilk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Optional Toppings (Before or After Baking):

• Extra shredded cheese
• Diced pickles
• Sesame seeds (sprinkled on top for a “burger bun” effect)
• Chopped fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)

These ingredients come together to recreate a cheeseburger in pie form — warm, savory, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, gather all your ingredients and tools so you’re ready to go.

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Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

Place your oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned — about 6–8 minutes.

Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook for another 2–3 minutes until softened. Then stir in the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well, then remove from heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture.

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Step 3: Make the Biscuit Topping

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Pour in the buttermilk and melted butter, and stir just until combined — don’t overmix.

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Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Pour the biscuit batter over the beef and cheese in the skillet, using a spatula to gently spread it out to the edges. Don’t worry if it doesn’t cover every bit — it will expand while baking.

If you like, sprinkle a bit more cheese or sesame seeds on top for that extra burger vibe.

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Step 5: Bake

Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

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Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the cheeseburger pie rest for about 5 minutes before slicing into it. This helps everything settle and makes slicing easier. Garnish with chopped pickles or herbs if you’d like, then dig in!

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Notes

• Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by combining ¾ cup of milk with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture if you prefer a kick.
• Vegetable Boost: Want to sneak in some veggies? Add finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even grated zucchini to the beef mixture — just cook them down to release moisture first.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using Too Much Fat in the Skillet: If you don’t drain off the beef grease, the pie can turn out greasy and the topping may not bake properly.
• Overbaking: Baking too long can dry out the biscuit topping and make it overly crisp. Keep an eye on it around the 20-minute mark.
• Underseasoning the Beef: This dish leans on classic cheeseburger flavors — salt, mustard, ketchup — so don’t be shy. Taste the beef before topping it to adjust seasoning.
• Skipping the Oven-Safe Skillet: Transferring from a pan to a baking dish creates more dishes and messes with texture. Stick with one pan for best results.
• Spreading the Topping Too Thin: Try to distribute it evenly but without thinning it out too much. You want a nice, fluffy biscuit top.

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What to Serve With One Pan Cheeseburger Pie Dinner?

While this dish stands strong on its own, pairing it with the right sides can turn it into a full-on comfort meal. Here are some ideas to round out your plate:

8 Recommendations

1. Crispy Oven Fries
   Classic pairing — nothing says cheeseburger like a side of fries. Bake them while the pie is in the oven for a no-fry option.
2. Simple Green Salad
   Lighten things up with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. It balances the richness of the pie perfectly.
3. Coleslaw
   Creamy or vinegar-based slaw adds crunch and a cool contrast that complements the warm, cheesy pie.
4. Roasted Vegetables
   Try roasting carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts with a bit of olive oil and seasoning.
5. Pickle Platter
   Serve a variety of pickles — dill spears, sweet gherkins, or spicy chips — for a zesty bite between forkfuls.
6. Macaroni Salad
   A cold, creamy side that adds a nostalgic picnic vibe to the dinner table.
7. Baked Beans
   Slightly sweet and smoky, they’re a comforting side that echoes the backyard burger feel.
8. Corn on the Cob
   Grilled or boiled, corn with butter is a warm, simple side that always works with burger-style meals.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator:
Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container or cover the skillet tightly with foil. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating:
Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or reheat the entire pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes until heated through. To prevent the biscuit topping from drying out, you can cover it loosely with foil while reheating.

Freezing:
Yes, this dish can be frozen! Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: ~430
• Total Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 610mg
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 26g

Note: These are general estimates and can vary based on exact ingredients used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can fully prepare the beef filling and biscuit batter ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, then assemble and bake when ready to eat.

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2. What type of ground beef works best?

An 80/20 blend (80% lean, 20% fat) strikes a great balance between flavor and texture. If using leaner meat, be mindful of dryness — you may want to add a splash of broth or a little extra cheese.

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3. Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the biscuit topping. Just make sure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

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4. How do I know when the pie is done baking?

The biscuit topping should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. The edges may be slightly crispy, which is a good sign!

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5. What cheeses work best?

Sharp cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for extra gooeyness.

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6. Can I add bacon?

Yes! Cook and crumble bacon, then mix it into the beef or sprinkle it on top before baking. It adds a smoky, salty kick that works beautifully.

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7. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

You can double it, but use a large casserole dish or two skillets, as the biscuit topping may not bake evenly if it’s too thick in one pan.

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8. What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

Cook the beef in a regular skillet, then transfer the mixture to a greased 9×9 or 9×13 baking dish, pour the biscuit topping over, and bake as directed.

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Conclusion

One Pan Cheeseburger Pie Dinner delivers the flavor of your favorite burger in the coziest, easiest way possible — all without the need for buns or a grill. It’s a recipe that proves comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With simple ingredients, minimal cleanup, and loads of flavor, this dish is bound to become a regular in your weekly dinner lineup. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked.

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