Nana’s Famous Cheeseburger Pie

Every family has that one dish that brings everyone together — the one that makes you drop everything when you hear it’s on the menu. For me, that dish is Nana’s Cheeseburger Pie. Nobody — and I mean nobody — trumps my Nana when it comes to this recipe! It’s rich, cheesy, and full of nostalgia, with layers of savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and golden, bubbly cheese baked into a flaky crust. One bite, and you’ll understand why it deserves every one of its five stars.

In this post, we’ll walk through how to make this incredible pie, explore its flavor secrets, offer variations, and share some tips from Nana herself. Whether you’re cooking for your family or looking for the ultimate potluck showstopper, this recipe is comfort food perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Pie

Pure Comfort in Every Bite
It’s a beautiful cross between a cheeseburger and a savory meat pie — hearty, cheesy, and soul-satisfying.

Easy to Make
Despite its gourmet appearance, this recipe is simple and approachable, even for beginner cooks.

Family Favorite
Kids, adults, and even picky eaters adore it. The familiar flavors of beef, cheese, and flaky crust make it a crowd-pleaser every single time.

Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this pie fits right in. It reheats beautifully, too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To recreate this five-star classic, you’ll need:

For the Crust:

1 sheet of refrigerated pie crust (or homemade if you prefer)

1 egg (for brushing, optional)

For the Filling:

1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 works best for flavor)

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but delicious)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional for stretchiness)

½ cup sour cream or cream cheese (for creaminess)

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

2 tablespoons ketchup or burger sauce (adds tang and depth)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim any excess and flute the edges for a classic look. If you prefer a crispier crust, blind bake it for 7–8 minutes before adding the filling.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.

Drain excess grease, then season the beef with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine and let it cook for another minute to absorb the flavors.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Layer

In a small bowl, mix together sour cream (or cream cheese), mayonnaise, and ketchup. This combination creates a rich, tangy layer that balances the savory beef and melty cheese perfectly.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly in the prepared pie crust. Spoon the creamy sauce over the top and gently spread it out. Sprinkle with ¾ of the shredded cheddar cheese (and mozzarella if you’re using it). The remaining cheese will be added later for that golden, bubbly finish.

Step 5: Bake Until Perfection

Place the pie on the center rack of your oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown. If desired, brush the edges of the crust with a beaten egg halfway through baking for a glossy finish.

Step 6: Finish with Extra Cheese

For that signature “Nana” touch, remove the pie, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, and return it to the oven for another 5–7 minutes until the cheese turns beautifully golden and caramelized.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the pie to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier. Serve warm — preferably with a big smile and maybe a drizzle of burger sauce on top!

Tips for Making the Perfect Cheeseburger Pie

Don’t Overfill the Crust:
Keep a little room at the top to prevent bubbling over during baking.

Use Quality Cheese:
A sharp cheddar gives this pie that irresistible, rich flavor.

Add a Crunchy Topping:
For texture, top the pie with crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking.

Season the Beef Well:
Don’t skimp on seasoning — it’s what makes the filling taste just like a juicy cheeseburger.

Let It Cool Before Slicing:
This helps the filling firm up, so you get those clean, picture-perfect slices.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Pairing: Serve with a crisp garden salad or coleslaw to balance the richness.

Comfort Combo: Pair with mashed potatoes or fries for the ultimate comfort meal.

Burger Bar Vibes: Offer toppings like pickles, jalapeños, or caramelized onions for guests to customize their slice.

Sauce It Up: Drizzle with a bit of burger sauce, ranch, or spicy mayo — Nana always kept a small dish on the side!

Variations to Try

This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Here are a few delicious ways to customize it:

Bacon Cheeseburger Pie:
Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the beef layer for an extra smoky, indulgent twist.

Tex-Mex Cheeseburger Pie:
Mix in taco seasoning, black beans, and diced jalapeños. Top with pepper jack cheese and a dollop of guacamole when serving.

Mushroom & Swiss Version:
Replace cheddar with Swiss and add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, restaurant-style version.

Breakfast Cheeseburger Pie:
Add scrambled eggs and hash browns to the beef mixture, and serve with a drizzle of hollandaise or ketchup.

Keto-Friendly Option:
Skip the pie crust entirely and bake the filling in a casserole dish topped with cheese. It’s equally delicious and low-carb friendly!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the great things about this dish is that it’s meal prep–friendly. Here’s how to handle leftovers or prepare it ahead:

To Make Ahead:
Assemble the pie completely, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, bake it directly from the fridge (adding 10 extra minutes to the baking time).

To Freeze:
You can freeze either the unbaked or baked pie. Wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F until hot and bubbly.

Storing Leftovers:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.

Nana’s Secrets for a 5-Star Pie

Every cook has their tricks — and my Nana’s are pure gold. Here are the top ones she swore by:

The Sauce is the Soul
Her creamy sauce (a mix of mayo, sour cream, and ketchup) is what makes this pie so unique. It melts into the beef layer and creates that luscious, savory tang.

Layer Smartly
Always spread the beef evenly and keep the creamy layer smooth so it bakes evenly. Uneven layers can cause the cheese to pool in one spot.

Cheese Twice, Always Twice
Nana always added cheese both before and after baking — it’s the key to that golden, gooey topping.

Patience Pays Off
Never rush to cut the pie! Letting it rest ensures the layers set beautifully, giving you those perfect, structured slices.

Why This Cheeseburger Pie Deserves 5 Stars

What makes this dish so special isn’t just the flavor — it’s the memories it creates. It’s the smell that fills the kitchen, the golden cheese bubbling in the oven, and the joy of watching family members dive in for seconds. Every bite is rich, savory, and comforting — just like Nana herself.

It’s the perfect balance between homestyle simplicity and indulgent flavor. The buttery crust adds crispness, the beef gives depth, the sauce adds creaminess, and the cheese ties it all together in melty perfection. This isn’t just food; it’s nostalgia baked into a pie.

Nutrition (Approximate per Slice)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	480
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	18g
Fat	34g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	3g

(Values may vary depending on ingredients used.)

Conclusion

There’s a reason Nana’s Cheeseburger Pie earns its five-star reputation — it’s hearty, comforting, and absolutely irresistible. The golden crust, creamy layers, and cheesy topping make it the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug. Whether it’s your first time making it or your hundredth, this recipe never fails to impress.

Serve it at family gatherings, share it with friends, or enjoy a slice all to yourself — no judgment here. Because when it comes to comfort food, nobody trumps Nana. 🍴💛

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