Introduction

Sink into the ultimate comfort with this Hamburger Pie Comfort Bake—a warm, savory dish that combines seasoned ground beef, caramelized onions, and gooey cheddar cheese, all topped with a light, egg-based crust that rises golden and crisp. It’s a nostalgic, budget-friendly dinner that’s both simple and satisfying—perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family gatherings.

A close-up of a single slice of meat pie on a white plate, showing three clear layers: at the bottom, a light golden, flaky pastry crust; in the middle, a thick layer of finely ground cooked meat, brown and crumbly in texture; and on top, a rich, glossy, golden-brown baked cheese layer that looks melted and slightly bubbly, with some cheese oozing slightly over the meat. The edge of the pie crust is thick and crimped, golden in color with a crunchy texture. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
½ cup all-purpose flour
Cooking spray or butter for greasing

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Season the meat mixture with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared pie dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef.
Step 5: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and flour until smooth. Pour the batter evenly over the beef and cheese layers.
Step 6: Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Step 7: Let the pie cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing to help the layers hold together for cleaner servings.

Tips & Variations

Swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella or pepper jack to change the flavor and meltiness.
Add paprika, Italian herbs, or hot sauce to the beef for extra seasoning.
Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
For a low-carb version, substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour and unsweetened almond milk for regular milk.
Include finely diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to boost nutrition and texture.

Storage

Store leftover hamburger pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap the whole pie or individual slices tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 15–20 minutes, or microwave slices at 50% power to avoid drying out.

How to Serve

A close-up of a slice of meat pie on a white plate, showing three layers: the bottom layer is a golden-brown pastry crust with a flaky texture, the middle layer is a thick filling of cooked ground beef with a rich brown color, and the top layer is a bubbly, melted cheese crust with a deep golden color and slightly crispy texture. The edges of the pie crust are crimped and browned to a perfect crisp, creating a warm, inviting look. The photo is taken on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What’s the difference between cheeseburger pie and hamburger pie?

Cheeseburger pie usually features a biscuit or puff pastry crust and often includes extra burger toppings like pickles or ketchup, mimicking a cheeseburger experience. Hamburger pie has a simpler egg-based batter topping poured over beef and cheese, resulting in a custardy, golden-brown top without extra toppings.

Can I make hamburger pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef and cheese layers in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the egg-milk-flour batter just before baking to ensure the crust sets properly.

How do I prevent a soggy hamburger pie?

Drain excess fat from the cooked beef before layering. Toss the beef with a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to absorb moisture, and bake until the top is deeply golden and the center is fully set.

Can I freeze leftover hamburger pie?

Yes. Cool the pie completely, slice, and wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to two months. Reheat slices in the oven until warmed through for best texture.

Is hamburger pie kid-friendly?

Absolutely. Its familiar cheesy, meaty flavors appeal to children. You can sneak in extra vegetables like finely chopped carrots or spinach to add nutrition without altering the taste.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in hamburger pie?

Yes, ground turkey is a great leaner substitute. Add extra seasoning like garlic or onion powder, and a bit of oil or butter to keep the filling moist and flavorful.