Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Dish

This hearty bacon cheeseburger rice transforms America's favorite fast food flavors into a comforting one-pan meal. The combination of seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, and melty cheese creates a family-friendly dinner that brings nostalgic flavors to your dinner table without the drive-thru.

I created this recipe after my youngest begged for cheeseburgers during a snowstorm when we couldn't leave the house. The whole family devoured it so enthusiastically it's now in our regular dinner rotation at least twice a month.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: 80/20 blend provides the perfect fat content for authentic burger flavor without being greasy. Look for freshly ground meat with a bright pink color.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and classic burger flavor. Choose firm onions without soft spots.
• Fresh garlic: Provides depth and savory notes. Always use fresh rather than jarred for the best flavor profile.
• Seasoned salt: The secret to that classic burger taste. Lawry's brand works particularly well here.
• Tomato sauce: Creates the base for our sauce. Use plain unseasoned for best results.
• Ketchup: Adds that quintessential burger sweetness. Heinz gives the most authentic flavor.
• Yellow mustard: Provides tanginess that cuts through the richness. The classic yellow variety mimics diner burgers perfectly.
• Instant rice: The convenience hero of this dish. Minute Rice brand consistently delivers fluffy results.
• Beef broth: Infuses the rice with meaty flavor as it cooks. Use low sodium if possible.
• Bacon: The crispy crowning glory. Thick cut works best as it maintains texture in the finished dish.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully while providing robust flavor. Freshly grated melts more smoothly than pre shredded.

How To Make Bacon Cheeseburger Rice

Brown the meat and onions:

Heat your skillet over medium high heat until hot but not smoking. Add the ground beef and diced onion together at the same time. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Continue cooking for the full 6 to 8 minutes until the beef has completely lost its pink color and the onions have become translucent and soft. Breaking the meat into small pieces ensures even distribution throughout the final dish.

Add aromatics:

Add the minced garlic directly to the cooked beef mixture, stirring constantly for exactly one minute. This brief cooking period allows the garlic to release its flavor without burning, which would create bitterness. After the meat is fully cooked, tilt the pan and spoon off excess fat or drain in a colander if necessary. Return to the pan and sprinkle with seasoned salt, stirring to distribute evenly.

Create the sauce base:

Pour in the tomato sauce, ketchup, and yellow mustard, stirring until completely incorporated with the meat mixture. The combination creates that distinctive burger sauce flavor that makes this dish so nostalgic. Make sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan as these contain concentrated flavor.

Add rice and liquid:

Add the instant rice directly to the saucy meat mixture, followed immediately by the beef broth. Stir thoroughly to ensure every grain of rice is coated in the liquid. This helps the rice cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors. Bring to a gentle simmer rather than a full boil to prevent the sauce from reducing too quickly before the rice can absorb the liquid.

First cheese and bacon addition:

Once the rice has absorbed most of the liquid and is tender when tasted, remove the pan from heat completely. Immediately stir in half of your cheese and bacon. The residual heat will melt the cheese into a creamy sauce that coats every grain of rice while leaving some bacon pieces throughout for texture and flavor.

Final topping:

Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon across the top of the rice mixture in an even layer. Place the lid on the skillet to create a steamy environment that will melt the cheese without overcooking the dish. Let it sit undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted but still visible as a distinct topping.

Serve immediately:

Remove the lid and serve while still hot. The contrast between the creamy rice mixture and the melted cheese topping creates the perfect texture combination. For an authentic presentation, serve in bowls with extra ketchup and mustard on the side.

Pin it

My family gets most excited about the bacon in this recipe. I discovered that cooking the bacon separately until extra crispy before adding to the dish preserves that satisfying crunch that makes real cheeseburgers so addictive. The first time I made this, my son declared it even better than actual burgers because he got "cheesy bacon in every single bite."

Make Ahead and Storage

This dish actually improves overnight as the flavors meld together in the refrigerator. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a tablespoon of water or beef broth to prevent the rice from drying out. Stir halfway through reheating for even warming. The dish can also be frozen in portion sized containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Customization Options

Just like with regular cheeseburgers, this rice dish welcomes your favorite burger toppings. For a Big Mac inspired version, add shredded lettuce, diced pickles and a drizzle of special sauce just before serving. Bacon lovers can double the bacon quantity. Mushroom swiss fans can substitute swiss cheese and add sautéed mushrooms. For spicy burger flavor, add diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty rice in bowls alongside a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a complete diner experience, add pickle spears and french fries on the side. During summer months, fresh sliced tomatoes and corn on the cob make perfect accompaniments. For game day gatherings, offer this as part of a burger bar buffet alongside traditional burgers for guests to choose their favorite.

Pin it

Kid Friendly Kitchen Tasks

This recipe offers several opportunities to get children involved in cooking. Younger kids can help measure the rice, broth, and sauce ingredients. Older children can practice their knife skills by dicing the onion under supervision. Teenagers can manage the entire recipe with minimal oversight, making this an excellent introduction to one pan cooking. The forgiving nature of the recipe means small measurement errors won't ruin the final result.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?

You can, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio to ensure the rice cooks through properly. Instant rice is recommended for quick preparation.

→ What type of cheese works best for this dish?

Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal for its bold flavor, but you can also use Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheese blend that melts well.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of chili powder, or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level to your preference.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this dish is gluten-free as written. Double-check ingredient labels, especially on beef broth and tomato sauces, to verify they are gluten-free.

→ Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives can be used in place of ground beef for different flavor profiles.