Cheesy Ground Beef Pie
Introduction to Cheesy Ground Beef Pie
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, golden pie coming out of the oven — especially one filled with hearty ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and a creamy savory custard that holds everything together. Cheesy Ground Beef Pie is one of those classic, old-fashioned dishes that feels like it came straight from a cozy family kitchen. It’s simple, rich, satisfying, and wonderfully economical. Whether you need a weeknight dinner, a bring-along dish for potlucks, or something that pleases picky eaters, Cheesy Ground Beef Pie rises to the occasion every single time.
This dish combines the best of several worlds: the warmth of a casserole, the structure of a quiche, and the flavors of classic American comfort food. In one bite, you get seasoned ground beef, tender onions, a creamy filling, and melted cheese — all encased in a flaky crust. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes part of your rotation quickly because of how easy it is to assemble and how consistently delicious it turns out.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to create the perfect Cheesy Ground Beef Pie — from what makes this recipe so effective, to tips, serving ideas, and a detailed walkthrough to guarantee success every time.
Why This Cheesy Ground Beef Pie Recipe Works
A great recipe is all about balance, and Cheesy Ground Beef Pie succeeds because every ingredient plays a smart role. Here’s why this recipe is dependable, flavorful, and satisfying:
1. The Ground Beef Creates a Hearty, Flavorful Base
Ground beef is naturally savory and rich, making it the perfect filling for a pie. Browning it with onion adds depth and prevents dryness. Even a small amount of salt and pepper transforms it into a meaningful, flavorful foundation.
2. Cheese Adds Creaminess and Structure
Cheddar cheese doesn’t just melt — it melds. In Cheesy Ground Beef Pie, it binds the beef and custard together while delivering a crave-worthy cheesy flavor. The richness complements the beef beautifully.
3. The Custard Creates the Perfect Texture
The mix of milk, mayonnaise, eggs, and flour forms a silky custard that bakes into a firm, sliceable interior. The flour stabilizes the filling, the eggs give structure, and the milk and mayonnaise bring moisture and creaminess.
4. Mustard Adds a Gentle Tang (Optional)
That tiny teaspoon of mustard may seem optional, but it adds brightness and cuts through the richness. It wakes up the flavors without overpowering.
5. A Pre-Made Pie Crust Makes It Foolproof
Using a store-bought crust keeps Cheesy Ground Beef Pie accessible and fast. You still get flakiness without the added work of making dough from scratch.
6. Balanced Flavor + Low Effort = Guaranteed Success
Even beginners can make Cheesy Ground Beef Pie perfectly on the first try. Minimal chopping, straightforward mixing, and a simple bake make it a no-stress recipe that always satisfies.
What You’ll Need for This Cheesy Ground Beef Pie Recipe
Everything in Cheesy Ground Beef Pie is basic, affordable, and easy to find. Here’s the full breakdown:
Main Ingredients
1 lb ground beef – The hearty base.
1 small onion, diced – Adds flavor, sweetness, and aroma.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – The creamy, savory highlight.
1/2 cup milk – For moisture and smoothness.
1/2 cup mayonnaise – Adds creaminess and helps form the custard.
1/2 cup flour – Thickens the filling for perfect slicing.
2 large eggs – The binding agent.
1 tsp mustard (optional) – Adds subtle tang.
Salt and pepper – Essential seasoning.
1 pre-made pie crust – The flaky base that holds everything together.
Tools You’ll Need
Skillet
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Pie dish
Oven
Everything here is simple, approachable, and likely already in your kitchen, which is why Cheesy Ground Beef Pie is such a dependable recipe.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Pie
Here is the step-by-step guide to making the perfect Cheesy Ground Beef Pie.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature ensures even baking.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onion
In a skillet over medium heat:
Add the ground beef.
Add the diced onion.
Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft.
Drain excess fat if necessary.
Season lightly with salt and pepper.
This builds the flavorful base for your Cheesy Ground Beef Pie.
