Bacon Cheeseburger Rice

This Bacon Cheeseburger Rice brings together all the flavors of your favorite burger in a cozy one pan skillet dinner. With beefy goodness, smoky bacon, melty sharp cheddar, and classic burger condiments, it is both nostalgic and family friendly—plus you only need about half an hour and a handful of easy to find ingredients.

I tried this the first time after a long day when nobody wanted to grill and I was amazed at how it turned out like cheeseburger comfort in a bowl.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: eighty twenty blend brings classic burger taste and a perfect balance of flavor and moisture
• Yellow onion: diced builds up sweet and savory flavor—choose one that feels heavy for its size and has papery skin
• Fresh garlic: minced for aromatic depth and zing—use firm cloves for best flavor
• Seasoned salt: enhances the beefiness and keeps seasoning balanced throughout
• Tomato sauce: adds moisture and a tangy layer that mimics burger toppings
• Ketchup: brings familiar sweetness and a pop of acidity—grab your family’s favorite brand
• Yellow mustard: offers that signature burger bite and balances out the richness
• Instant rice: such as Minute Rice cooks quickly and soaks up the beefy flavors—look for instant varieties as traditional rice will not cook through the same way
• Beef broth: deepens the savory umami taste—choose a low sodium version if you like to control salt
• Cooked beef bacon: chopped brings smoky crunch and true bacon cheeseburger vibes—cook bacon until crisp but not burnt for best texture
• Sharp cheddar cheese: shredded for creaminess and bold burger cheese taste—grate your own for perfect, even melting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef and Onions:

Start by heating a large wide skillet over medium-high heat Add the ground beef and diced onion Cook for six to eight minutes stirring frequently and breaking apart the meat as it browns Watch for the onions to turn soft and the beef to lose all its pink color This builds the hearty flavor base for the whole dish

Add the Garlic and Seasoning:

Sprinkle in the minced garlic and cook for one minute until you can smell its savory aroma Stir in the seasoned salt evenly across the meat and onion mixture to ensure every bite is seasoned Drain off as much fat as possible so the finished dish is not greasy

Mix in the Sauces and Rice:

Pour in the tomato sauce ketchup and yellow mustard Stir well to combine with the beef mixture Add the instant rice and beef broth making sure the rice is fully moistened and submerged

Simmer Until Tender:

Allow everything to come to a gentle simmer Keep the heat on medium low and cook for two to three minutes Stir just enough to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom and the rice gets evenly cooked You are looking for the broth to be absorbed and the rice to turn fluffy and tender

Melt in Bacon and Cheese:

Turn off the heat and stir in half a cup each of the shredded cheddar and chopped beef bacon Mix until the cheese melts completely into the hot rice making the dish creamy and savory

Top and Steam the Finish:

Sprinkle the rest of the bacon and shredded cheese over the top of the rice Place the lid on the skillet and let the pan sit undisturbed for two or three minutes The steam will gently melt the cheese into a gooey topping

Serve and Enjoy:

Remove the lid and fluff up the rice a bit Serve immediately while hot and cheesy This is the moment it tastes most delicious with that melted cheddar pull and plenty of smoky bacon flavor

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The crispy beef bacon is my favorite part No matter how often I make this my kitchen smells exactly like my favorite neighborhood diner for hours which always reminds me of late night burger nights with my siblings

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days The rice will thicken as it sits but a splash of broth or milk when reheating will bring it back to its creamy texture This also freezes well for up to three months in single serve freezer bags or containers so you have a quick meal on hand

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap in turkey or plant based crumbles for a lighter version but aim for similar fat content so the dish stays moist You can use turkey bacon or meatless bacon if beef bacon is not available Monterey jack or mozzarella can replace sharp cheddar for a milder melty finish If you only have regular rice cook it separately and stir into the beef mixture at the end

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this as a stand alone meal or with a big crunchy salad on the side For a true cheeseburger feel try topping with chopped pickles sliced tomatoes or extra mustard I like adding hot sauce or jalapenos to my portion for a spicy kick For a fun twist scoop the rice mix into lettuce wraps for a lighter option

Cultural Context

This dish brings all the beloved flavors of the American diner bacon cheeseburger to a family friendly weeknight table Rice casseroles like this are a staple in many regions because of their affordability and comfort This recipe is one of those creative home cook solutions that turns classic drive through flavors into something you can eat with a spoon

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute regular bacon for beef bacon?

Yes, pork bacon can be used if beef bacon isn’t available. Simply cook and chop it before adding to the skillet.

→ What kind of rice works best for this dish?

Instant rice is ideal, as it cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. Long-grain white rice may require extra liquid and time.

→ Can this meal be prepped in advance?

Absolutely! Prepare ahead and refrigerate. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the beef mixture, or finish with hot sauce before serving.

→ Is this suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, ensure all condiments and broths used are certified gluten-free to keep the dish safe for dietary needs.

→ What toppings work well for serving?

Try fresh chopped pickles, green onions, or sliced tomatoes for extra crunch and burger-inspired flavor.