- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 lb (454g) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp ketchup (optional—adds tang and sweetness)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
For the "Crust" (Egg Topping):
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup milk or buttermilk
- ½ cup (2 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ tsp paprika (for color)
- Pinch of cayenne (optional, for Southern kick)
For Topping:
- 1 cup (4 oz) shredded cheddar or colby jack cheese
- Dill pickle slices, diced tomatoes, or sliced green onions (for serving)
💡 Pro Tips:
- Don’t drain all the beef fat—a little keeps the pie moist.
- Use freshly shredded cheese—pre-shredded won’t melt smoothly.
- Let pie rest 5 minutes before slicing—sets the egg layer.
Step-by-Step Instructions (Savory, Simple, Foolproof)
1. Brown the Beef
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
- In an oven-safe skillet (or stovetop pan + 9-inch pie dish), heat oil over medium heat.
- Cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned and onion is soft (6–8 mins).
- Drain most of the fat (leave ~1 tsp for flavor).
- Stir in garlic, Worcestershire, mustard, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute.
2. Make the Egg Topping
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, ½ cup cheese, paprika, and cayenne until smooth.
3. Assemble & Bake
- If using a regular skillet, transfer beef mixture to a greased 9-inch pie dish.
- Pour egg mixture evenly over the beef.
- Sprinkle 1 cup cheese on top.
- Bake 20–25 minutes, until puffed, golden, and center is set (no jiggle!).
- Optional: Broil 1–2 minutes for extra browning.
4. Serve with Southern Flair
- Let rest 5 minutes. Top with pickles, tomatoes, or green onions.
- Serve with fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.
Serving Suggestions
- 🥔 Classic plate: With crispy tater tots or sweet potato fries
- 🥗 Balanced meal: Alongside a vinegar-based coleslaw
- 🌶️ Spicy twist: Add diced jalapeños to the beef or a dash of hot sauce
- 🍅 Garden fresh: Top with sliced avocado or heirloom tomatoes
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Fridge: Keeps up to 4 days—reheat in oven or microwave.
- Freeze: Not ideal (eggs become rubbery), but possible for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight, reheat gently.
- Meal prep: Brown beef ahead; assemble and bake day-of.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make it crustless AND gluten-free?
A: Yes! This recipe is naturally GF—just check Worcestershire (Lea & Perrins is GF).
Q: No oven-safe skillet?
A: Use any stovetop pan, then transfer to a greased pie dish before adding egg topping.
Q: Can I add veggies?
A: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach with the onions.
Q: Can I use turkey or plant-based beef?
A: Yes! Add 1 tbsp olive oil to keep it moist.
❤️ The Bottom Line
Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie isn’t fancy—but it doesn’t need to be. It’s the kind of meal that says, “I love you, and I’m feeding you well,” without spending all day in the kitchen.
So brown that beef, whisk those eggs, and bake with confidence. Because the best suppers aren’t complicated—they’re savory, cheesy, and served with a side of love.
“Good food doesn’t need a bun—it just needs a hot skillet and a hungry table.” 🍔🧈✨
