Name: Upside-Down Hamburger Pie Recipe: Easy and Budget-Friendly
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 large onion, (chopped); 1 lb ground beef ((or turkey, if preferred)); 2 tsp olive oil; 1 4 oz can diced green chilies; 1 10 ¾ oz can tomato soup, (undiluted); ½ tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp ground black pepper; 1 cup cheddar cheese, (grated); 2 cups Bisquick or Master Mix ((see NOTE 1)); ⅔ cup milk, (or water if using Master Mix (see NOTE 2))

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If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish, look no further than our Upside-Down Hamburger Pie Recipe! This recipe has been a family favorite for years, known for its delightful blend of savory ground beef, zesty chilies, and a golden biscuit crust. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults, perfect for those nights when you need something quick and hearty. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a relaxed family dinner, this dish promises to be a hit. Let me show you how to make this delicious recipe that’s bound to become a staple in your meal rotation!

Why We Love Upside-Down Hamburger Pie

Upside-Down Hamburger Pie is the epitome of comfort food, combining the warmth of a home-cooked meal with the ease of a simple hamburger pie recipe. It’s a dish that not only satisfies the taste buds but also evokes a sense of nostalgia and togetherness. The hearty ground beef, a touch of spice from the chilies, and a fluffy, golden biscuit topping make every bite delightful. This versatile recipe is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re enjoying a cozy family dinner or seeking a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Its blend of familiar ingredients and straightforward preparation ensures it’s a winner every time!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Upside-Down Hamburger Pie

To create this delicious and comforting dish, often referred to as the ultimate hamburger pie recipe, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry:

Onion: A large, chopped onion brings sweetness and depth to the dish. If you’re out of fresh onions, onion powder can be a quick substitute, though it won’t provide the same texture.
Ground Beef (or Turkey): The main protein component, ground beef offers a rich, hearty flavor. For a lighter option, try ground turkey or even ground chicken.
Olive Oil: This is used for sautéing the onions and browning the meat, adding a subtle richness. Canola or vegetable oil can be used as alternatives if olive oil isn’t available.
Diced Green Chilies: These add a mild, flavorful heat to the pie. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can use diced jalapeños or even a few drops of hot sauce. For a milder version, bell peppers work well.
Tomato Soup: The undiluted tomato soup acts as a quick sauce, bringing a sweet and tangy element to the filling. If you don’t have tomato soup, you can use crushed tomatoes with a bit of sugar, or tomato sauce with a splash of vinegar for a similar taste.
Dried Oregano: This herb imparts an earthy, aromatic note to the dish. You can also use Italian seasoning or dried basil for a slightly different flavor profile.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that highlight the flavors of the other ingredients. You can also experiment with other spices like garlic powder or paprika for added depth.
Cheddar Cheese: Grated cheddar melts beautifully on top, providing a creamy and savory finish. Feel free to use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheese blend for a different twist.
Bisquick or Homemade Master Mix: This mix forms the biscuit topping, which bakes to a fluffy and golden perfection. If you’re out of Bisquick, you can make your own Master Mix at home or use a simple biscuit recipe with flour, baking powder, and a fat source like butter or shortening.
Milk (or Water): This is used to bring the biscuit dough together, with milk adding a slight creaminess. Water can also be used. For a richer topping, consider using buttermilk.

These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s not only flavorful and filling but also a joy to make and share with family and friends.

MORE: How to Stretch Ground Beef to Cut the High Cost

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Upside-Down Hamburger Pie

First things first: preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when your pie is ready to bake.

Next, let’s get the filling ready. Heat some olive oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté it until it’s translucent. Add the ground beef (or turkey if you prefer) and cook it until it’s nicely browned. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat. Stir in the diced green chilies, tomato soup, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well and let it heat through before setting it aside.

Now, onto the biscuit topping. In a separate bowl, mix together the Bisquick and milk (or Master Mix and water) until you have a dough. Roll this dough out to fit the size of your skillet.

It’s time to assemble the pie. Spread the dough evenly over the meat mixture in the skillet. Pop the skillet into the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is a lovely golden brown. If your skillet has a wooden handle, cover it with aluminum foil to keep it safe.

