Bisquick Cheeseburger Pie is more than a weeknight dinner recipe—it’s a time-tested classic that manages to blend nostalgia, convenience, and all the flavors of an irresistible cheeseburger into one savory pie dish. Let’s dig into every detail, from its roots to step-by-step directions, tips for success, creative twists, and the best serving ideas to round out your meal.
What Is Bisquick Cheeseburger Pie?
Bisquick Cheeseburger Pie—or Impossible Pie, as it’s also called—is a practical casserole that brings together ground beef, shredded Cheddar, eggs, and the magic of Bisquick baking mix. Unlike traditional pies, you don’t need to fuss with rolling out dough or chilling pastry. The Bisquick mix forms a quick batter that bakes into a tender, slightly crisp crust. It holds the satisfying filling together and gives every bite a cozy, home-cooked flavor. Since the 1970s, versions of this pie have been appearing on Bisquick boxes and in family cookbooks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe serves a purpose. Here’s a look at what you need:
- Ground beef: Choose 80%-85% lean for a balance of flavor without excess grease. Ground turkey or chicken can be used for lighter versions.
- Onion: Diced onion adds warmth and depth. Yellow or white onions work best.
- Salt and pepper: These fundamental seasonings enhance the beef and cheese.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp Cheddar melts beautifully and brings punchy flavor. Shred your own if possible for the best melt and texture.
- Bisquick Baking Mix: The star—this blend of flour, baking powder, and shortening creates the crust so you don’t have to.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and moisture, ensuring a cohesive custard texture.
- Eggs: These give structure, binding the stuffing and helping the crust set.
Here’s a quick reference table for ingredient amounts (for a 9-inch pie):
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Ground beef | 1 pound |
Onion, diced | 1/2 cup |
Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
Cheddar cheese, shredded | 1 cup |
Bisquick baking mix | 1/2 cup |
Milk | 1 cup |
Eggs | 2 large |
How To Make Bisquick Cheeseburger Pie
The method is straight-forward, yet each step matters for flavor and consistency.
Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9-inch glass pie plate with butter or nonstick spray. Set it aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat. Stir frequently to break up any clumps. Cook for 8–10 minutes until browned and no pink remains. Drain off any rendered fat. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Assemble the Filling
Spread the cooked beef and onions across the bottom of the greased pie plate. Evenly scatter the Cheddar cheese over the meat. The cheese will create a creamy middle layer once baked.
Step 4: Make the Bisquick Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the Bisquick mix, milk, and eggs until smooth. The batter should have a pourable consistency, similar to pancake batter.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Carefully pour the batter over the beef and cheese. It’s fine if the batter doesn’t completely cover the filling—the custard will puff and set as it bakes. Slide the pie plate onto the middle rack of the oven.
Bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges will look firm, and the filling should be gently set.
Step 6: Cool, Slice, and Serve
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for 5–10 minutes. This rest time helps the pie firm up, so slices stay together on your plate. Cut into wedges and serve warm.
Tips for Success
A few added touches help guarantee a perfect cheeseburger pie every time:
- Grate your Cheddar fresh. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which inhibit smooth melting.
- After browning the beef, drain it thoroughly. Excess grease can make the crust soggy.
- Letting the pie cool before slicing helps the filling set and makes neat slices possible.
- For even more flavor, stir a little garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce into the cooked beef mixture.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing
Bisquick Cheeseburger Pie works well for meal-prep or when feeding a crowd. Here’s how to plan ahead:
- To make ahead: Assemble the pie up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake within 24 hours, adding 5 extra minutes to the baking time.
- To store leftovers: Wrap slices in foil or plastic, then refrigerate. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through, about 10 minutes at 350°F.
- To freeze: Cool the pie completely, wrap tightly, and freeze whole or as individual slices for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Creative Variations
You can adapt Bisquick Cheeseburger Pie to almost any taste. Here are a few ideas:
- Lean and Light: Substitute ground turkey or chicken and swap in low-fat cheese.
- Loaded Cheeseburger: Add crisp bacon bits with the beef and sprinkle sliced pickles as a topping before serving.
- Southwestern Style: Season the beef with chili powder and cumin. Stir in a handful of chopped bell peppers and top with diced tomatoes or salsa after baking.
- Vegetable Boost: Fold in thawed frozen peas, corn, or chopped spinach for added color and nutrition.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Bisquick mix in place of the regular blend.
What To Serve With Cheeseburger Pie
Bisquick Cheeseburger Pie pairs well with a range of side dishes. A crisp green salad provides freshness to balance the rich filling. Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts, round out the meal. Potato sides—baked fries, wedges, or even potato salad—push the comfort-food angle. For a refreshing contrast, finish with a chilled fruit salad.
Homemade Bisquick Substitute
No Bisquick in your pantry? You can easily improvise with staple ingredients. Here’s a quick formula:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
Rub the butter into the flour, baking powder, and salt until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Use as you would commercial Bisquick in the pie recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add different cheeses?
Absolutely. Monterey Jack, Swiss, or mozzarella melt well. Mix them in for more complex flavor.
Is Bisquick Cheeseburger Pie kid-friendly?
Children love it for its simple, cheesy flavor. Serve with ketchup or sliced pickles on the side for a fun twist.
What’s the texture like?
You get a fluffy, custardy base that holds together without being dense, with a golden brown top and creamy beef-and-cheese layer in the center.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes—just use a 9×13-inch baking dish, and bake 5–10 minutes longer.
Bisquick Cheeseburger Pie shines as a dependable family dinner that delivers all the comfort of a cheeseburger in pie form—with none of the fuss. Its adaptable recipe invites creativity but never demands extra hours in the kitchen. With only a handful of kitchen staples, you’ll have a flavorful, filling meal that can easily take center stage at the table any night of the week.
Bisquick Cheeseburger Pie
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Original Bisquick mix
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 oz)
- 1 large onion chopped (1 cup)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9-inch glass pie plate.
- Over medium heat, cook the beef and onion in a large skillet for 8-10 minutes until the beef is browned. Stir the mixture occasionally.
- Drain the beef mixture and stir in salt.
- Spread into pie plate and add shredded cheese on top.
- In a separate bowl, combine the remaining ingredients, whisking until blended.
- Pour on top of the ingredients in the pie plate.
- Bake for about 25 minutes or until the knife test comes out clean.
- Let cool, serve, and enjoy!