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Upside-Down Cheesy Beef Cake with Flaky Crust

Featured in Filling Main Courses.

This upside-down cheesy beef cake puts a new spin on dinner. Ground beef seasoned to perfection, topped with three kinds of cheese, and wrapped in flaky pastry creates a meal that's both fun and filling.

Clare Greco
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:26:40 GMT
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A close-up of a delicious layered dish featuring ground beef, melted cheese, and herbs, served on a plate. Pin it
A close-up of a delicious layered dish featuring ground beef, melted cheese, and herbs, served on a plate. | recipesim.com

The Best Cheesy Beef Cake Your Family Will Love

My kids go crazy whenever I make this upside down cheesy beef cake 🍰. The combination of gooey melted cheese and perfectly seasoned beef 🐄 creates pure magic in every bite. I love how the crust gets so golden and crispy giving that perfect crunch against the soft filling. Flipping it upside down makes all the flavors blend together in the most amazing way. This has become my go-to recipe for both cozy family dinners and when I want to impress guests at potlucks 💖. The look on people's faces when they take that first bite makes my heart so happy.

Super Easy Show Stopper

This upside down cheesy beef cake looks totally fancy but is actually so simple to make. The mix of seasoned ground beef creamy cheese and buttery crust turns basic ingredients into something really special. I love making this on busy weeknights since it comes together quickly but looks like I spent hours in the kitchen. My friends always beg for the recipe after trying it.

A slice of hearty lasagna with layers of beef, cheese, and herbs, served on a white plate. Pin it
A slice of hearty lasagna with layers of beef, cheese, and herbs, served on a white plate. | recipesim.com

What You Need

  • Ground Beef: 1 lb lean but not too lean 80/20 works best
  • Garlic Powder: 1/2 tsp for that perfect flavor
  • Onion Powder: 1/2 tsp makes everything taste better
  • Seasoning: Salt and pepper enough to make the flavors pop
  • Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup freshly shredded melts way better than pre shredded
  • Cream Cheese: 1/2 cup make sure its soft
  • Sour Cream: 1/4 cup adds amazing tang
  • Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tbsp my secret ingredient
  • Ketchup: 1/4 cup trust me on this one
  • Mustard: 2 tbsp regular yellow works great
  • Pie Crust or Puff Pastry: 1 sheet store bought is totally fine

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the beef mixture and cheese blend a day ahead. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best crust texture.

→ Why do I need to drain the grease halfway through cooking?

Draining the grease prevents a soggy bottom crust and ensures the final dish isn't too greasy. This step is key for the perfect texture.

→ Can I use different types of cheese?

Feel free to swap the cheddar for other melting cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack. Just keep the cream cheese as it provides the right texture.

→ What should I serve with this beef cake?

A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables make perfect sides. The rich beef cake pairs well with light, crisp accompaniments.

→ How do I know when it's done baking?

The pastry edges should be golden brown and the cheese topping should be bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before flipping for clean slices.

Cheesy Beef Cake

A savory upside-down cake featuring seasoned ground beef and a rich cheese blend, all wrapped in a flaky crust. Perfect for a memorable family dinner.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (8 slices)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 lb ground beef.
02 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
03 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.
04 Salt and pepper to taste.
05 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded.
06 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened.
07 1/4 cup sour cream.
08 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.
09 1/4 cup ketchup.
10 2 tablespoons mustard.
11 1 sheet pie crust or puff pastry.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

Step 02

Roll out pastry and place in pan bottom, trim excess.

Step 03

Mix ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 04

Press beef mixture evenly over pastry.

Step 05

Bake 15 minutes, then drain excess grease.

Step 06

Mix cheddar cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and mustard.

Step 07

Spread cheese mixture over cooked beef.

Step 08

Bake 15 more minutes until cheese bubbles and pastry browns.

Step 09

Cool 5 minutes, then flip onto serving plate.

Notes

  1. For extra crispy crust, brush pastry with beaten egg before baking.
  2. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9-inch round cake pan.
  • Mixing bowls.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cheddar, cream cheese, sour cream).
  • Wheat (pastry).
  • Eggs (if using egg wash).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 580
  • Total Fat: 42 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 24 g