Low Calorie Cheeseburger Pie
A flavorful, low-calorie cheeseburger pie combining seasoned beef, rice, and melted cheese, baked to perfection. This comforting dish offers classic burger flavors with a healthier twist, making it perfect for family dinners or quick weeknight meals that satisfy craving for hearty, cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the beef, chopped onion, and green pepper in a skillet.
- Add chili powder, instant beef broth, and tomato sauce; mix well.
- Stir in the cooked rice.
- Mix everything thoroughly.
- Add half of the cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also swap out the cheddar cheese for a lower-fat cheese or a vegan cheese alternative. If you want to add more vegetables, consider incorporating diced zucchini or mushrooms into the mix, which will enhance the flavor and nutrition without adding many calories.
Serving Suggestions
This Low Calorie Cheeseburger Pie pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a side of whole grain bread or a light coleslaw. For added flavor, drizzle some hot sauce or serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, checking to ensure they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Low Calorie Cheeseburger Pie contains roughly 23 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by using lentils or black beans in place of the beef. Just sauté the vegetables as directed and then stir in the cooked beans along with the other ingredients. This will maintain the texture and flavor while making it suitable for vegetarians.
What can I use instead of instant beef broth?
You can substitute instant beef broth with vegetable broth or homemade stock for a lighter flavor. If you have bouillon cubes, they can also work well; just dissolve one in hot water according to the package instructions. This will still provide a rich flavor base for your pie.
Can I freeze the cheeseburger pie?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled, uncooked pie for up to 2 months. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To bake from frozen, increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes. If frozen after baking, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).