Healthier Cheeseburger Pie (Cast-Iron Skillet Version)

My version of a Healthier Cheeseburger Pie is made using all wholesome clean ingredients including ground turkey and skinny mashed potatoes. Topped with your favorite burger toppings it's like eating a real cheeseburger without the guilty feeling.

 Wait, seriously is this a thing?!  Those were my first thoughts when I heard this recipe existed, but yes cheeseburger pie is real. This is my healthier version of the impossible cheeseburger pie. This recipe is more like the hamburger pie recipe your Grandma used to make when you were a kid.

What is cheeseburger pie? A classic hamburger pie consists of ground beef, mashed potatoes, green beans, and melted bubbly cheese. This one-dish meal also has no crust which makes it even easier.

This old-fashioned hamburger pie screams comfort food, but my version is made using a healthier alternative. If you are looking for more healthy comfort food ideas then you must try my One Pot Cauliflower Mac and Cheese and my Swedish Meatball Stroganoff with a Creamy Mushroom Sauce.

Ingredients to make this meal

You will need the following ingredients to make a healthier cheeseburger pie.

• ground turkey - the base of your pie. The meat and heart of the whole dish.
• white onion - diced, who doesn't love onions on their burger 😉
• garlic powder - this adds a garlic flavor without the minced garlic. I use garlic powder in about 90% of my dinner recipes.
• Worcestershire sauce - brings tons of flavor to your burger meat. It brings a savory, tangy, and sweet flavor.
• green beans - frozen and thawed or fresh, also ends cut off and chopped into 1-inch pieces.
• tomato soup - an ingredient from the OG hamburger pie that adds a ketchup flavor to your dish.
• American cheese - a staple ingredient on a cheeseburger!
• Yukon potatoes - peeled and halved.  Yukon potatoes have a naturally buttery and creamy texture.
• garlic - minced, I use this ingredient to make the mashed potatoes garlicky.
• plain Greek yogurt - I use plain Greek yogurt in place of cream for the mashed potatoes because Greek yogurt is lower in fat and higher in protein.
• low-sodium chicken broth - adds a savory flavor to the potatoes without adding too much sodium.
• milk - enhances the creaminess of the mashed potatoes.
• unsalted butter - helps the mashed potatoes become even creamier and smoother.

Directions for cheeseburger pie

Step-by-step directions to make cheeseburger pie the healthy way.

Step 1 - Place your peeled potatoes in a large pot of water and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and continue simmering for about 20 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender. Drain potatoes and place them back in the pot along with the garlic, Greek yogurt, chicken broth, milk, and butter, and mash them all together until smooth.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 2 - Meanwhile, In a large skillet add onion and ground turkey and cook until meat browns. Drain in a colander and return to pan. 

Step 3 - Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, green beans, soup and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.

Step 4 - Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Step 5 - Spoon skinny mashed potatoes on top of ground turkey mixture and spread evenly.  

Step 6 - Lay pieces of cheese on top of skinny potatoes.  Bake, uncovered, in a 350° oven for 30 to 35 min. or until the cheese is bubbly and begins to brown on the edges. Serve with your favorite toppings.

Substitutions and Variations

In case you happen to not have all the ingredients mentioned above in your kitchen here are some swaps to use in place.

Ground Turkey - I always use ground turkey. I eat red meat about twice a year, but if you are a red meat fan then you can use ground beef here instead.

White Onion - in place of white onion, you can use red onion or a Spanish onion.

Tomato Soup - if you don't have soup at home swap this out for ketchup. Use ½ cup of ketchup in place of the soup.

American Cheese - if you aren't a fan of American cheese you can use cheddar here or Monterey Jack would also work.

Yukon Potatoes - in place of the Yukon potato try using Russet.

Milk - in place of cow's milk you can use any nut milk if you are dairy-free.

Unsalted Butter - you can swap in olive oil here.

Variations - when you eat a real burger you add your favorite toppings so why not do the same with this pie? Here are some delicious toppings I love using.

• pickles
• lettuce
• tomato
• crispy bacon or turkey bacon
• ketchup
• mayonnaise
• sliced avocado

Cookware

Cookware you will need to make a healthier version of cheeseburger pie.

• Stainless-Steel Wire Masher - you will also need a masher to mash up your potatoes. 
• Cast-Iron Skillet - this is what you will cook your pie in.

How can the kids help

I love love love cooking with my kids! It's a great bonding experience and learning experience all wrapped up in one. Here are some fun ways you can have your kids help you with this dish.

• Using a kid-friendly potato peeler have them peel the potatoes.
• Let them mash the potatoes up using a potato masher.
• Have them layer the cheese on top at the end.
• Teach them how to snap off the ends of green beans.

Tips and FAQ's

Other Crave-Worthy Dinner Recipe

If you give this dish a try don't forget to rate the recipe below! Always love hearing what you all think. You can also Stay in touch with me through social media on @Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my healthy recipes!