What is Bacon Cheeseburger Rice?
Bacon Cheeseburger Rice is a delicious one-pan dish that captures everything people love about a classic bacon cheeseburger and transforms it into a hearty, comforting rice skillet. Instead of buns, fluffy rice soaks up savory beef juices, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. This dish is rooted in American comfort food, designed to be simple, satisfying, and budget-friendly.
Many love it because it:
- Delivers the taste of a cheeseburger in a cozier, fork-friendly form.
- Uses pantry staples, making it ideal for busy families.
- Is extremely versatile; you can tweak flavors and toppings.
- Doubles easily for gatherings or meal prep.
Whether you serve it on a weeknight or at a casual get-together, it’s bound to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pan means fewer dishes.
- It combines bacon, beef, cheese, and rice all family favorites.
- Ready in under 45 minutes.
- Great for picky eaters but also customizable for bold tastes.
- Perfect for leftovers and reheats beautifully.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven: Even cooking is key, and you need enough room to stir everything.
- Wooden spoon: Gentle on your skillet, perfect for breaking up beef.
- Cutting board & sharp knife: For chopping onions, garlic, and bacon.
- Measuring cups & spoons: To get your ratios right every time.
- Cheese grater: Fresh cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
Importance of Each Tool
Each tool helps ensure the right texture and balanced flavors. The skillet helps rice cook evenly, the wooden spoon prevents scratching your pan, and a cheese grater keeps the cheese light and fluffy so it melts smoothly.
Preparation Tips
- Chop all vegetables and bacon before starting. It makes cooking faster.
- Shred your cheese fresh. It melts better and doesn’t clump.
- Use room temperature broth to help the rice start cooking evenly.
Ingredients for Bacon Cheeseburger Rice
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20) for juiciness
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Ingredients and Toppings
- Sliced pickles
- Diced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Jalapeños
- Extra crispy bacon on top
Ingredient Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture.
- Any long-grain white rice works well. Avoid instant rice since it gets mushy.
- For richer taste, use sharp cheddar.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Brown the Bacon
Place chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy, about 7 minutes. Remove bacon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about one tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
2. Cook the Beef and Onions
Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in diced onions and cook another 3 minutes until soft.
3. Add Garlic and Seasonings
Add minced garlic, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Cook for one minute to bring out the garlic’s aroma.
4. Add Rice, Tomatoes, and Broth
Pour in uncooked rice, drained tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir to combine everything. Bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Cover and Cook
Reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Finish with Cheese and Bacon
Turn off the heat. Stir in half the crispy bacon. Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the top. Cover for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
7. Garnish and Serve
Top with remaining bacon, pickles, and green onions. Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions, Mistakes to Avoid, and Side Dishes
Serving Suggestions
- In bowls topped with extra pickles and a drizzle of mustard for a real burger flavor.
- Stuffed inside hollowed bell peppers, baked at 350°F for 15 minutes, then topped with cheese.
- As a fun DIY topping bar, letting everyone add what they like more cheese, jalapeños, or BBQ sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Lean Beef
Lean beef can turn dry and tough. Stick with 80/20 for a tender, juicy texture.
Adding Cheese Too Early
Cheese can seize or become oily if added before the rice finishes cooking. Always melt it at the end.
Overcooking Rice
Rice can turn mushy if overcooked. Check at 18 minutes and turn off heat when grains are just tender.
Skipping Seasoning
Rice absorbs a lot of flavor. Taste before serving and adjust salt or pepper as needed.
How to Perfect the Recipe
- Freshly shred cheese so it melts into creamy pockets.
- Let the dish sit covered off the heat for 5 minutes. It finishes absorbing liquid and stays fluffy.
- Stir bacon in right before serving so it stays crispy.
Side Dish Recommendations
This dish is rich and hearty, so pairing it with something fresh or crunchy balances flavors.
- Garlic bread: great for mopping up cheesy sauce.
- Simple green salad: with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through richness.
- Roasted broccoli: adds crunch and earthiness.
- Creamy coleslaw: for a cool, crisp contrast.
- Grilled corn on the cob: brings natural sweetness.
- Dill pickles: classic burger pairing.
- Sweet potato fries: for a salty-sweet combo.
- Macaroni salad: if you want a double comfort meal.
Recipe Tips, Storage, FAQs, and Conclusion
Recipe Tips
- Double it if you’re feeding a big group. Use a larger Dutch oven to keep it cooking evenly.
- Try ground turkey or even chopped grilled burgers for a fun twist.
- Stir in a spoonful of sour cream at the end for a creamier texture.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing
- Cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
- Place in a skillet with a splash of broth over medium heat, stirring until warm.
- Or microwave covered on medium power in 1-minute intervals.
FAQs
Can I make Bacon Cheeseburger Rice in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the beef and bacon first, then add all ingredients except cheese. Cook on low for 3 hours. Stir in cheese before serving.
Can I use brown rice?
Definitely. Just add ½ cup extra broth and increase cooking time by about 15 minutes.
Is this recipe gluten free?
It can be. Ensure your ketchup, mustard, and broth are certified gluten free.
How can I make it spicier?
Add hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or swap cheddar for pepper jack.
Can I add vegetables to it?
Absolutely. Diced bell peppers, peas, or mushrooms all work well.
Conclusion
This Bacon Cheeseburger Rice recipe takes the best parts of a classic cheeseburger and turns it into an easy one-pan meal that’s perfect for family dinners. With savory beef, crispy bacon, melty cheddar, and fluffy rice, it’s comfort food that everyone can get behind. Try it tonight and see why it’s become a reader favorite.
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