When the pie is done baking, take the skillet out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Place a heatproof platter or plate on top of the skillet and carefully flip them over to transfer the pie onto the platter. Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top and return it to the oven just until the cheese melts. Once it’s all melted and bubbly, slice up the pie like a traditional pie and enjoy every savory bite!

Tips and Variations for the Perfect Hamburger Pie Recipe

Mix It Up: Feel free to customize this hamburger pie recipe to suit your family’s tastes. Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or a meatless alternative for a different twist. You can also add your favorite veggies, like bell peppers or corn, to boost nutrients and flavor.
Cheese Lovers: If you’re a fan of cheese, consider mixing different types of cheese or adding more cheese to the filling for an extra gooey experience.
Make It Spicy: For those who like a bit of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or use a spicy variety of diced green chilies.
Homemade Master Mix: If you’re looking to save money and enjoy a homemade touch, try making your own Master Mix instead of using Bisquick. It’s a versatile pantry staple that can be used in a variety of recipes.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Upside-Down Hamburger Pie is a hearty dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or a simple side of mashed potatoes. A tangy coleslaw or roasted vegetables would also complement the savory flavors of the pie perfectly. For a special touch, consider serving it with a side of homemade salsa or a dollop of sour cream to enhance the flavors even further. This dish is not only delicious when freshly made, but also makes for fantastic leftovers that can be reheated easily.

Enjoy this comforting and delicious dish with your loved ones, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a regular favorite in your meal rotation!

MORE: Make Sure You Have These 9 Essential Pantry Items

Upside-Down Hamburger Pie easy family dinner comfort food recipes

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4.41 from 5 votes

Upside-Down Hamburger Pie Recipe: Easy and Budget-Friendly

Welcome to one of my family's all-time favorite recipes: the Upside-Down Hamburger Pie! This dish has been a staple in our home for years, and it's easy to see why. It's delicious, comforting, and a hit with kids and adults alike. The combination of savory ground beef, flavorful chilies, and a golden biscuit topping makes for a meal that's as satisfying as it is simple to prepare. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something special to share with loved ones, this recipe is sure to please. Join me as I walk you through the steps to create this delightful dish, and get ready to add a new favorite to your family's meal rotation!

Prep Time20

Cook Time20

Total Time40

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 352kcal

Ingredients

1 large onion, chopped
1 lb ground beef (or turkey, if preferred)
2 tsp olive oil
1 4 oz can diced green chilies
1 10 ¾ oz can tomato soup, undiluted
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper
1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
2 cups Bisquick or Master Mix (see NOTE 1)
⅔ cup milk, or water if using Master Mix (see NOTE 2)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large frying pan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
Next, add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, making sure to drain any excess fat.
Stir in the diced green chilies, tomato soup, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well and heat through, then set the filling aside.
In a separate bowl, combine the Bisquick mix and milk (or Master Mix and water) to form a dough. Roll out the dough to match the size of your skillet.
Spread the dough evenly over the meat mixture in the skillet.
Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown. If your skillet has a wooden handle, cover it with aluminum foil to protect it.
Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
Carefully place a heatproof platter or plate on top of the skillet, and then, holding both the skillet and the platter, flip them over to transfer the pie onto the platter.
Top with grated cheddar cheese and return to the oven just until the cheese melts.
Slice and serve the pie like a traditional pie, enjoying each savory bite!

Notes

You have the option to use Bisquick or homemade Master Mix, which can make yourself for a lot less money! You will find the recipe and instructions for Master Mix at Everydaycheapskate.com/mastermix.
If you use Bisquick, use 2/3 cup milk here. If you use Master Mix, use 2/3 cup water here.

Nutrition

Question: What’s your go-to family meal that everyone loves? Share your favorite comfort food.

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Gail Forsberg says:

August 20, 2024 at 10:48 pm

Love the Hamburger pie recipe! My husband made it today for us! YUMMMM! Thank you so much Mary, for all you do and all the great things you share with us! We are so blessed by you!!!!

Hettie Chadinha says:

August 5, 2024 at 6:48 am

Txs for all the wonderful recipies! Appreciate!