Cheesy Jack-O'-Lantern Burger Bake
Bring the festive spirit to your dinner table with this Cheesy Jack-O'-Lantern Burger Bake! Perfect for Halloween or any family meal, this savory pie combines seasoned ground beef, zesty mustard, and a gooey layer of melting Monterey Jack cheese, all encased in a flaky, golden crust. Kids love the playful jack-o'-lantern face, making it a hit for both their taste buds and creativity. A slightly fiddly yet fun recipe, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household, just like it did for my notoriously picky husband! Gather around and enjoy a delightful and hearty pie that brings smiles and satisfaction in every slice.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (none)
medium onion
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (pressed)
salt
3/4 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ketchup
1/4 cup (none)
Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon (none)
refrigerated pie crusts
1 (15 ounce) package (unfolded)
prepared mustard
1 tablespoon (none)
shredded monterey jack cheese
3 cups (divided)
water
2 tablespoons (none)
large egg
1 (beaten)
red food coloring
1 drop (none)
yellow liquid food coloring
1 drop (none)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cheesy Jack-O'-Lantern Burger Bake?
It is a festive savory pie made with seasoned ground beef, Monterey Jack cheese, and a flaky pie crust designed to look like a Halloween jack-o'-lantern.
Is this recipe suitable for Halloween?
Yes, the playful jack-o'-lantern face and orange-tinted crust make it perfect for Halloween celebrations.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ground beef.
Can I substitute ground beef with something else?
Yes, you can use ground turkey or ground chicken as a leaner alternative.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The recipe uses 3 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese for its melting quality.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, Cheddar, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack would also work well in this dish.
How do I create the orange color on the crust?
By mixing one drop of red food coloring and one drop of yellow food coloring into an egg wash.
What seasonings are added to the meat?
The meat is seasoned with onion, garlic, salt, pepper, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.
How many pie crusts are needed?
One 15-ounce package of refrigerated pie crusts, which typically contains two crusts.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely, children love the cheeseburger flavor and the fun jack-o'-lantern design.
Do I need to cook the onions and garlic?
Yes, you should brown the beef with the chopped onion and pressed garlic before assembling the pie.
What is the purpose of the mustard?
A tablespoon of prepared mustard is used to add a zesty, classic cheeseburger flavor.
How do I make the jack-o'-lantern face?
You cut eyes, a nose, and a mouth into the top pie crust before placing it over the filling.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes, you can add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra nutrition.
How should I prepare the egg wash?
Beat one large egg with two tablespoons of water and the food coloring.
Is this recipe difficult for beginners?
It is described as slightly fiddly due to the face carving, but generally easy and fun to make.
What size onion should I use?
One medium-sized onion is sufficient.
How much salt and pepper is required?
3/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free refrigerated pie crust and ensuring your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the burger bake?
Yes, you can freeze it either before or after baking, though the crust is best when fresh.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F to keep the crust crispy, or use a microwave for a faster option.
What should I serve as a side dish?
A fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or french fries pair perfectly with this savory pie.
Can I use homemade pie crust?
Yes, if you prefer homemade crust over refrigerated, that will work perfectly.
Does the food coloring affect the taste?
No, the single drops of food coloring are for visual effect only and do not change the flavor.
How much Worcestershire sauce is needed?
One teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce is used for seasoning.
Is this recipe good for picky eaters?
Yes, it was specifically noted as a hit for a notoriously picky eater.
What kind of ketchup should I use?
Any standard tomato ketchup will work.
Can I use dried garlic instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder if you do not have fresh cloves.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients in total including the food coloring and seasonings.