Optavia Lean and Green Cheeseburger Pie Recipe

Optavia Lean and Green Cheeseburger Pie: Flavorful and Guilt-Free

Craving a cheeseburger but trying to stick to your Optavia Lean and Green plan? This recipe is for you! We’ve created a delicious and satisfying cheeseburger pie that’s both Optavia-approved and packed with flavor.

This recipe features all the classic cheeseburger elements – juicy ground beef, melted cheese, and savory toppings – but with a healthy twist. We’ve used lean ground beef and smart substitutions to keep it in line with your dietary goals.

Get ready to enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal that won’t derail your progress. This Optavia Lean and Green Cheeseburger Pie is sure to become a new favorite!

Optavia Lean and Green Cheeseburger Pie Recipe Card

A delicious twist on the classic cheeseburger, this Optavia Lean and Green Cheeseburger Pie is a satisfying meal option for those following the Optavia program.

Recipe Details

• Serving Size: 1 pie, serves 1
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes at 180°C (350°F)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 10g

Ingredients

• 240g / 1 cup lean ground beef
• 60g / 1/2 cup lean ground turkey
• 120g / 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Ingredients for Optavia Lean and Green Cheeseburger Pie

To make this delicious and healthy Cheeseburger Pie, the following ingredients are required:

• 500 g / 1.1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
• 120 g / 1/2 cup reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 20 g / 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon / 15 ml olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 120 g / 1/2 cup whole-wheat pie crust
• 2 large eggs
• Optional:
  • 10 g / 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • 10 g / 2 tablespoons sliced jalapeños
  • 30 g / 1/4 cup sliced black olives

These ingredients will help create a flavorful and nutritious Optavia Lean and Green Cheeseburger Pie, perfect for a healthy meal. Ensure all ingredients are measured accurately for the best results.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Optavia Lean and Green Cheeseburger Pie

Get ready to enjoy a satisfying and delicious Cheeseburger Pie that aligns perfectly with the Optavia Lean and Green program. This recipe is packed with flavor and protein while keeping things light and healthy.

1. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a 9-inch pie dish.
2. Prepare the ground beef mixture. In a large skillet, brown 240g (1 cup) of lean ground beef over medium heat until cooked through.
3. Add flavor and vegetables. Drain any excess grease from the beef. Stir in 1 small chopped onion, 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper, and 1 clove minced garlic. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
4. Make the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt 60g (1/4 cup) of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 60g (1/4 cup) of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute.
5. Gradually whisk in 300ml (1 1/4 cups) of milk and 150ml (1/2 cup) of chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
6. Season the sauce. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon paprika. Remove from heat.
7. Combine the ingredients. Stir the cooked beef mixture and the cheese sauce together in the pie dish.
8. Top with cheese. Sprinkle 120g (1/2 cup) of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
9. Bake the pie. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the center is heated through.
10. Let it rest. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your Optavia Lean and Green Cheeseburger Pie! Serve it with a side salad or your favorite Optavia-approved vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Pro Tips for Making the Perfect Optavia Lean and Green Cheeseburger Pie

Take your Optavia Lean and Green Cheeseburger Pie to the next level with these expert tips and tricks.

Ingredient Selection

• Choose high-quality lean ground beef with a fat content of 90% or less to maintain the dish’s lean profile.
• Select a mix of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms to add texture and flavor.
• Opt for a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for a creamy, melty texture.

Cooking Techniques

1. Pre-cook the lean ground beef until it’s browned and fully cooked to prevent any food safety issues.
2. Don’t overmix the filling to avoid developing the gluten in the vegetables and making the pie tough.
3. Use a water bath to prevent the crust from burning and ensure a perfectly cooked pie.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Avoid overfilling the pie crust to prevent the filling from spilling over during baking.
• Don’t skip the cooling time after baking, as this will allow the filling to set and the pie to slice cleanly.

By following these expert tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect Optavia Lean and Green Cheeseburger Pie.

Substitutions and Alternatives for Optavia Lean and Green Cheeseburger Pie

To adapt the Optavia Lean and Green Cheeseburger Pie to individual tastes, several ingredients can be substituted or modified. For the meat component, consider replacing 115 g / 4 oz of ground beef with an equivalent amount of ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile.

• Replace 120 g / 4.3 oz of cheddar cheese with 120 g / 4.3 oz of part-skim mozzarella or reduced-fat Monterey Jack for a milder taste.
• Swap 100 g / 3.5 oz of diced onion with 100 g / 3.5 oz of diced bell pepper for added sweetness and crunch.
• Use 20 g / 0.7 oz of dried oregano instead of 20 g / 0.7 oz of dried basil for a distinct herbal flavor.

When making substitutions, consider the impact on the overall flavor and nutritional content of the dish. Cooking temperatures should remain consistent, at 190 °C / 375 °F for 25-30 minutes, to ensure the pie is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.

Spice Up Your Cheeseburger Pie

Love a little heat? Turn up the flame on your Cheeseburger Pie with these variations:

1. Spicy Cheeseburger Pie: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef while browning. For extra kick, sprinkle some diced jalapeños into the pie filling.
2. Buffalo Cheeseburger Pie: Swap the traditional ketchup for buffalo wing sauce in the meat mixture. Top with crumbled blue cheese for a tangy twist.

