There's a reason certain recipes stand the test of time, and this Old-Fashioned Cheeseburger Pie is a true vintage gem. Often called the "Impossible Pie" because of how the crust magically forms while it bakes, this recipe is a throwback to simpler times and budget-friendly kitchen wins. It's made with basic pantry staples like flour, milk, and eggs, resulting in a fluffy, biscuit-like topping that hugs a seasoned beef interior. If you're looking for a cozy, nostalgic meal that tastes like home, this is the recipe you've been searching for.

This dish uses lean ground beef with ground beef and cheddar filling, Bisquick mix (or flour), milk, and eggs for the impossibly easy version and Bisquick self-crusting pie method. Whether you're making it with pie crust, without Bisquick, keto-friendly, carnivore-style, with Bisquick, or with Pillsbury pie crust, this classic cheeseburger flavors dish delivers Worcestershire ketchup mustard seasoning and toppings (lettuce, tomato, pickles) every time.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Cheeseburger Pie
- Ingredients for Cheeseburger Pie
- How to Make Cheeseburger Pie
- My Top Tips for Perfect Cheeseburger Pie
- Little Moments in the Kitchen
- Substitutions for Cheeseburger Pie
- Variations on Cheeseburger Pie
- Equipment for Making Cheeseburger Pie
- Storage Tips for Cheeseburger Pie
- Adam's Tip for Cheeseburger Pie
- FAQ About Cheeseburger Pie
- Conclusion
- Related
- Pairing
- recipe
Why You'll Love This Cheeseburger Pie
- Ready in 45 minutes. From start to finish, this impossibly easy version is on the table in less than an hour with minimal prep work.
- One-dish wonder. Everything bakes together in one pie dish, making cleanup a breeze for this Bisquick self-crusting pie.
- Kid-approved comfort food. The classic cheeseburger flavors make this a hit with the whole family, even picky eaters.
Ingredients for Cheeseburger Pie
This simple ingredient list creates the ultimate nostalgic dinner.
What You'll Need

