Craving the savory satisfaction of a bacon cheeseburger but want something a bit more comforting? My Bacon Cheeseburger Rice brings all those beloved flavors into a hearty, crowd-pleasing skillet meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
This dish combines seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, fluffy rice, and melty cheese with classic burger toppings for a comforting one-pot wonder. It’s like enjoying your favorite fast food indulgence in a more substantial, homemade form that the whole family will request again and again.
Why You’ll Love This
- One-pot meal means minimal cleanup after dinner
- Ready in about 45 minutes, perfect for weeknight cooking
- Kid-friendly flavors that adults will enjoy just as much
- Customizable with your favorite burger toppings
- Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 cups instant rice (like Minute Rice)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking for 6-8 minutes while breaking up the meat with a spatula until no pink remains and onions are softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Drain off any excess grease, then season the mixture with seasoned salt.
- Add tomato sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, instant rice, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broth is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup of the shredded cheese and ½ cup of the chopped bacon until the cheese melts into the rice.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon over the top of the rice mixture. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the steam to melt the cheese on top.
- Remove the lid and serve immediately while hot and cheesy. This tastes just like a bacon cheeseburger in rice form!
Tips & Variations
- For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce
- Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version
- Add 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers for extra vegetables and color
- Try different cheese varieties like pepper jack or a smoky gouda
- Make it a “mushroom swiss” version with sautéed mushrooms and swiss cheese
- For meal prep, portion into containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness. For an extra touch of burger authenticity, offer additional toppings in small bowls at the table—shredded lettuce, extra cheese, sliced avocado, or a dollop of special sauce (mix mayo, ketchup, and relish).
For a fun family dinner, set up a “burger rice bowl” bar where everyone can customize their own portion with their favorite toppings.
Notes
- The rice should be tender but not mushy when done; check at the 18-minute mark
- If mixture seems dry during cooking, add 1/4 cup more broth or water
- For best flavor, use medium or sharp cheddar rather than mild
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time to about 40-45 minutes and may need to add an extra 1/2 cup of broth.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare all the components ahead of time, but I recommend cooking the rice fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes! Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I substitute for beef broth?
Chicken broth works well, or you can use water with a beef bouillon cube or concentrate for flavor.
[recipe_card]
