The Impossible Cheeseburger Pie is the ultimate comfort food remix—bringing the flavor of your favorite diner burger straight to your kitchen in a baked, sliceable form. Made with plant-based ground beef and topped with melty cheddar, this easy one-dish wonder is perfect for weeknight dinners, meatless Mondays, or satisfying your burger cravings the healthier way.
The savory richness of the filling pairs perfectly with the light, eggy batter poured over the top—creating a fluffy, golden crust that holds everything together. It’s hearty, flavorful, and kid-approved! Add a few sliced tomatoes or a handful of crunchy pickles after baking for that authentic cheeseburger finish. Whether you’re vegetarian, flexitarian, or just curious about eating more plant-based meals, this pie is a total crowd-pleaser.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb plant-based ground beef (like Impossible or Beyond Meat)
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1 medium onion, chopped
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 tsp baking powder
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2 large eggs
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1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (like almond or oat)
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1 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
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Optional: diced pickles and sliced tomatoes for topping
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish.
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In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent.
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Add plant-based ground beef, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and heated through.
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Transfer the cooked mixture to the greased pie dish and spread evenly.
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Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, eggs, and plant-based milk until smooth.
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Pour the batter evenly over the filling in the pie dish.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown on top and set in the center.
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Let cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with optional toppings like diced pickles or tomato slices if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Why You’ll Love This Impossible Cheeseburger Pie
If you’re craving comfort food but want to skip the meat, the Impossible Cheeseburger Pie is your perfect solution. This dish transforms a classic American favorite—the cheeseburger—into a hearty, wholesome, meatless pie that’s baked to golden perfection. It’s nostalgic, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make, making it one of those go-to recipes you’ll return to time and again. Whether you’re fully plant-based, trying to reduce your meat intake, or simply curious about vegetarian meals, this pie is the best of all worlds: rich flavor, simple prep, and better-for-you ingredients.
Let’s dive into the background of this beloved dish, its unique benefits, and why it deserves a spot in your weekly dinner rotation.
The Story Behind Cheeseburger Pie
Cheeseburger Pie is a comfort food classic in American kitchens, dating back to the mid-20th century when casseroles and “one-dish meals” were king. The original version used ground beef, cheddar cheese, and Bisquick to form a meat-and-cheese filled pie that was easy to throw together and family-friendly. Over the decades, it’s become a staple in many homes, especially for those who love the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger but want a dish that’s oven-ready and hands-off.
This modern take replaces the traditional ground beef with Impossible™ ground meat, a plant-based option that mimics the flavor and texture of real beef. It’s a game-changer for vegetarians and anyone looking to reduce their red meat intake without sacrificing flavor. The updated version keeps the cheesy goodness and golden crust while bringing the dish into the 21st century with cleaner, more sustainable ingredients.
Health Benefits of Using Impossible Meat
One of the biggest benefits of this recipe is the use of plant-based ground beef alternatives, which offer a number of advantages over traditional meat:
1. Heart Health
Impossible meat contains zero cholesterol and significantly less saturated fat than regular ground beef, which may support heart health when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
2. Sustainability
Producing plant-based meat uses far fewer natural resources—less water, less land, and emits fewer greenhouse gases—making this dish a win for eco-conscious eaters.
3. Lower Calorie Count
Traditional cheeseburger pie recipes can be heavy and high in calories. This version keeps all the flavor while dialing back the calorie load, so you can enjoy it guilt-free.
4. No Antibiotics or Hormones
Unlike some conventional meats, Impossible products are free from added hormones and antibiotics, which many people prefer for peace of mind.
Why This Version is the Best
1. Easy to Make
This recipe is practically foolproof. A quick sauté of onion and Impossible meat, a simple batter whisked in one bowl, and it all bakes in under 30 minutes. Even novice cooks will love how effortlessly it comes together.
2. Customizable
Add your favorite cheeseburger toppings—like diced pickles, sliced tomatoes, or a drizzle of mustard—on top after baking for a personalized twist. You can also mix in mushrooms, bell peppers, or jalapeños for an extra flavor boost.
3. Kid-Approved
Kids love the familiar cheeseburger flavor and cheesy topping. It’s an easy way to introduce more plant-based meals into your family’s diet without any complaints at the dinner table.
4. Great for Leftovers
This pie tastes just as good the next day, making it ideal for meal prep. Slice it up, store it in airtight containers, and reheat for a quick lunch or dinner throughout the week.
5. One Dish Wonder
No need to dirty a bunch of pans or stress over multiple side dishes. This is a full meal in one pie dish—protein, flavor, and satisfaction in every slice.
Ingredient Spotlight
Let’s take a closer look at the stars of the show:
- Impossible™ Ground Meat: This is what gives the pie its rich, meaty flavor without the actual beef. It browns beautifully and soaks up the savory spices.
- Cheddar Cheese: Adds a classic, melty layer of indulgence. Use plant-based cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
- Egg and Flour Batter: Instead of a crust, this pie uses a light, fluffy batter that forms a soft crust on top. It’s simple, wholesome, and naturally gluten-free if you swap in almond or gluten-free flour.
- Spices: Garlic powder and smoked paprika give the filling a smoky, savory kick, enhancing the cheeseburger vibes.
Tips for Perfecting the Pie
- Drain the Plant-Based Meat: While Impossible meat isn’t as greasy as traditional beef, you’ll still want to make sure any excess moisture is removed before assembling the pie.
- Use a Deep-Dish Pie Plate: This recipe fills up a standard 9-inch pie plate well, but if you like extra thickness, use a deep-dish plate and adjust the baking time slightly.
- Let it Rest: Once baked, let the pie sit for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps everything set and makes serving easier.
- Add Toppings After Baking: Want the full burger effect? Top with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and a few pickles after baking. You can even add a swirl of ketchup or vegan mayo.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Impossible Cheeseburger Pie with a side of:
- A crisp green salad
- Roasted sweet potato wedges
- Pickle spears and coleslaw
- A cold glass of iced tea or lemonade
This dish works just as well for dinner parties as it does for busy weeknights. It’s casual enough for everyday meals but special enough to impress guests who may not even realize they’re eating meat-free!
Final Thoughts
This Impossible Cheeseburger Pie is the best of both worlds—it captures the comforting flavor of a classic cheeseburger while aligning with modern dietary preferences. It’s a smarter, lighter, and more sustainable way to enjoy a timeless dish. Perfectly seasoned, rich in flavor, and endlessly adaptable, it’s a standout in the world of vegetarian comfort food.
So the next time you’re craving something warm, hearty, and satisfying, skip the drive-thru and head straight to your kitchen. This plant-based pie will not only nourish your body but also surprise your taste buds—and maybe even convert a few skeptics along the way.
Conclusion
The Impossible Cheeseburger Pie is more than just a delicious meatless alternative—it’s a celebration of comfort food reimagined for today’s kitchen. With its hearty, savory filling, cheesy topping, and simple prep, this dish brings all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a wholesome, family-friendly format. Whether you’re aiming to eat less meat, try more plant-based meals, or just looking for something new to add to your dinner rotation, this recipe delivers on taste, nutrition, and ease. Serve it once, and it’s bound to become a favorite at your table—satisfying, nostalgic, and completely irresistible.