Step 3: Prepare the Custard Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together:
Milk
Mayonnaise
Eggs
Flour
Mustard (optional)
A pinch of salt and pepper
Whisk until smooth. This mixture will bake into a creamy, quiche-like filling inside your Cheesy Ground Beef Pie.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. This ensures there’s cheesy flavor throughout the pie, not just on top.
Step 5: Combine with Beef
Add the cooked beef and onion mixture into the custard and cheese mixture. Stir until all ingredients are well blended.
Step 6: Fill the Pie Crust
Place the pre-made pie crust into a pie dish.
Pour the filling mixture into the crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the Cheesy Ground Beef Pie for 35–45 minutes, or until:
The top is lightly golden
The center is set
A knife comes out clean when inserted into the middle
Step 8: Rest Before Slicing
Allow the pie to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. This sets the custard and prevents crumbling.
Tips + Tricks & More for Cheesy Ground Beef Pie Success
1. Don’t Undercook the Beef
Make sure the beef is fully browned — this prevents excess moisture from forming in the pie.
2. Drain Excess Fat
If your beef is high-fat, draining is essential so the crust doesn’t become soggy.
3. Use Freshly Shredded Cheese
Bagged cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect melting. Freshly shredded cheddar works best.
4. Add Vegetables if You Want
You can customize Cheesy Ground Beef Pie by adding:
Bell peppers
Mushrooms
Spinach
Corn
Jalapeños
Just make sure added vegetables are cooked and drained.
5. Use a Deep-Dish Crust
The filling is generous, so a deep crust prevents spills.
6. Don’t Skip the Resting Time
A short rest is crucial for the custard to firm up.
7. Spice It Up
Add flavor twists like:
Smoked paprika
Garlic powder
A splash of hot sauce
Worcestershire sauce
These additions take Cheesy Ground Beef Pie to the next level.
8. Avoid Overbaking
Remove the pie when it’s just set. Overbaking can dry out the custard.
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Pie
Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Pie warm, cut into thick slices. It’s hearty enough to be the main dish at lunch or dinner.
For neat slices:
Use a sharp knife.
Wipe the blade between cuts.
Let the pie cool slightly before slicing.
Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Ground Beef Pie
Cheesy Ground Beef Pie pairs wonderfully with light, fresh, or tangy sides that balance its richness. Here are the best pairings:
1. Fresh Green Salad
A crisp salad with vinaigrette adds acidity and freshness.
2. Roasted Vegetables
Try:
Carrots
Broccoli
Asparagus
Their natural sweetness complements the savory pie.
3. Mashed Potatoes
For ultra-comforting meals, add a creamy side.
4. Pickles or Pickled Onions
Their acidity cuts through the richness of Cheesy Ground Beef Pie.
5. Garlic Bread
Especially if serving this as part of a larger meal.
6. Coleslaw
A crunchy slaw provides the perfect texture contrast.
7. Soup + Pie Combo
Pair with:
Tomato soup
Onion soup
Vegetable soup
This makes for a warming lunch or dinner.
Time Required for Cheesy Ground Beef Pie
Here’s the full breakdown:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Beef & Onions: 8–10 minutes
Mixing Filling: 5 minutes
Assembly Time: 3 minutes
Baking Time: 35–45 minutes
Rest Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: ~65 minutes
You’ll spend only about 15–20 minutes of active work — the oven handles the rest.
Final Thoughts on Cheesy Ground Beef Pie
Cheesy Ground Beef Pie is the kind of recipe that brings comfort, flavor, and simplicity to the table. It’s versatile enough for busy weeknights yet satisfying enough for gatherings. With a flaky crust, savory beef, creamy filling, and melty cheese, each slice delivers the kind of homemade goodness that never goes out of style.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, Cheesy Ground Beef Pie is a dish you’ll want to return to again and again. Its simplicity, affordability, and guaranteed deliciousness make it a long-term favorite in any kitchen.