The Ultimate Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie: Comfort Food at Its Best

Looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner that combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the heartiness of a pie? This Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie is about to become your new go-to recipe. Passed down from my nana and perfected over the years, this dish transforms simple ingredients into pure comfort food magic. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids after school or hosting a casual dinner party, this Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie delivers big on taste while keeping prep time minimal. Get ready to fall in love with this easy, budget-friendly meal!

Why You’ll Love This Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie

There’s something irresistible about combining two American classics (cheeseburgers and pie) into one incredible dish. This Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie features savory ground beef seasoned to perfection, layers of gooey melted cheese, and a golden, flaky crust that pulls everything together. What makes it truly special is how effortlessly it comes together, taking less than an hour from start to finish. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Serve it for dinner, pack it for lunch, or bring it to your next potluck. One bite and you’ll understand why families across the South have been making versions of this recipe for generations!

What You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef (the foundation of your cheeseburger pie)

1 refrigerated pie crust or homemade (creates that perfect flaky base)

1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar gives the best flavor)

½ cup mayonnaise (adds richness and helps bind the filling)

½ cup milk (creates a creamy texture throughout)

2 large eggs (essential for structure)

1 large onion, finely chopped (adds sweet, savory depth)

2 tablespoons butter (for sautéing aromatics)

1 tablespoon yellow mustard (classic cheeseburger flavor)

1 tablespoon ketchup (a hint of sweetness and tang)

Seasonings

1 teaspoon garlic powder (enhances the savory notes)

1 teaspoon onion powder (doubles down on onion flavor)

½ teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a subtle smokiness)

Salt and black pepper to taste (essential for proper seasoning)

Optional Toppings

Dill pickle slices (for that authentic burger taste)

Diced tomatoes (fresh and colorful)

Shredded lettuce (adds crunch)

Extra shredded cheese (because you can never have too much)

Sesame seeds (sprinkle on top for visual appeal)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

9 inch deep dish pie pan

Large skillet or frying pan

Mixing bowl (medium sized)

Whisk or fork

Cutting board and sharp knife

Measuring cups and spoons

Spatula for stirring

Pastry brush (optional, for egg wash)

How to Make Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie

Getting Started

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F so it’s ready when you need it. Take your pie crust out of the refrigerator to let it come to room temperature, which makes it easier to work with. This Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie comes together in simple stages, and having everything ready makes the process smooth and enjoyable.

Cooking the Beef Filling

Melt the butter in your large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling, add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, which usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes. The onions should smell sweet and look almost caramelized around the edges. Now add your ground beef, breaking it up with your spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking until the meat is completely browned with no pink remaining, roughly 7 to 8 minutes.

Once the beef is cooked through, drain off any excess fat to keep your Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie from becoming greasy. Return the skillet to the heat and stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix in the ketchup and mustard, stirring everything together until well combined. The kitchen should smell absolutely amazing at this point! Remove from heat and let it cool slightly while you prepare the rest.

Assembling Your Pie

Press your pie crust into the pie pan, making sure it reaches up the sides and slightly over the edge. Trim any excess dough if needed. If you want a beautiful golden finish, you can brush the edges with a little beaten egg. Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the crust. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer, saving the remaining half cup for later.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and mayonnaise until smooth and well combined. This creamy mixture is what gives the Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie its signature custard-like texture. Pour this mixture slowly over the beef and cheese, making sure it spreads evenly throughout the pie. The liquid should settle into all the nooks and crannies.

Baking to Perfection

Place your assembled Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie on the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is set in the center and the crust turns a beautiful golden brown. About 5 minutes before it’s finished, sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheese on top and return it to the oven so the cheese melts beautifully.

When you remove the pie from the oven, resist the temptation to dig in immediately! Let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting time allows the filling to set properly, making it much easier to slice clean pieces. Trust me, this patience pays off when you serve perfect slices of your Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie.

