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This is my favorite kind of weeknight comfort food because it’s full of bold flavor and satisfies even the pickiest eaters with all the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger. Bacon cheeseburger rice is a one-pan dish that brings together juicy ground beef, smoky bacon, and plenty of melted cheese with fluffy seasoned rice. It is so quick to pull together that I always keep the ingredients on hand for busy evenings.
The first time I tried this, my family went back for thirds and asked me to make extra bacon next time to sprinkle more on top. Now it is our go-to comfort meal for movie nights.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Using an 80 20 blend adds richness and flavor. Select beef with some fat for a juicy result.
- Yellow onion: Diced finely. Look for fresh onions that feel firm but not hard for best flavor and no bitterness.
- Fresh garlic: Minced for bold fragrance. Fresh quality garlic is better than jarred for deeper taste.
- Seasoned salt: Gives balanced seasoning throughout each layer of the dish. Choose a blend you like or make your own.
- Tomato sauce: For a little tang and added moisture. Select a brand with no added sugars for clean flavor.
- Ketchup: Adds classic burger sweetness and a slight tomato punch. Opt for a simple ketchup with few ingredients.
- Yellow mustard: Mimics traditional cheeseburger tang and bite. Use classic yellow for the best result.
- Instant rice: Like Minute Rice for quick and perfect texture. This ensures the dish comes together fast. Check the package to confirm quick-cooking.
- Beef broth: Brings all the flavors together and is the key to fluffy, flavorful rice. Use low sodium if you want more control over salt.
- Bacon: The star for smoky depth throughout. Cook it crisp and chop just before adding so it stays flavorful and not greasy.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Shredded for the melt and creamy bite everyone loves. Freshly shredded works and melts much better than pre-bagged.
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Onion:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef with diced onion. Cook for six to eight minutes breaking up the meat gently with a spatula. Let the beef brown and the onions soften to form the flavor foundation. Make sure all meat is fully cooked with no pink visible.
- Add Aromatics and Season:
- Pour in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute just until fragrant. Stir constantly to prevent burning. Drain any excess grease carefully so your end dish is not oily. Sprinkle the seasoned salt over the mixture and stir well so every bite gets the perfect savory balance.
- Add the Sauces Rice and Broth:
- Into the same skillet add the tomato sauce ketchup yellow mustard instant rice and beef broth. Stir slowly but thoroughly to make sure everything is evenly mixed. The rice should start absorbing the flavors almost right away as the liquid warms.
- Simmer Until Tender:
- Bring the skillet contents to a gentle simmer over heat. Let the dish cook for two to three minutes stirring occasionally to keep the rice from sticking to the bottom. You know it is ready when the broth is absorbed and the rice is tender fluffy but not mushy.
- Stir in Cheese and Bacon:
- Once the rice is perfectly cooked remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in half of the shredded cheese and half of the cooked bacon. Mix until the cheese melts into the rice and creates a creamy base.
- Finish with Toppings:
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon evenly over the top of the rice mixture. Cover the skillet and let it sit for two to three minutes with the heat off so the cheese on top can melt with the trapped steam.
- Serve Hot:
- Take off the lid and scoop generous portions while the dish is hot and gooey. The aroma alone will have everyone ready for seconds.
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Sharp cheddar cheese is my personal favorite in this dish because it melts so smoothly and adds a level of tanginess that brings the whole recipe together. My kids love topping their servings with extra cheese and bacon—sometimes even a little drizzle of ketchup to make it taste even more like a cheeseburger.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. For best results reheat gently on the stove with a splash of beef broth to keep it moist. This dish also works great for meal prepping because the flavors deepen overnight.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground turkey or chicken can replace the beef for a lighter take. Try pepper jack cheese for a spicier version or turkey bacon to lower the fat. If you do not have instant rice regular white rice can work but cook it separately and stir it in at the end.
Serving Suggestions
Top with dill pickles chopped tomatoes or a little shredded lettuce for a true cheeseburger flavor twist. We love serving this with a crisp green salad or roasted broccoli to balance the richness. I sometimes serve it in bowls with a small bun on the side for a deconstructed burger experience.
Cultural or Historical Context
One-pan comfort dishes like this have always been weeknight staples in American kitchens. Bacon cheeseburger rice borrows the best parts of two classic favorites for a dish that feels nostalgic and new at the same time.
Seasonal Adaptations
Add diced bell peppers during summer for more freshness Swap in smoked gouda cheese in the fall for deeper flavors Stir in fresh chopped spinach at the end for spring greens
Success Stories
So many friends have asked for this recipe after trying it at a potluck. My sister started making this every Sunday meal prep and now her kids call it their magic dinner because everyone loves it and there are never leftovers. It truly is a hit with any crowd.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Cool the finished rice completely before portioning into freezer safe containers. It can be frozen for up to two months. To serve simply thaw then reheat covered in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly with a fresh sprinkle of cheese.
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This bacon cheeseburger rice is flavor-packed comfort food that disappears fast at every family dinner. Keep a little extra cheese and bacon handy for topping and watch it become your new weeknight favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use regular long-grain rice instead of instant?
Yes, but you'll need to adjust cooking time and add more liquid to ensure the rice cooks fully.
- → What ground beef blend works best?
An 80/20 blend offers the right balance of flavor and juiciness without being overly greasy.
- → How do I get the cheese perfectly melted?
Mix half the cheese into hot rice so it melts, then cover with more cheese and bacon, letting steam do the rest.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and reheat gently on the stove or in the oven, adding a splash of broth if needed.
- → What garnishes pair well with this dish?
Add sliced green onions, diced pickles, or a drizzle of your favorite burger sauce for extra flair.