This Cheesy Ground Beef Tart is a hearty, savory dish made with seasoned ground beef, creamy melted cheese, and a buttery pastry crust. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but delicious enough to serve for brunch, family gatherings, or a casual weekend meal.
The combination of golden pastry, flavorful ground beef, and gooey cheese makes every slice satisfying. You can also customize the filling with your favorite vegetables, herbs, and cheeses.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef Tart
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.
- Hearty and satisfying: Ground beef and cheese make a filling meal.
- Perfectly cheesy: Melted cheese creates a delicious topping.
- Great for leftovers: Slices reheat beautifully.
- Easy to customize: Add vegetables, spices, or different cheeses.
- Perfect for any occasion: Great for dinner, brunch, or entertaining.
Ingredients
For the Tart
- 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust or puff pastry
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Tart
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9-inch tart pan or pie dish.
Place the pastry into the pan and gently press it against the bottom and sides.
Trim any excess pastry around the edges.
2. Pre-Bake the Crust
Prick the bottom of the pastry several times with a fork.
Line the crust with parchment paper and add pie weights or dried beans.
Bake for approximately 10 minutes.
Remove the parchment and weights, then bake for another 5 minutes.
Set aside while you prepare the filling.
3. Cook the Ground Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes, until softened.
Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add the ground beef and cook for 7–10 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned and fully cooked.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
4. Season the Beef
Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Cook for another 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Remove from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
5. Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream or milk.
Add about half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Stir until combined.
6. Assemble the Tart
Spread the seasoned ground beef evenly over the pre-baked crust.
Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the beef.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella over the top.
7. Bake
Place the tart in the oven and bake for approximately 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the cheese is melted and golden.
If the crust begins to brown too quickly, cover the edges loosely with aluminum foil.
8. Rest and Serve
Remove the tart from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Ground Beef Tart
Drain excess grease. Too much fat can make the pastry soggy.
Don’t skip the pre-bake. Blind-baking the crust helps keep the bottom crisp.
Cool the beef slightly. Very hot beef can partially cook the egg mixture before the tart goes into the oven.
Use freshly shredded cheese. It generally melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Let the tart rest. Giving it a few minutes to cool helps the filling set and makes cleaner slices.
Easy Variations
Bacon Cheeseburger Tart
Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the ground beef mixture and use cheddar cheese for a classic cheeseburger-inspired flavor.
Mexican-Style Beef Tart
Add cumin, chili powder, and diced jalapeños to the beef. Use cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
Mushroom Beef Tart
Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions before adding the ground beef.
Vegetable Beef Tart
Add diced bell peppers, spinach, zucchini, or corn to the filling.
Italian-Style Beef Tart
Replace the paprika with Italian seasoning and add Parmesan cheese and a little basil.
What to Serve with Cheesy Ground Beef Tart
Serve this tart with a simple side dish for a complete meal:
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli
- Coleslaw
- Tomato salad
- Roasted potatoes
- Garlic bread
A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is especially good alongside the rich cheese and beef filling.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow the tart to cool completely before covering it or transferring it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat individual slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for approximately 10 minutes, or until heated through.
An air fryer also works well for reheating and helps keep the crust crisp.
Can You Freeze Cheesy Ground Beef Tart?
Yes. Allow the tart to cool completely before freezing.
Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use puff pastry instead of pie crust?
Yes. Puff pastry creates a lighter, flakier crust and works particularly well with this filling.
Can I make the tart ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the tart several hours ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the tart goes directly from the refrigerator into the oven.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey can be substituted for beef, although the flavor will be slightly lighter.
Why is my tart soggy on the bottom?
Excess moisture or grease in the filling can make the crust soggy. Pre-bake the crust and drain the cooked beef thoroughly before assembling the tart.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar and mozzarella make an excellent combination, but you can also use Monterey Jack, Gouda, Colby, Gruyère, or a mixture of your favorite melting cheeses.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Ground Beef Tart is a delicious combination of flaky pastry, savory seasoned beef, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s comforting, filling, and easy to adapt with whatever vegetables or cheeses you have on hand.
Serve it warm with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a simple homemade dinner that turns everyday ingredients into something special.