Final Touches

Once your pie has rested, it’s time to add those finishing touches that make it truly special. Slice into generous wedges and top with your favorite cheeseburger fixings. Diced tomatoes, crisp pickle slices, and a sprinkle of shredded lettuce turn each piece into a complete cheeseburger experience. Some folks like to drizzle a little extra mustard or ketchup on top, while others prefer it just as it comes from the oven.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

Choosing Your Beef: Opt for 85/15 or 90/10 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and fat content. Too lean and your pie might be dry; too fatty and it could be greasy even after draining.

Avoiding a Soggy Bottom: Make sure to drain your cooked beef thoroughly. You can even pat it with paper towels to remove excess grease. This simple step prevents a soggy crust.

Cheese Selection Matters: Sharp cheddar provides the most authentic cheeseburger flavor, but feel free to experiment. A combination of cheddar and American cheese mimics fast food burgers, while pepper jack adds a spicy kick.

Perfect Slicing: Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for the neatest slices. A pie server or wide spatula makes removing slices much easier.

Make It Ahead: You can assemble this Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate, then add 10 minutes to the baking time since you’re starting with a cold pie.

Preventing Overflow: Place a baking sheet on the rack below your pie to catch any drips. This saves you from a messy oven cleanup.

Testing for Doneness: Insert a knife into the center of the pie. If it comes out clean and the filling doesn’t jiggle, your Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie is perfectly baked.

Creative Ways to Serve

This versatile dish works beautifully in so many situations. For a classic dinner, serve wedges of Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie alongside crispy French fries or sweet potato fries. A simple garden salad with ranch dressing balances the richness perfectly. Kids especially love this served with a side of their favorite dipping sauces.

For a more substantial meal, pair it with classic Southern sides like creamy coleslaw, baked beans, or mac and cheese. The combination creates a true comfort food feast. During summer months, serve it at room temperature for picnics or outdoor gatherings. It travels well and doesn’t need to be piping hot to taste delicious.

Turn leftovers into lunch by packing individual slices with pickles, tomato slices, and lettuce in separate containers. Reheat the pie slice and add the fresh toppings just before eating. You can even crumble leftover pie over a salad for a unique twist on a cheeseburger salad.

Delicious Variations to Try

Bacon Lover’s Version: Cook 6 slices of bacon until crispy, crumble it, and mix it into the beef filling. Use the bacon drippings instead of butter for extra flavor. This turns your Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie into a bacon cheeseburger masterpiece.

Mushroom and Swiss: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and use Swiss cheese instead of cheddar. Add a touch of Worcestershire sauce to the beef for deeper umami flavor.

Spicy Southwest Style: Mix in diced green chiles with the beef, use pepper jack cheese, and season with cumin and chili powder. Top with jalapeños, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.

BBQ Cheeseburger Pie: Replace the ketchup and mustard with your favorite BBQ sauce. Mix in some crispy fried onions with the beef filling. Top with a blend of cheddar and smoked gouda.

Breakfast Style: Use breakfast sausage instead of beef, add scrambled eggs to the filling, and serve for brunch. This variation is perfect for lazy weekend mornings.

Veggie Loaded: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini to the beef mixture. This sneaks extra vegetables into a kid-friendly package.

Storing and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

Your Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored properly. Let it cool completely to room temperature, then cover the entire pie dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, transfer individual slices to airtight containers for grab-and-go convenience throughout the week.

Freezing Instructions

This pie freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. You can freeze the whole pie or individual slices. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and contents. Frozen Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie keeps its quality for up to 3 months.

Best Reheating Methods

For refrigerated pie, the oven gives the best results. Preheat to 350°F, cover the pie loosely with foil to prevent over-browning, and heat for 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. Individual slices can be microwaved on medium power for 1 to 2 minutes, though the crust won’t be quite as crispy.

When reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first for even heating. If you’re in a hurry, you can reheat from frozen but add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the heating time and keep it covered to prevent the top from burning before the center heats through.

Keeping It Fresh Tasting

To refresh the flavors after storage, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top during the last few minutes of reheating. Add fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles just before serving rather than storing them with the pie. A small drizzle of mustard or ketchup can also brighten up reheated slices.

