If you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal that brings together the best of juicy burgers and satisfying rice, this Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine all the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger transformed into a one-pan dish, where savory ground beef, sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked rice mingle in a rich tomato and beef broth sauce. This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser, easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress anyone at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe starts with simple, familiar ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one plays a key role: the beef brings hearty richness, the tomato sauce and ketchup add tangy sweetness, and the sharp cheddar cheese delivers melty goodness. The cooked bacon adds that irresistible smoky crunch, while the instant rice soaks it all up for a perfectly balanced texture.
- 450 grams ground beef (80/20 blend): Provides juicy flavor and a tender bite thanks to the ideal fat ratio.
- 60 grams yellow onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the beef as it cooks.
- 15 grams fresh garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth that brightens the skillet’s flavor.
- 5 grams seasoned salt: Infuses the meat and vegetables with savory seasoning.
- 225 grams tomato sauce: Offers a rich, tangy base that keeps this dish saucy and moist.
- 60 milliliters ketchup: Gives a touch of sweetness and classic burger flavor.
- 15 milliliters yellow mustard: Adds a slight tang and kick reminiscent of a cheeseburger topping.
- 320 grams instant rice: Cooks quickly and absorbs all the delicious juices perfectly.
- 480 milliliters beef broth: Creates savory moisture that tenderizes the rice and beef together.
- 100 grams cooked bacon, chopped: Offers smoky, crispy bursts in every bite.
- 115 grams sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts smoothly for that signature cheese pull.
How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat, then toss in your ground beef and diced onion. Using your spatula, break up the meat as it cooks to ensure everything browns evenly. Keep sautéing for 6 to 8 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and the onions turn soft and translucent. This step builds a savory foundation packed with the irresistible aromas of toasted onion and browned meat.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Season
Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook just about 1 minute until fragrant—don’t let it darken too much or it’ll get bitter. Drain any excess fat from the pan to keep the dish from becoming greasy, then sprinkle the seasoned salt over the beef mixture. This subtle seasoning deeper enhances the flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients and Rice
Pour in the tomato sauce, ketchup, and yellow mustard, stirring everything together until well combined. Add the instant rice and beef broth, and give it a good mix so the rice gets evenly coated and starts soaking up those delicious spices and liquids. This is where the dish really starts to harmonize all its flavors.
Step 4: Simmer the Rice Mixture
Bring your skillet to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and watch as the broth gets mostly absorbed and the rice blossoms to a tender, fluffy texture. This brief cook time with the rice is a total time-saver, making this recipe incredibly quick without sacrificing taste.
Step 5: Incorporate Cheese and Bacon
Remove the skillet from the heat, then fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped bacon. As the cheese melts, it melds with the rice and beef, creating thick, creamy pockets of cheesy goodness interspersed with crunchy bacon bits. This is the heart of the Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe’s irresistible charm.
Step 6: Finish with Topping and Serve
Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheddar and bacon evenly over the skillet surface. Cover the pan and let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes so the residual heat can melt the cheese to perfection. When you remove the lid, you’ll see gooey, bubbly cheese atop that flavorful bacon-enriched rice. Serve immediately while it’s hot and inviting—each forkful tastes like a bite of your favorite burger night.
How to Serve Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate your dish beautifully. Freshly chopped green onions or chives provide a bright bite and a pop of color that contrasts with the rich, cheesy base. For a little extra zing, sprinkle a few dashes of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream on top; these bring layers of creaminess and heat that complement the skillet flavors.
Side Dishes
This recipe is lovely on its own but can become part of a well-rounded meal with simple sides. A fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness nicely, while roasted or steamed vegetables add both texture and nutrients. If you want to keep it indulgent, crispy French fries or simple garlic bread also pair perfectly for a true comfort food feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family dinner, serve the Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe straight from the skillet on the table, encouraging everyone to dig in family-style. You can also portion it into individual ramekins, topping each with a sprinkle of cheese and bacon for an elegant yet approachable presentation. Leftovers can be packed into wraps or stuffed inside bell peppers for creative, portable lunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a tasty next-day meal. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Portion into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, removing as much air as possible. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—this is a perfect way to prep lunches or meals in advance.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. To keep the cheese melty and fresh, adding a splash of beef broth or water can help loosen the mixture. Microwave reheating is also convenient—just cover to retain moisture and heat until steaming hot.
FAQs
Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?
You can substitute regular rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time significantly and may need to add more broth. Instant rice is recommended here because it cooks quickly and absorbs flavors evenly, which keeps this recipe fast and easy.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative or sautéed mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also replace bacon with smoked tempeh or a crispy fried onion topping to keep that smoky crunch.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
Sharp cheddar is ideal for its meltability and bold flavor, which complements the beef and bacon perfectly. However, feel free to experiment with Colby, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of different cheeses to suit your palate.
Can I add vegetables to this skillet?
Yes! Diced bell peppers, frozen peas, or corn can be stirred in when you add the rice and broth. Adding vegetables not only boosts nutrition but also adds lovely bursts of color and texture.
How spicy is this Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe?
This recipe is mild and kid-friendly as written. If you prefer a little heat, you can add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce during seasoning to spice it up to your liking.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe is one of those dishes you wish you knew about sooner because it combines simplicity, flavor, and comfort in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family, impressing friends, or just craving a delicious meal that’s easy to make, this recipe hits all the right notes. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal that combines the savory richness of ground beef and bacon with cheesy, tender rice. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish delivers all the classic cheeseburger flavors in an easy-to-make skillet recipe that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 450 grams ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 100 grams cooked bacon, chopped
- 115 grams sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 60 grams yellow onion, diced
- 15 grams fresh garlic, minced
Condiments and Seasonings
- 5 grams seasoned salt
- 225 grams tomato sauce
- 60 milliliters ketchup
- 15 milliliters yellow mustard
Grains and Liquids
- 320 grams instant rice
- 480 milliliters beef broth
Instructions
- Brown Beef and Onions: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened.
- Add Garlic and Season: Incorporate the minced garlic into the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until the garlic is aromatic. Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then season the mixture with seasoned salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients and Rice: Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, instant rice, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Simmer Rice Mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the broth is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Incorporate Cheese and Bacon: Remove the skillet from the heat. Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese (approximately 55 grams) and half of the chopped bacon (about 55 grams), mixing until the cheese melts into the rice.
- Finish with Topping: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon evenly over the rice mixture. Cover the skillet and allow it to stand for 2 to 3 minutes to let the residual heat melt the cheese fully.
- Serve Hot: Remove the lid and serve immediately while the dish is hot and the cheese is gooey and melted.
Notes
- Use instant rice for quicker cooking time; regular rice will require adjustments to cooking time and liquid amounts.
- Feel free to substitute sharp cheddar with your preferred cheese, such as Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
- For less sodium, choose low-sodium beef broth and reduce or omit the seasoned salt.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- To add vegetables, consider mixing in diced bell peppers or mushrooms when sautéing onions.
