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This one-pan bacon cheeseburger rice skillet has rescued countless weeknight dinners at my house. When craving comfort food but lacking the energy for actual burgers, this dish delivers all those beloved flavors in a simple, satisfying form that brings everyone to the table with smiles.
I created this recipe during a particularly chaotic week when I needed something quick that would please everyone. My teenage son declared it better than actual cheeseburgers because "everything good is mixed together" and it has been in our regular rotation ever since.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 80/20 blend provides the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness without becoming greasy
- Yellow onion: Adds essential sweetness that balances the savory elements
- Fresh garlic: Creates depth of flavor always mince it just before using for maximum impact
- Seasoned salt: Ties all the flavors together with one simple ingredient
- Tomato sauce: Forms the base of our burger sauce flavor profile
- Ketchup: Adds that classic burger condiment sweetness
- Yellow mustard: Brings tangy brightness essential to authentic burger flavor
- Instant rice: Allows this to cook quickly without sacrificing texture
- Beef broth: Infuses the rice with rich flavor as it cooks
- Bacon: Adds smoky crunch look for thick cut for best texture and flavor
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Choose a block and grate it yourself for superior melting
How To Make Bacon Cheeseburger Rice
- Brown the beef and onions:
- Cook ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet over medium high heat for 6 to 8 minutes. Break the meat into small pieces with your spatula while stirring occasionally. The beef should have no pink remaining and the onions should become translucent and softened. This step builds your flavor foundation.
- Add aromatics:
- Stir the minced garlic into the beef mixture and cook for just one minute until you can smell its fragrance. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it will become bitter. Drain any excess grease from the pan leaving just enough for flavor. Sprinkle the seasoned salt evenly across the mixture stirring to distribute.
- Create the sauce base:
- Add tomato sauce ketchup and yellow mustard to the skillet stirring to combine with the meat mixture. These ingredients recreate that classic burger sauce flavor profile. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate any browned bits which contain concentrated flavor.
- Cook the rice:
- Add the instant rice and beef broth to the skillet stirring until everything is evenly combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer not a rolling boil. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes stirring occasionally to prevent sticking until the broth is absorbed and the rice becomes tender.
- Mix in first layer of toppings:
- Remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in half of your shredded cheese and chopped bacon. The residual heat will melt the cheese creating pockets of gooey goodness throughout the dish. Stir gently to distribute without breaking up the rice too much.
- Add finishing layer:
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon over the top of the rice mixture creating a restaurant style presentation. Cover the skillet with a lid to trap the steam which will melt the cheese perfectly without overcooking the dish. Let it rest covered for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Remove the lid revealing a beautifully melted cheese topping. Serve immediately while hot directly from the skillet for family style dining or portion into individual bowls. Each spoonful should contain the perfect balance of rice meat cheese and bacon.
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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is how the rice absorbs all the flavors of a real cheeseburger. The first time I made it for my husband, he looked skeptical but ended up going back for seconds and thirds. Now whenever I cook bacon for breakfast, I always make extra knowing this dish will appear on our menu that week.
Storage and Reheating
This bacon cheeseburger rice actually improves overnight as the flavors meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a small splash of beef broth or water before microwaving in 30second intervals stirring between each until heated through. The extra liquid prevents the rice from drying out and restores the creamy texture.
Easy Substitutions
If you prefer a healthier version, ground turkey works beautifully in place of beef. Simply add an extra tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the meaty flavor. For a spicy kick, substitute pepper jack for the cheddar and add a diced jalapeño with the onions. No instant rice? Regular long grain rice works too just parboil it for 10 minutes before adding to the skillet and expect to add about 10 minutes to your cooking time.
Customization Ideas
This recipe becomes even more fun when you treat it like a real burger bar. Set out small bowls of traditional burger toppings like diced pickles sliced green onions diced tomatoes or even shredded lettuce to add just before serving. My family loves to drizzle a little burger sauce made from equal parts mayo and ketchup with a splash of pickle juice over their portions. For an extra special touch, top with crispy fried onions or crushed potato chips.
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Meal Prep Magic
This bacon cheeseburger rice is perfect for meal prep. Make a double batch on Sunday and portion into microwave safe containers for quick lunches throughout the week. The flavors actually develop more fully after a day in the refrigerator. For best results when prepping ahead, reserve half the cheese and bacon to add fresh when reheating. This ensures you still get those delicious melty cheese moments and crisp bacon texture that makes this dish so satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?
Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid measurements. Instant rice cooks quickly, so regular rice may take longer to soften and cook through.
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works as a great substitute and will give the dish a lighter taste while still maintaining its cheeseburger-inspired flavors.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead and reheat it when needed. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- → What toppings go well with this dish?
Consider adding diced pickles, a dollop of sour cream, or even some crispy onions for extra texture and flavor.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the cheese for your favorite dairy-free alternative or simply omit it. The dish will still be delicious!