Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Absolutely! Grate fresh potatoes, rinse them well, then squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel. You'll need about 4 cups of freshly grated potatoes to replace the 16-ounce bag of frozen hash browns. The baking time might vary slightly, so keep an eye on them.

I don't have butternut squash. What can I substitute?

Cauliflower makes an excellent substitute in equal amounts, as noted in the recipe. Sweet potatoes also work beautifully, though they'll add a slightly sweeter flavor. If you're in a pinch, you can make a traditional cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and cheese.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire pie up to the final baking step, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since you'll be starting with cold ingredients.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Good news! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Just double-check your beef broth and any condiments to ensure they don't contain hidden gluten ingredients. Some brands of hash browns add flour to prevent sticking, so verify the package or make your own from fresh potatoes.

Cheeseburger Pie Recipe

Name: Cheeseburger Pie Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16-ounce bag shredded hash browns, frozen; 1 tablespoon oil; 2 teaspoons salt, divided; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 cup milk; 1 cup (5 ounces) finely diced butternut squash; 1-1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, divided; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 lb. ground beef; 1 medium onion, very finely diced; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon mustard; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1/2 cup beef broth

This irresistible Cheeseburger Pie combines the beloved flavors of a classic burger with the comfort of a homemade pie. The crispy hash brown crust creates the perfect foundation for savory ground beef and a velvety butternut squash cheese sauce that will surprise your taste buds. Ready in just over an hour, this creative dinner solution transforms a fast-food favorite into a satisfying homemade meal that both kids and adults will devour!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Food Reimagined: This isn’t just another casserole—it’s a cheeseburger transformed into a fork-and-knife experience that delivers all the flavors you crave without the mess.
Sneaky Nutrition: The butternut squash cheese sauce is pure genius! It adds nutrients while creating the creamiest cheese sauce that perfectly complements the beef filling.
Customizable: Just like your favorite burger joint, you can personalize this pie with any toppings you love—pickles, lettuce, bacon, the works!
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters who turn up their noses at vegetables will happily devour this pie without realizing they’re eating butternut squash.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Frozen Hash Browns: The star of our magnificent potato crust. They crisp up beautifully and hold everything together—much tastier than a regular pie crust for this savory creation.
Ground Beef: The heart of any good cheeseburger. Use 80/20 for the best flavor, or lean if you prefer, but don’t go too lean or you’ll sacrifice juiciness.
Butternut Squash: The secret ingredient that creates a velvety cheese sauce with added nutrients. Trust me, no one will know it’s there, but everyone will wonder what makes the sauce so good.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Brings that classic cheeseburger flavor. Always grate it yourself if possible—pre-shredded has anti-caking agents that affect melting.
Onion: Finely dice it to incorporate throughout the meat for that classic burger flavor without any large chunks.
Ketchup and Mustard: These burger staples bring authentic flavor to the meat mixture. Use your favorite brands.
Garlic Powder: Adds depth to both the crust and filling without overwhelming the classic cheeseburger taste.
Beef Broth: Creates a richer sauce that ties all the flavors together. Use low-sodium if you’re watching salt intake.
Cornstarch: A small amount thickens the meat mixture perfectly without making it heavy or gummy.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Crusts

Try a tater tot crust instead of hash browns for a fun twist—just arrange them in a single layer and bake until crispy before adding fillings. For a lower-carb option, consider a cauliflower crust.

Flavor Twists

Bacon Cheeseburger Pie: Mix cooked, crumbled bacon into the beef mixture or sprinkle on top before serving.
Southwest Style: Add diced jalapeños and swap the cheddar for pepper jack cheese.
Mushroom Swiss: Sauté mushrooms with the onions and use Swiss cheese instead of cheddar.
BBQ Burger Pie: Replace ketchup and mustard with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.

Vegetarian Option

Substitute the beef with plant-based ground meat alternative, black beans, or lentils mixed with finely chopped mushrooms for a meaty texture without the meat.

