- Preparing the Pie Crust:
- If making from scratch, mix 1 ½ cups of flour with a pinch of salt, cut in ½ cup of cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then add 3-4 tablespoons of cold water until the dough comes together. Roll out to fit a pie dish, then pre-bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes.
- For a store-bought crust, simply unroll and fit into your pie dish, and pre-bake as directed above.
- Making the Filling:
- In a skillet, cook 1 lb of ground beef over medium heat until brown. Drain excess fat.
- Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook until soft.
- Season the meat with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce.
- Assembling the Pie:
- Spread the cooked meat mixture into the pre-baked pie crust.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
- If you like a top crust, roll out more dough and cover the pie. Alternatively, leave it open-faced.
- Baking:
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let the pie cool for a few minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set.
Serving Suggestions:
Cheeseburger Pie is best served hot, straight from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, pickles, and even a dollop of ketchup or mustard on the side to mimic the classic cheeseburger condiments. For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the filling.
Would you like to continue with detailed variations of this recipe or explore a comprehensive guide on how to customize your Cheeseburger Pie with different ingredients?