Looking for plant-based options?

• Vegetarian Cheeseburger Pie: Replace ground beef with 240g / 1 cup crumbled veggie burger patties. You can also add diced mushrooms and onions to the filling for extra flavor.
• Vegan Cheeseburger Pie: Use a vegan ground “beef” alternative and vegan cheese. For a creamy topping, blend together cashews, nutritional yeast, and water.

These variations offer a quick and easy way to personalize your Cheeseburger Pie. Experiment and discover your new favorite flavor combinations!

Storing and Reheating Optavia Lean and Green Cheeseburger Pie

Proper storage and reheating of the Optavia Lean and Green Cheeseburger Pie are crucial for maintaining its quality and safety.

Refrigeration

Allow the pie to cool completely before refrigerating it at a temperature of 4°C (39°F) or below. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.

• Before reheating, make sure the pie has been stored at a consistent refrigerator temperature.
• Check the pie for any signs of spoilage before reheating, such as an off smell or slimy texture.

Freezing

For longer-term storage, the pie can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.

• When reheating a frozen pie, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it as instructed below.

Reheating

Reheat the Optavia Lean and Green Cheeseburger Pie in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Optavia Lean and Green Cheeseburger Pie

While preparing Optavia Lean and Green Cheeseburger Pie, several issues may arise that affect its texture, flavor, or presentation. Identifying and resolving these problems is crucial to achieving the desired outcome.

Common Problems and Fixes

• Overcooked crust: Reduce oven temperature to 190°C / 375°F or use a pie shield to prevent overbrowning.
• Soggy filling: Increase baking time by 10-15 minutes or add 15 g / 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the filling mixture.
• Insufficient flavor: Add 2.5 ml / 1/2 teaspoon of dried herbs, such as thyme or oregano, to the filling mixture for extra depth of flavor.
• Unappealing presentation: Top the pie with 60 g / 1/2 cup of shredded cheese and 20 g / 1/4 cup of chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, before baking.
• Crust not setting: Chill the crust in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before filling and baking, or add 15 g / 1 tablespoon of cold water to the crust mixture.

By addressing these common issues, the Optavia Lean and Green Cheeseburger Pie can be perfected, resulting in a delicious and satisfying meal that meets the program’s guidelines.

Nutritional Information for Optavia Lean and Green Cheeseburger Pie

This Optavia Lean and Green Cheeseburger Pie is a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s also packed with nutrition. Each serving provides approximately 300 calories, 25 grams of protein, 20 grams of carbohydrates, and 10 grams of fat.

The recipe is naturally gluten-free, thanks to the use of gluten-free breadcrumbs and a lean ground beef option. It’s also a good source of fiber and essential vitamins and minerals.

Nutritional Highlights (per serving):

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 10g

Diet Tags: GF

Key Takeaways from the Optavia Lean and Green Cheeseburger Pie Recipe

This recipe emphasizes the importance of using lean ingredients to create a healthier Cheeseburger Pie. Essential points to note include selecting lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) and reducing cheese amounts to 120 g / 1/2 cup.

• Use lean ground beef to minimize excess fat and calories.
• Choose low-fat cheese options, such as part-skim mozzarella or reduced-fat cheddar, to reduce calorie intake.
• Cook the pie at 190 °C / 375 °F for 25-30 minutes to ensure the filling is heated through and the crust is golden brown.

By following these key takeaways and using the right ingredients, the Optavia Lean and Green Cheeseburger Pie can be a nutritious and satisfying meal option. Proper cooking techniques, such as not overcooking the filling, are also crucial to achieving the best results.

From My Kitchen to Yours: Notes on the Cheeseburger Pie

This Optavia Lean and Green Cheeseburger Pie is a real crowd-pleaser! It’s packed with flavor and feels surprisingly indulgent, even though it’s light and healthy. I love how versatile this recipe is – you can easily swap out the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a different protein twist.

A few tips from my kitchen: make sure your ground meat is well-drained to avoid a soggy crust. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite cheese blend. I like to use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a sharp and creamy flavor.

• Leftover Magic: This pie reheats beautifully! Simply pop a slice in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
• Freezer Friendly: Assemble the pie up to the point of baking, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and proceed with the recipe as directed.

Enjoy this satisfying and healthy cheeseburger pie! Let me know in the comments if you try any variations or have any questions.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Delicious Optavia Lean and Green Cheeseburger Pie

With this Optavia Lean and Green Cheeseburger Pie, you’ve got a mouth-watering, nutritious dish that’s perfect for any meal. The combination of lean protein, green veggies, and rich cheese will satisfy your cravings while keeping you on track with your health goals. Give this recipe a try and experience the flavors and benefits of Optavia Lean and Green for yourself. If you’re looking for more inspiration, be sure to check out our other healthy recipes, like our Optavia Lean and Green Chicken Fajitas or our Optavia Lean and Green Breakfast Burritos.