How to Make Cheeseburger Pie

Step 1: Create the Potato Crust

Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly oil a 9-inch pie dish. Toss the frozen hash browns with oil, salt, and pepper directly in the dish. Bake on the lower rack for 20 minutes. Then, using a spoon, carefully press the potatoes up the sides of the dish to form edges and flatten the bottom. Return to the oven for another 20 minutes until golden and crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Butternut Squash Cheese Sauce

While the crust bakes, combine milk, butternut squash, garlic powder, and pepper in a small pot. Simmer over medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes until the squash is fork-tender. Puree the mixture until smooth using an immersion blender or carefully transfer to a stand blender. Return to the pot if using a stand blender, then stir in the shredded cheddar until completely melted.

Step 3: Cook the Burger Filling

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Add the diced onion, remaining salt, garlic powder, ketchup, and mustard. Cook for another 3 minutes until the onions have softened. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the mixture and stir well. Pour in the beef broth, stirring continuously for about a minute until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spoon the beef mixture into your crispy potato crust, spreading it evenly. Pour the butternut squash cheese sauce over the top and smooth it out. If desired, sprinkle with additional cheddar cheese. Bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is melty and bubbly. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Hash Brown Success: Squeeze excess moisture from thawed hash browns with a clean kitchen towel before baking for an extra-crispy crust.
Cheese Matters: Freshly grated cheese melts much better than pre-shredded, which contains anti-caking agents. Take the extra minute to grate it yourself!
Squash Shortcut: If butternut squash seems like too much work, frozen pre-cubed squash works perfectly and saves prep time.
Don’t Skip the Rest: The 5-10 minute resting period after baking is crucial—it allows everything to set up properly so your slices hold together when served.
Flavor Booster: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture for an extra layer of savory flavor that enhances the “burger” experience.

How to Serve

Classic Burger Style

Serve slices topped with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickle slices, and a dollop of special sauce (mix mayo, ketchup, and pickle relish). For the full experience, add some crispy bacon bits or even a few french fries on the side!

Family-Style Dinner

Create a “topping bar” with all the classic burger garnishes and let everyone customize their own slice. Add a simple green salad and some roasted vegetables for a complete dinner.

Casual Entertaining

Cut into smaller squares for a crowd-pleasing appetizer at game day gatherings or casual get-togethers. Provide toothpicks and various dipping sauces.

Make Ahead and Storage

Prep Components Ahead

You can make the potato crust and butternut squash cheese sauce a day ahead. Store the crust at room temperature covered loosely with foil, and refrigerate the sauce in an airtight container. When ready to assemble, reheat the sauce gently before proceeding.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The crust won’t stay as crispy, but the flavor actually improves as everything melds together.

Freezing

This pie freezes beautifully after baking. Cool completely, then wrap individual slices or the entire pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top. Individual slices can be reheated in the microwave, though the crust won’t be as crispy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Absolutely! Grate fresh potatoes, rinse them well, then squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel. You’ll need about 4 cups of freshly grated potatoes to replace the 16-ounce bag of frozen hash browns. The baking time might vary slightly, so keep an eye on them.
I don’t have butternut squash. What can I substitute?

Cauliflower makes an excellent substitute in equal amounts, as noted in the recipe. Sweet potatoes also work beautifully, though they’ll add a slightly sweeter flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can make a traditional cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and cheese.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire pie up to the final baking step, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since you’ll be starting with cold ingredients.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Good news! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Just double-check your beef broth and any condiments to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten ingredients. Some brands of hash browns add flour to prevent sticking, so verify the package or make your own from fresh potatoes.

Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Pie transforms a fast-food favorite into a satisfying homemade meal that brings everyone to the table. The crispy potato crust, savory beef filling, and that surprisingly nutritious cheese sauce create a comfort food experience that’s both familiar and excitingly new. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a fun weekend cooking project, give this recipe a try—it might just become your new go-to when burger cravings strike!