Bacon Cheeseburger Potato Pie

Certainly! Here’s the full recipe for Bacon Cheeseburger Potato Pie:

Ingredients:

For the Meat Mixture:

  • 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1/4-1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 teaspoons prepared mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Potato Topping:

  • 3 slices bacon
  • 1 1/4 cups water
  • 3 tablespoons margarine or butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt (or garlic powder)
  • 3/4 cup milk (skim is fine)
  • 2 cups instant mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided in half

For the Garnish:

  • 1 medium tomato, chopped
  • 2 green onions, sliced (or white onion)

Directions:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
    • In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, ketchup, mustard, and salt. Mix well.
  3. Shape the Crust:
    • Press the hamburger mixture into the bottom and up the sides of an ungreased 9-inch pie pan to cover it completely.
  4. Bake the Crust:
    • Bake the meat mixture in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
  5. Cook the Bacon:
    • While the meat mixture is baking, cook the bacon until crisp. Drain on a paper towel, cool, and crumble. Discard or save bacon drippings for another recipe.
  6. Prepare the Potato Topping:
    • In a medium saucepan, combine water, margarine (or butter), and garlic salt. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add milk. Stir in potato flakes with a fork, then add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
  7. Assemble and Bake:
    • Remove the partially baked “crust” from the oven, pour off any fat. Spoon the potato mixture into the crust evenly. Return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes or until the meat is thoroughly cooked, and the potatoes are heated through.
  8. Add Toppings:
    • Remove the pie from the oven. Top with chopped tomato, the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon.
  9. Final Bake:
    • Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
  10. Garnish and Serve:
    • Remove from the oven, top with sliced green onions. Let the pie stand for 10 minutes before serving.
  11. Enjoy!
    • Slice and serve your Bacon Cheeseburger Potato Pie, a delicious combination of savory meat, cheesy potatoes, and flavorful toppings.

Certainly! Here are some popular questions and their answers related to Bacon Cheeseburger Potato Pie:

  1. Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef in the Bacon Cheeseburger Potato Pie?
    • A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef if you prefer a leaner option.
  2. Q: What can I use instead of instant mashed potatoes?
    • A: If you don’t have instant mashed potatoes, you can use homemade mashed potatoes. Ensure they are thick enough to hold their shape as a topping.
  3. Q: Can I make Bacon Cheeseburger Potato Pie ahead of time and reheat it?
    • A: Yes, you can assemble the pie ahead of time and refrigerate it. Reheat in the oven until warmed through before serving.
  4. Q: Is it necessary to use a specific type of cheese for the topping?
    • A: While the recipe calls for cheddar cheese, you can experiment with other melting cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
  5. Q: Can I add other toppings to the Bacon Cheeseburger Potato Pie?
    • A: Absolutely! Customize the pie with additional toppings like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or jalapeƱos based on your preferences.
  6. Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of instant mashed potatoes?
    • A: Yes, you can use fresh mashed potatoes, but make sure they are thick and well-seasoned. Spread them evenly over the meat mixture.
  7. Q: How do I store leftovers of Bacon Cheeseburger Potato Pie?
    • A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
  8. Q: What can I serve as a side dish with this pie?
    • A: Serve it with a side of green salad, coleslaw, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
  9. Q: Can I freeze Bacon Cheeseburger Potato Pie?
    • A: Yes, you can freeze the pie before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
  10. Q: Can I use real garlic instead of garlic salt or powder?
    • A: Yes, you can use minced or finely chopped fresh garlic. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences.
  11. Q: Can I make mini versions of Bacon Cheeseburger Potato Pies?
    • A: Yes, you can divide the mixture into smaller pans or use muffin tins for individual servings. Adjust the baking time accordingly.