If you have been searching for a simple yet satisfying dish that brings comfort with every bite, this Easy Hamburger Pie Recipe is just what you need. Packed with juicy seasoned beef, tangy pickles, gooey cheddar cheese, and a flaky pie crust, it combines familiar flavors into a warm, inviting pie that feels like a hug from the inside out. It’s not only incredibly straightforward to prepare but also perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings when you want something hearty and delicious without fussing over complicated techniques.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Easy Hamburger Pie Recipe are straightforward but important, each lending a distinct flavor or texture that makes this pie a true crowd-pleaser. From the savory beef to the sharp cheddar and tangy pickles, every component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of taste, color, and comfort.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides the hearty, meaty base for this savory pie.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed until translucent.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to give a rich, creamy texture and vibrant color.
- 2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade): Create a flaky, buttery shell that holds all the delicious fillings together.
- 1/4 cup ketchup: Adds tangy moisture and a hint of tomato sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons mustard: Brings a subtle bite and brightness to the beef mixture.
- 1/2 cup chopped pickles: Infuse the pie with a crunchy, vinegary zing that cuts through the richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to elevate and balance all the flavors.
How to Make Easy Hamburger Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is key—it ensures your pie crust will bake evenly and get beautifully golden by the time the filling is bubbling inside. This simple step sets the stage for those perfect textures we all love.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions
Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the lean ground beef. Cook it until it’s thoroughly browned, then drain any excess fat. Toss in your diced onions and sauté just until they become translucent, releasing their natural sweetness to meld with the savory beef. This blend creates the flavor foundation that carries the whole dish.
Step 3: Combine the Flavorful Mix-Ins
Once the beef and onions are perfectly cooked, stir in the ketchup, mustard, chopped pickles, salt, and pepper. These additions bring a wonderful tang and depth, turning ordinary ground beef into a filling that’s anything but boring. Mix everything thoroughly so each bite is bursting with complex, satisfying taste.
Step 4: Assemble Your Pie
Roll out one of your pie crusts into your pie dish—it should fit nicely, creating the base for your savory filling. Pour in the beef mixture evenly, then generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. This layer of cheese melts down into gooey goodness as it bakes. Carefully cover the filling with the second pie crust, sealing the edges to keep all that deliciousness locked in.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Before popping your pie in the oven, cut a few small slits into the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking. Place the pie on the middle rack and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and flaky. When you pull it out, let it cool for just a few minutes—this helps the filling set slightly, making slicing easier and tidier.
How to Serve Easy Hamburger Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your presentation by garnishing with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives. These bright green flecks add a pop of color and a fresh, mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the pie beautifully. A dollop of sour cream or a few pickle slices on the side can also add a creamy or tangy contrast.
Side Dishes
This Easy Hamburger Pie Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides. Consider a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables like broccoli or green beans to balance out the meal. For those craving extra comfort, mashed potatoes or baked beans make excellent companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress your guests? Slice the pie into individual servings and plate each piece with a drizzle of barbecue sauce or a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese on top. Alternatively, serve it family-style with rustic bread on the side, inviting everyone to dig in together for a cozy, shared meal experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Easy Hamburger Pie Recipe, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a quick and satisfying next-day meal or snack without any extra cooking.
Freezing
This pie freezes beautifully! To freeze, assemble the pie but don’t bake it yet. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking as usual, adjusting the baking time if needed.
Reheating
Reheat slices of your hamburger pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes to restore that fresh-baked crispiness. Alternatively, microwave reheating is fine for a quicker option, though the crust won’t stay quite as flaky. Either way, leftovers taste just as comforting as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! A homemade pie crust can add extra flavor and texture, elevating your Easy Hamburger Pie Recipe to a new level of deliciousness. Just be sure to roll it out evenly so it bakes properly alongside the filling.
What type of cheese works best besides cheddar?
While cheddar is classic for its meltiness and sharp flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella for a mild, gooey filling or Monterey Jack for a slightly creamier result. Mixing cheeses can add even more complexity.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
You certainly can! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even corn are great options that add color, texture, and nutrition. Just sauté any additional veggies along with the onions to ensure they’re tender before mixing into the beef.
Is it okay to use regular ground beef instead of lean?
Yes, but keep in mind that regular ground beef has a higher fat content, which might make the pie a bit greasier. Be sure to drain excess fat thoroughly after browning to avoid a soggy crust.
How do I prevent the bottom crust from getting soggy?
To avoid a soggy crust, make sure to drain excess fat and moisture from your beef mixture before assembling the pie. Also, preheating your oven allows the bottom crust to start crisping quickly as the pie bakes.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Hamburger Pie Recipe is truly a hidden gem that brings together familiar flavors in a comforting, nostalgic way. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers when you want something both easy and incredibly satisfying. Once you try it, this pie will likely become a go-to favorite in your kitchen — trust me, there’s nothing quite like a warm slice of homemade comfort food to brighten your day!
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Easy Hamburger Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Hamburger Pie is a comforting, savory dish featuring seasoned ground beef and cheddar cheese encased in a flaky pie crust. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines simple ingredients with straightforward preparation to deliver a hearty meal that’s both delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 1/2 cup chopped pickles
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pie Assembly
- 2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for even baking.
- Cook Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat, then add the diced onion and sauté until translucent and tender.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir in the ketchup, mustard, chopped pickles, salt, and pepper until the beef mixture is evenly combined and flavorful.
- Assemble Pie: Roll out one pie crust and place it in a pie dish. Pour the beef mixture into the crust, then evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top before covering with the second pie crust.
- Prepare for Baking: Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking, preventing a soggy crust.
- Bake: Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving to allow the filling to set.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding garlic or Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture.
- You can use store-bought or homemade pie crust depending on your preference.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the beef to avoid a greasy pie.
- Letting the pie cool slightly before cutting helps prevent the filling from spilling out.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
