Bacon Cheeseburger Pie Recipe

Few things evoke the same level of universal comfort and culinary satisfaction as the classic American cheeseburger. Juicy, savory, and endlessly customizable, it represents more than just a meal—it’s a cultural icon. Add to that the irresistible allure of crisp, smoky bacon, and you have the makings of an unforgettable dish. But what happens when we take all those familiar flavors and reimagine them in a new, hearty format—one that’s baked, sliceable, and equally satisfying for a solo dinner or a family feast? The answer: Bacon Cheeseburger Pie.

This dish isn’t merely a gimmick or a quirky twist—it’s a full-blown comfort food reinvention. Bacon Cheeseburger Pie takes the essence of a juicy, bacon-topped cheeseburger and blends it with the rich heartiness of a savory pie, creating a perfect storm of taste and texture. It’s the kind of meal that warms the soul, fills the belly, and earns a permanent place in your recipe box after the very first bite.

A Nostalgic and Modern Creation

There’s a reason why dishes like Bacon Cheeseburger Pie have surged in popularity in recent years. They bridge the gap between nostalgia and innovation, allowing home cooks to celebrate their favorite flavors in new ways. The inspiration behind the recipe can be traced back to mid-century Americana, when dishes like meatloaf, casseroles, and “impossible pies” (popularized by brands like Bisquick) dominated dinner tables. These were meals designed to be hearty, practical, and above all—family-friendly.

Fast forward to the modern kitchen, and we’re seeing a resurgence of those same ideals—but with elevated ingredients and refined techniques. Bacon Cheeseburger Pie captures the spirit of that era but adds layers of bold, updated flavor. Think sharp cheddar, smoked paprika, artisan bacon, and maybe even a homemade pie crust or biscuit-style topping to bring it all together.

Why Make Bacon Cheeseburger Pie?

Beyond its nostalgic appeal, Bacon Cheeseburger Pie is a crowd-pleaser that satisfies a wide range of tastes. Whether you’re feeding picky kids, impressing guests at a casual gathering, or simply looking to spice up your weekly dinner rotation, this dish delivers.

Here are a few reasons why this recipe has become a weeknight staple for so many:

• Ease and Convenience: It uses common pantry staples and can be prepped in under 30 minutes. The baking time allows you to clean up or prepare a quick side dish.

• Versatility: Like its burger counterpart, this pie is highly customizable. Prefer a spicy kick? Add jalapeños or pepper jack cheese. Want to go low-carb? Make it crustless or use cauliflower as a base. Gluten-free? Substitute the crust accordingly.

• Flavor Explosion: Every bite is layered with umami-rich ingredients—seasoned beef, smoky bacon, melted cheese, and perhaps even a drizzle of burger sauce for good measure.

• Leftover Friendly: It reheats beautifully and can even be frozen in individual portions, making it a meal-prep dream.

The Anatomy of a Bacon Cheeseburger Pie

At its core, Bacon Cheeseburger Pie consists of three primary components:

1. The Filling – Ground beef, crispy bacon, onions, garlic, and seasonings form the rich, meaty center of the dish. It’s where the bulk of the flavor lives, and it’s endlessly adaptable. Some versions include diced tomatoes, pickles, or even mustard for an extra punch of classic burger taste.

2. The Cheese – No cheeseburger-inspired dish would be complete without a generous helping of cheese. While cheddar is the most common choice, feel free to explore Monterey Jack, Colby, or a smoky Gouda to change things up.

3. The Crust or Topping – This can be a pre-made pie crust, a biscuit dough, or even a low-carb egg and cream batter that sets like a quiche. It holds everything together and adds a delightful contrast to the creamy filling.

Optional toppings can elevate the dish even further: chopped lettuce and tomatoes for a fresh finish, a zigzag of special sauce, or even a sprinkle of sesame seeds on the crust for that authentic burger bun feel.

A Meal That Brings People Together

One of the most beautiful things about Bacon Cheeseburger Pie is its universal appeal. It’s the kind of dish that invites people to gather around the table. Whether it’s a casual Tuesday night with family or a weekend potluck with friends, this pie has a way of turning a simple meal into a shared experience. It invites conversation, laughter, and perhaps even a little friendly debate—ketchup or no ketchup?

It’s also a fantastic “gateway” dish for novice cooks. It looks impressive and tastes indulgent, but the process is approachable for nearly every skill level. The ingredients are affordable and easy to find, and there’s plenty of room for personalization.