For the Filling:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
For the Self-Crusting Batter:
- ½ cup Bisquick baking mix (or all-purpose flour for a without Bisquick version)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
For Serving (Optional Toppings):
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced pickles
- Extra ketchup and mustard
- Sour cream
Why These Ingredients Matter
Lean ground beef creates the perfect filling. Using 90/10 or 85/15 ground beef gives you the classic cheeseburger flavors without excess grease in your ground beef and cheddar filling.
Bisquick makes it impossibly easy. The Bisquick self-crusting pie method means you don't need to make or buy a separate crust; the batter settles to the bottom and creates its own crust as it bakes.
Worcestershire ketchup mustard seasoning brings authentic burger taste. These three simple seasonings recreate the classic cheeseburger flavors we all love.
How to Make Cheeseburger Pie
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Brown the beef and onions. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the lean ground beef and chopped onions for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the filling. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the classic cheeseburger flavors. Remove from heat.
- Spread in pie dish. Transfer the seasoned beef mixture to the greased pie dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Add the cheese. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture for the ground beef and cheddar filling.
- Make the batter. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Bisquick mix (or flour), milk, and eggs until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Pour over filling. Slowly pour the batter over the beef and cheese in the pie dish. The batter will settle around and under the filling as it bakes, creating the Bisquick self-crusting pie effect.
- Bake. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve. Let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with toppings (lettuce, tomato, pickles) and extra ketchup and mustard if desired.
Quick Tip: Don't skip draining the beef! Excess grease will make the crust soggy.
My Top Tips for Perfect Cheeseburger Pie
- Use room temperature ingredients. Room temperature milk and eggs mix more easily and create a smoother batter for the Bisquick self-crusting pie.
- Don't overmix the batter. Whisk just until combined to keep the crust tender. Overmixing can make it tough.
- Let it rest before slicing. Allow the impossibly easy version to cool for 5 minutes so the filling sets and slices cleanly.
- Customize the toppings. Serve with classic toppings (lettuce, tomato, pickles) to make it feel like a real burger.
Little Moments in the Kitchen
The first time I made this recipe, Adam watched me pour the batter over the beef and asked, "Mom, where's the pie crust?" I explained that the Bisquick mix creates its own crust as it bakes, which is why it's called an "impossible pie." When dinner was ready, he took a big bite and said, "This tastes just like a cheeseburger, but in pie form! Can I put pickles on top like a real burger?"
Grandma Viola smiled and said, "You know, we used to make these kinds of pies all the time when I was raising your mother. They're quick, filling, and you can use whatever you have in the pantry. The secret is making sure your beef is well-seasoned. Don't be shy with the Worcestershire sauce!"
If you love easy weeknight dinners, try our Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes. It's another family favorite.
Substitutions for Cheeseburger Pie
- Ground beef: Swap with ground turkey, ground chicken, or plant-based ground meat for the lean ground beef.
- Bisquick mix: Use all-purpose flour (same amount) for a without Bisquick version, or try almond flour for a keto version.
- Cheddar cheese: Use any cheese you like, such as American, Swiss, or pepper jack in the ground beef and cheddar filling.
- Milk: Substitute with unsweetened almond milk or heavy cream depending on dietary needs.
Variations on Cheeseburger Pie
- Cheeseburger Pie with Pie Crust (Double-Crust Version): Use a store-bought or homemade pie crust on the bottom and top for a puff pastry double-crust version.
- Cheeseburger Pie Without Bisquick (Flour-Based): Replace Bisquick with ½ cup all-purpose flour and add ½ teaspoon baking powder for a without Bisquick version.
- Cheeseburger Pie Keto (Low-Carb): Use almond flour instead of Bisquick and add extra cheese for a keto version that's low in carbs.
- Cheeseburger Pie Carnivore (Meat-Only): Skip the Bisquick batter entirely and use only beef, cheese, and eggs for a carnivore version.
- Cheeseburger Pie with Pillsbury Pie Crust (Easy Shortcut): Line the pie dish with a Pillsbury pie crust before adding the filling for an extra-flaky version.
If you're craving more comfort food, check out our Chicken Casserole. It's another family favorite.
Equipment for Making Cheeseburger Pie
- 9-inch pie dish: Essential for the impossibly easy version and Bisquick self-crusting pie method.
- Large skillet: For browning the lean ground beef and onions for the ground beef and cheddar filling.
- Mixing bowl and whisk: For combining the Bisquick mix (or flour), milk, and eggs into a smooth batter.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For breaking up the beef and stirring in the Worcestershire ketchup mustard seasoning.
Storage Tips for Cheeseburger Pie
- Refrigerator: Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating tip: Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes to crisp up the crust, or microwave for 1 to 2 minutes for a quick meal.
- Make-ahead tip: You can prepare the ground beef and cheddar filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add to the pie dish, pour the batter over, and bake as directed.
For more easy dinners, try our Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich. Another quick weeknight winner.
Adam's Tip for Cheeseburger Pie
"Put pickles on top after it comes out of the oven! They add a crunchy, tangy bite just like a real cheeseburger. And don't forget the ketchup and mustard!"
FAQ About Cheeseburger Pie
What is a cheeseburger pie?
It's a savory one-dish meal that combines all the classic cheeseburger flavors (ground beef, onions, cheese, ketchup, mustard) baked in a pie format. The impossibly easy version uses the Bisquick self-crusting pie method where you whisk together the Bisquick mix (or flour), milk, and eggs until combined, then pour the batter over the ground beef and cheddar filling. As it bakes, the batter settles to the bottom and forms its own crust, making it incredibly simple. There's also an egg-based version that sits within a shortcrust, not unlike a quiche or frittata, or you can make it with a puff pastry double-crust for a more traditional pie. You can customize it with Worcestershire ketchup mustard seasoning and serve with toppings (lettuce, tomato, pickles).
What sides go with cheeseburger pie?
Classic sides that pair perfectly include french fries, sweet potato fries, tater tots, coleslaw, green salad, or roasted vegetables. For a true burger experience, serve with toppings (lettuce, tomato, pickles) on the side along with extra ketchup and mustard for dipping. You can also serve it with potato salad, corn on the cob, or onion rings. The impossibly easy version is hearty enough to stand alone, but these sides complement the classic cheeseburger flavors beautifully. For a lighter option, a simple garden salad with ranch dressing works great. Kids love serving it with chips or fruit, making this Bisquick self-crusting pie meal incredibly versatile for any weeknight dinner.
What is the best cheese to put on a cheeseburger?
The best cheese for classic cheeseburger flavors is sharp cheddar, which is what we use in this ground beef and cheddar filling. Cheddar melts beautifully and has a bold flavor that stands up to the beef. However, American cheese is also a classic choice for its creamy, melty texture. Other great options include Swiss cheese for a nutty flavor, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or Monterey Jack for a mild, creamy option. For the impossibly easy version and Bisquick self-crusting pie, sharp cheddar works best because it provides strong flavor and melts evenly throughout the filling. You can also use a combination of cheeses for extra depth, such as cheddar and American together.
What are the ingredients for a cheeseburger?
A classic cheeseburger includes lean ground beef, cheese (usually cheddar or American), a bun, and toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, and mustard. For this impossibly easy version, we incorporate all these classic cheeseburger flavors into the ground beef and cheddar filling by using ground beef, onions, cheddar cheese, and Worcestershire ketchup mustard seasoning. The Bisquick self-crusting pie method replaces the bun by creating a crust from the batter as it bakes. You can serve the finished dish with traditional toppings (lettuce, tomato, pickles) on top or on the side to complete the burger experience. This recipe captures everything you love about a cheeseburger in one easy, satisfying dish.
For another delicious ground beef recipe, check out this Impossibly Easy Cheeseburger Pie from Allrecipes.
Conclusion
One bite of this classic dish and you'll understand why it's been a staple at potlucks and family tables for decades. It's affordable, comforting, and incredibly easy to scale up if you're feeding a crowd. The beauty is in the simplicity, but don't be afraid to make it your own by adding some crispy bacon bits or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat. Before you go, hit that "Save" button so you always have this nostalgic favorite on hand for your next rainy day!
This recipe is a family favorite whether you make it classic-style, with a pie crust, without Bisquick, keto-friendly, or carnivore-style. The ground beef and cheddar filling with classic cheeseburger flavors makes this weeknight dinner absolutely delicious. Please leave a 5-star rating below if this becomes your new favorite! For more easy dinners, try our Chicken Legs or Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini. Happy cooking!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Cheeseburger Pie:
recipe

Easy Old Fashioned Cheeseburger Pie
Equipment
- 9-inch pie dish Lightly grease to prevent sticking
- Large Skillet For browning the beef evenly
- Mixing Bowl Used for the self-crusting batter
- Whisk Helps keep the batter smooth
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef 85/15 or 90/10 works best
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese sharp cheddar adds the best flavor
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup Bisquick baking mix or all-purpose flour plus baking powder
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly into the prepared pie dish and sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Bisquick baking mix, milk, and eggs until smooth.
- Pour the batter evenly over the beef and cheese. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden and set. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
You can swap ground beef for turkey if you prefer something lighter.
For a no Bisquick version, use all purpose flour plus half teaspoon baking powder.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully.
We love serving this with a simple salad or adding pickles and ketchup on top to make it feel like a real cheeseburger night.













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