Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Stack

Craving all the flavors of a bacon cheeseburger but needing something cozy for dinner This Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Stack brings together savory beef creamy cheddar smoky bacon and saucy rice for a crowd-pleasing skillet meal It is a comfort food twist that feels familiar yet totally new and delivers those classic burger flavors in every bite

The first time I put this on the table nobody could stop talking about it We scraped the skillet clean and now it is my top pick anytime I want something hearty but easy

Ingredients

• Ground beef: 80 percent lean for perfect juiciness and flavor without being too greasy Look for bright red beef with no off smell for best quality
• Yellow onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and soft bite Use a fresh onion for best texture
• Fresh garlic, minced: Gives deep flavor Pick plump unblemished cloves for bold aroma
• Seasoned salt: Balances savoriness and pops the beef Choose your favorite blend for extra depth
• Tomato sauce: Creates a luscious base Use plain sauce so you control the flavor
• Ketchup: Adds tangy sweetness Look for one without high fructose corn syrup for a cleaner taste
• Yellow mustard: Boosts sharpness and classic burger tang Use smooth yellow for authentic flavor
• Instant rice: Makes this a quick meal Fluffy and cooks fast Choose fresh stock for fluffier grains
• Beef broth: Infuses the rice with savory richness Homemade or low sodium works well
• Cooked bacon, chopped: Bring in smoky notes and crunch Go for thick-cut bacon cooked until crisp
• Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Essential creamy bite and tang Use block cheese and grate fresh for best melting

Instructions

Prep and Sauté:

Heat a large skillet on medium-high and add the ground beef and diced onion Break up the beef and cook for six to eight minutes until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onions look translucent The browning here intensifies the flavor

Garlic and Season:

Add the minced garlic Cook exactly one minute so it becomes fragrant and not bitter Then tip out any excess fat Season well with your chosen seasoned salt This brings everything together

Sauce it Up:

Pour in tomato sauce ketchup and mustard along with the instant rice and beef broth Stir everything thoroughly making sure the rice is fully coated and no dry clumps remain

Simmer and Soften:

Bring the skillet mixture to a gentle simmer Let it cook for two to three minutes While you occasionally stir watch as the broth absorbs into the rice The grains should be tender when ready

Cheese and Bacon Mix:

Remove the skillet from heat Stir in half the cheese and bacon This helps the cheese melt quickly from the residual heat while keeping bacon distributed throughout

Final Toppings:

Sprinkle remaining cheese and bacon evenly across the top Cover the skillet and let it stand for two to three minutes so the cheese gets melty and dreamy

Stack and Serve:

Grease a ring mold and set it on your serving plate Spoon in two to three tablespoons of the rice mixture pressing firmly to make a tidy base Center some reserved bacon and cheese Add another layer of rice and gently compact Top again with bacon and cheese For a golden finish broil briefly then let sit covered two to three minutes Gently remove the ring mold while pressing the top to secure Serve at once for peak flavor

My favorite part of this dish is shredding that block of sharp cheddar and watching it melt straight into the skillet The smell alone brings everyone to the kitchen In fact my husband always sneaks a little extra cheese and bacon for his stack which is officially allowed

Storage Tips

Cool leftovers fully before sealing in airtight containers in the fridge They taste great for up to three days Reheat with a splash of beef broth to loosen the rice and revive the creamy texture

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter meal use ground turkey or chicken Feel free to swap out cheddar for Colby Jack or provolone If you are out of instant rice cook regular rice separately and stir in once the beef mixture is sauced

Serving Suggestions

Pile up stacks at the table and let everyone grab their favorite toppings like diced pickles a drizzle of extra mustard or chopped fresh tomato A side salad delivers a nice fresh crunch to balance the richness

Seasonal Adaptations

Fresh herbs like chives or parsley add brightness in spring Stir roasted corn in summer for extra sweetness Top with thin-sliced jalapenos for a winter kick

Success Stories

A neighbor tried this recipe for a potluck and got asked for the recipe by nearly everyone Their only regret was not doubling the batch My kids now request it for birthday sleepovers

Freezer Meal Conversion

Spoon cooled rice mixture into a freezer-safe dish and seal tightly Thaw overnight and reheat gently covered with foil Add a handful more cheese before reheating to keep it gooey

This is a fun and cozy twist perfect for sharing on chilly nights It is even better the next day—if you have any left

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use regular long-grain rice instead of instant?

Instant rice is recommended for a quicker cook time, but standard long-grain rice can work. Adjust the cooking time and liquid to ensure the rice becomes tender and fully cooked.

→ What other cheeses could be substituted for sharp cheddar?

Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Colby are great alternatives to sharp cheddar, depending on your flavor preference and desired meltiness.

→ Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rice mixture in advance. Reheat gently and assemble the stack just before serving for best texture and flavor.

→ How do I achieve a golden, melted top?

After assembling, place under a broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden. Watch closely to prevent burning.

→ What toppings or sides pair well with this dish?

Try topping with sliced pickles, a drizzle of extra sauce, or a side salad. Oven-roasted fries or steamed vegetables also pair nicely.