A Dish with Endless Possibilities

Part of what makes this pie such a beloved staple is how easily it can be tailored to different dietary needs or taste preferences. Looking for a vegetarian option? Swap in plant-based ground meat and vegetarian bacon. Trying to cut carbs? Lose the crust and go crustless—it still holds up beautifully thanks to eggs and cheese.

You can even regionalize the flavor: add Tex-Mex spices and top it with avocado and salsa for a Southwestern flair. Or go Mediterranean with feta, olives, and oregano in the filling. The possibilities truly are endless.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of everything required to make a classic Bacon Cheeseburger Pie, along with optional variations and substitution tips.

Main Ingredients

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

  • Tip: A traditional buttery pie crust works well, but you can use biscuit dough or crescent roll dough for a fluffier, breadier base.

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is ideal for flavor)

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 3 large eggs

• ½ cup whole milk or heavy cream

• 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional, for added sweetness and tang)

• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard (optional, enhances cheeseburger flavor)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Optional Toppings (for serving)

• Chopped pickles

• Sliced tomatoes

• Shredded lettuce

• Drizzle of burger sauce or Thousand Island dressing

• Sesame seeds (sprinkled on crust for a “bun” vibe)

Equipment You’ll Need

• 9-inch pie dish (glass or ceramic recommended)

• Skillet or frying pan (cast iron or nonstick)

• Mixing bowls (medium and small)

• Whisk or fork

• Spatula or wooden spoon

• Colander or plate with paper towels (for draining bacon)

• Grater (for cheese, unless using pre-shredded)

• Oven (preheated to 375°F / 190°C)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Pre-Bake the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Roll out your pie crust (if using homemade or from a dough sheet) and gently press it into your pie dish. Crimp the edges for a classic look.

3. Blind bake the crust for about 8–10 minutes to prevent sogginess.

   • To do this, line the crust with parchment paper or foil and fill it with pie weights or dried beans.

   • Bake until the edges are lightly golden.

4. Remove from oven, discard weights and parchment, and set aside to cool slightly.

Why this matters: Pre-baking helps the crust hold up against the moist filling and ensures a flaky, fully-cooked bottom.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

1. Place your bacon strips in a cold skillet and turn the heat to medium.

2. Cook until crispy and browned, turning occasionally (about 8–10 minutes).

3. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.

4. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Chef’s Tip: Don’t discard all the bacon fat! Leave about 1 tablespoon in the pan to cook your beef and onions—this adds incredible flavor.

Step 3: Sauté the Beef and Onion Mixture

1. In the same skillet with reserved bacon fat, add the chopped onion. Cook over medium heat until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5–6 minutes.

2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.

4. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, red pepper flakes, and Worcestershire sauce.

5. Cook until browned and no longer pink—around 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.

6. Stir in optional ketchup and mustard, if using, for that classic burger tang.

Result: A deeply flavorful meat mixture with layered taste—from the sweet onions to the savory, seasoned beef.

Step 4: Combine and Assemble the Pie

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk (or cream). This acts as a custard binder that holds your filling together during baking.

2. Layer the cooled pie crust with the cooked beef mixture.

3. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly across the top.

4. Add the shredded cheddar cheese—feel free to use more if you like it extra cheesy.

5. Slowly pour the egg mixture over the filling, allowing it to settle evenly across the pie.

Optional: For extra flair, sprinkle sesame seeds on the crust edge to mimic a hamburger bun.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

1. Carefully place your assembled pie in the preheated 375°F oven.

2. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until:

   • The egg mixture is fully set and no longer jiggles in the center.

   • The top is golden brown and bubbling slightly around the edges.

3. If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil partway through baking.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Once fully cooked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for 10–15 minutes. This allows the filling to firm up and makes slicing easier.

2. Use a sharp knife or pie server to cut into wedges.

3. Serve with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, pickles, or a drizzle of burger sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Bacon Cheeseburger Pie is rich and hearty, so pair it with light, refreshing sides for balance:

• Side Salad: A simple garden or Caesar salad works beautifully.

• Oven-Roasted Veggies: Green beans, broccoli, or asparagus are ideal.

• Potato Wedges or Fries: For the full burger experience.

• Pickle Spears and Coleslaw: Adds zing and crunch.