Nutrition Highlights

This Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie offers a satisfying, protein-rich meal that keeps everyone full and happy. Each generous serving provides substantial protein from both the ground beef and cheese, supporting muscle health and keeping hunger at bay for hours. The eggs and dairy add calcium and additional protein, making this more than just comfort food.

While this is definitely an indulgent dish perfect for special occasions, you can make it lighter by using lean ground beef, reduced-fat cheese, and light mayonnaise without sacrificing too much flavor. Serving it with a large fresh salad and vegetables helps round out the meal nutritionally. The beauty of making this Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie at home is that you control exactly what goes into it, unlike restaurant versions.

Common Questions Answered

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie lies in its clever construction. The egg and mayonnaise mixture creates a custard that binds everything together while staying moist and creamy. As it bakes, the proteins in the eggs set, giving structure to the filling while the fat from the mayo and cheese keeps it rich and tender.

The pie crust provides textural contrast and holds everything in neat, sliceable portions. Unlike a casserole that can fall apart when served, this pie cuts into clean wedges that look as good as they taste. The combination of cooking methods (sautéing the filling, then baking the assembled pie) develops complex flavors that simple one-pot methods can’t achieve.

This recipe also benefits from the “make it your own” flexibility. The base formula is forgiving enough to accommodate different cheeses, meats, and seasonings while still delivering that essential cheeseburger flavor profile. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or customize it to your family’s preferences, the Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie concept works beautifully every time.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason this Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie has been beloved by families for generations. It takes the familiar, comforting flavors everyone loves and presents them in a creative, satisfying way. The ease of preparation means you can have a impressive-looking dish on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. The versatility means it works for casual weeknight dinners and special gatherings alike.

Give this recipe a try and watch it become a regular request in your household. Between the savory beef, melted cheese, and flaky crust, every bite delivers pure comfort food satisfaction. Your family will be asking for this Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie again and again, and you’ll be happy to oblige because it’s so simple to make. Just like my nana always said, the best recipes are the ones that bring people together around the table with smiles on their faces!

Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie

This Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the heartiness of a pie, featuring savory ground beef, gooey cheddar cheese, and a flaky crust, all in under an hour.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef the foundation of your cheeseburger pie
• 1 refrigerated pie crust or homemade creates that perfect flaky base
• 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese sharp cheddar gives the best flavor
• 0.5 cup mayonnaise adds richness and helps bind the filling
• 0.5 cup milk creates a creamy texture throughout
• 2 large eggs essential for structure
• 1 large onion, finely chopped adds sweet, savory depth
• 2 tablespoons butter for sautéing aromatics
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard classic cheeseburger flavor
• 1 tablespoon ketchup a hint of sweetness and tang

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder enhances the savory notes
• 1 teaspoon onion powder doubles down on onion flavor
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness
• to taste Salt and black pepper essential for proper seasoning

Optional Toppings

• Dill pickle slices for that authentic burger taste
• Diced tomatoes fresh and colorful
• Shredded lettuce adds crunch
• Extra shredded cheese because you can never have too much
• Sesame seeds sprinkle on top for visual appeal

Method

 

Getting Started

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Take the pie crust out of the refrigerator to let it come to room temperature.

Cooking the Beef Filling

1. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 7-8 minutes.
4. Drain excess fat and stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, ketchup, and mustard.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Assembling Your Pie

1. Press the pie crust into the pie pan, trimming excess if needed.
2. Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly in the crust.
3. Sprinkle 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the beef.
4. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and mayonnaise until smooth.
5. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the beef and cheese.

Baking to Perfection

1. Bake on the center rack for 35-40 minutes until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
2. In the last 5 minutes, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
3. Let the pie rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Final Touches

1. Slice into wedges and top with diced tomatoes, pickle slices, and shredded lettuce.
2. Drizzle with extra mustard or ketchup if desired.

Notes

For the best results, use 85/15 ground beef for flavor. Drain the beef thoroughly to prevent sogginess. Try using different cheeses and add vegetables for variety. Let the pie rest after baking for cleaner slices.