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Cheesy Beef Cake is a showstopping comfort dish that turns a few simple ingredients into something unforgettable. Wrapped in golden pastry, a layer of seasoned beef forms the savory foundation, while a cheesy, creamy topping adds pure decadence. It is a celebration of textures and flavors that makes dinner feel extra special.
This was the very first dish my partner asked me to make again. Watching that golden crust lift off with melting cheese underneath has made it our go-to rainy day meal.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: one pound Look for beef with an 80 percent lean to 20 percent fat ratio for juicy results
- Garlic powder and onion powder: These pantry classics let you amp up the beefy flavor quickly
- Salt and black pepper: Start with a small pinch and adjust after tasting the cooked beef
- Cheddar cheese: one cup Better to shred it fresh for the best melt and tang
- Cream cheese: one half cup softened Makes the topping wonderfully rich and smooth
- Sour cream: one quarter cup Adds coolness and helps balance the richness of the cheeses
- Worcestershire sauce: one tablespoon Deepens umami flavor and gives beef a savory boost
- Ketchup: one quarter cup Adds a slightly sweet tomato note
- Mustard: two tablespoons Yellow or Dijon both work well and provide a little zip
- Pie crust or puff pastry: one sheet Go for all-butter pastry if you can find it for the flakiest finish
- Firm pie crust or pastry: Ensure it is not too dry so it does not crack during baking
Instructions
- Prep and Preheat:
- Set your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees F. Make sure it is fully heated before baking for the best pastry texture.
- Fit the Pastry:
- Roll out your pie crust or puff pastry with gentle pressure until it fits your nine inch round cake pan. Lay the pastry into the pan smoothing it against the sides and bottom. Trim any extra dough hanging over the edge for a clean finish.
- Season and Add Beef:
- In a mixing bowl combine ground beef garlic powder onion powder salt and black pepper. Stir gently so seasonings are evenly distributed but do not overwork the beef. Press this mixture into the pan right on top of the pastry making sure it is spread evenly all over.
- First Bake and Drain:
- Slide the pan into the oven and bake for fifteen minutes. Once done carefully remove the pan and tilt it gently to pour off any excess grease so the crust does not get soggy.
- Mix Cheese Layer:
- In a separate bowl blend cheddar cheese softened cream cheese sour cream Worcestershire sauce ketchup and mustard. Stir until completely smooth and spreadable. A few moments with a hand mixer can help.
- Spread and Bake Again:
- Using a spatula gently spread the cheese mixture over the partially baked beef. Smooth it to the edges for even coverage. Place back in the oven for another fifteen minutes. You are looking for golden pastry edges and bubbling cheese on top.
- Invert and Serve:
- Cool for five minutes so the layers settle. Place a serving plate over your pan. Using oven mitts flip the pan upside-down and gently lift it away to reveal your layered cake. Serve immediately so every slice gets a bit of everything.
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The cheddar cheese in this recipe makes it shine. I love the way it melts into the beef and pastry creating these gooey pockets that my family fights to get in every slice. One birthday my kids requested this cake and nothing else and it is now a family tradition when we all gather for game night.
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results reheat slices in a toaster oven or standard oven to keep the pastry crisp. This dish also freezes beautifully just wrap slices in foil then place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground turkey or chicken can swap in for beef if you want something lighter. For the cheese you can mix part mozzarella for stretch or use pepper jack for a bit of spice. Greek yogurt works well instead of sour cream if that is what you have on hand. Even the pastry can be replaced with a gluten free crust if needed.
Serving Suggestions
This beef cake pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to stay balanced. Sometimes I spoon a tangy tomato salsa on top for extra flavor. For a homestyle dinner serve it alongside mashed potatoes and sautéed green beans.
A Brief Slice of History
Savory cakes wrapped in pastry show up in nearly every cuisine but this upside-down style always reminds me of classic American casseroles with a playful twist. It is comfort food you can slice and serve like dessert and still feel right at home on a dinner table.
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Cheesy Beef Cake makes for easy comfort food that surprises and delights at the table. Slice it up and watch it disappear.