If you’ve ever been to IHOP, you know their cheeseburger omelette is a delightful twist on breakfast that combines the hearty flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the fluffy texture of a well-made omelette. This recipe brings that same delicious experience straight to your kitchen. With ground beef, cheesy goodness, and all your favorite cheeseburger toppings, this dish is sure to impress both family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a filling breakfast or a unique brunch option, the IHOP Cheeseburger Omelette is a winner.
The Upside of IHOP Cheeseburger Omelette

What’s not to love about a meal that combines breakfast and lunch? The IHOP Cheeseburger Omelette is not only satisfying but also versatile. You can customize it to your liking, and it’s a great way to use up ingredients in your fridge. It’s protein-packed, making it a perfect start to the day, and with the addition of hash browns, it’s a complete meal. Plus, it’s fun to eat! Who wouldn’t want to dig into a fluffy omelette filled with juicy beef and melty cheese?
What You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt, divided use
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup shredded hash brown potatoes (frozen hashbrowns work well, as do refrigerated ones from the produce section)
- 4 eggs
- 2 tablespoons prepared pancake batter (optional)
- 1/4 cup water
- Nonstick spray
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped tomato
- 1 tablespoon chopped dill pickles
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
Before You Start: Equipment
- Skillet or frying pan – for cooking the omelette.
- Bowl – for mixing ingredients.
- Whisk – to beat the eggs.
- Spatula – for flipping and serving.
Step-by-Step: IHOP Cheeseburger Omelette

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and black pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Hash Browns
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if necessary, and add the shredded hash brown potatoes. Cook until they are golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Whisk the Eggs
In a mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add the remaining teaspoon of salt and water. If using, add the pancake batter. Whisk until well combined and slightly frothy.
Step 4: Cook the Omelette
Spray the skillet with nonstick spray and return it to medium heat. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet, tilting it to ensure even coverage. Cook without stirring for about 3-4 minutes until the edges begin to set.
Step 5: Add Fillings
Once the omelette is mostly cooked, add the cooked ground beef, hash browns, and shredded Cheddar cheese on one half of the omelette. Carefully fold the other half over the fillings and press down gently.
Step 6: Finish Cooking
Let the omelette cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt. The omelette should be fully set but still soft.
Step 7: Serve and Top
Slide the omelette onto a plate and top with chopped tomatoes, dill pickles, ketchup, and mustard. Serve immediately for the best experience!
Ingredient Flex Options

- Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of ground beef for a lighter option.
- Swap out Cheddar cheese for your favorite cheese like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a spicy twist.
- Consider adding sautéed onions or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Use fresh herbs like cilantro or chives for a fresh finish.
Avoid These Mistakes
- Don’t overcook the eggs; they should be fluffy and tender, not rubbery.
- Ensure the skillet is well-heated before adding the eggs to prevent sticking.
- Don’t skip draining excess fat from the beef; it keeps the omelette from becoming greasy.
- Be careful not to overfill the omelette; it makes folding tricky!
Save It for Later
The IHOP Cheeseburger Omelette is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking.
Common Questions
Can I make this omelette ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the beef and hash browns ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Just assemble and cook the omelette when you’re ready to eat.
Can I freeze the IHOP Cheeseburger Omelette?
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the eggs can change upon reheating. However, you can freeze the cooked ground beef and hash browns separately for easy future meals.
What can I serve with the omelette?
This omelette pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit, toast, or even a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with black beans or sautéed mushrooms, and feel free to add more veggies like spinach or zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version.
Next Up in Your Queue
Make It Tonight
There you have it! The IHOP Cheeseburger Omelette is an exciting addition to your breakfast rotation. It’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Why not surprise your family or treat yourself to a delicious breakfast for dinner? Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the flavors of IHOP right at home. With a few simple tweaks, you can make this dish your own, ensuring that every bite is perfectly tailored to your taste. Happy cooking!

IHOP Cheeseburger Omelette
Equipment
- Skillet or frying pan
- Bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt divided use
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup shredded hash brown potatoes (frozen or refrigerated)
- 4 eggs
- 2 tablespoons prepared pancake batter optional
- 1/4 cup water
- nonstick spray
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped tomato
- 1 tablespoon chopped dill pickles
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and black pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if necessary, and add the shredded hash brown potatoes. Cook until they are golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add the remaining teaspoon of salt and water. If using, add the pancake batter. Whisk until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Spray the skillet with nonstick spray and return it to medium heat. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet, tilting it to ensure even coverage. Cook without stirring for about 3-4 minutes until the edges begin to set.
- Once the omelette is mostly cooked, add the cooked ground beef, hash browns, and shredded Cheddar cheese on one half of the omelette. Carefully fold the other half over the fillings and press down gently.
- Let the omelette cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt. The omelette should be fully set but still soft.
- Slide the omelette onto a plate and top with chopped tomatoes, dill pickles, ketchup, and mustard. Serve immediately for the best experience!
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Swap Cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for different flavors.
- Add sautéed onions or bell peppers for extra taste and nutrition.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the eggs.
