If you’re craving a meal that perfectly combines the irresistible flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the comfort of a one-pan dish, you’re about to fall head over heels for this Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe. It’s that kind of hearty, satisfying meal that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and delivers big flavor with effortless prep. With crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, tender ground beef, and fluffy rice all mingling in perfect harmony, this recipe is an absolute winner for family dinners or when you want something quick but deeply comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe shines thanks to a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color, making sure every spoonful hits all the right notes.
- Ground beef (450 grams, 80/20 blend): Provides juicy, flavorful meat that’s perfect for that classic cheeseburger base.
- Yellow onion (60 grams, diced): Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch once sautéed.
- Fresh garlic (15 grams, minced): Brings an aromatic punch that elevates all the savory elements.
- Seasoned salt (5 grams): A quick way to season perfectly and add a little extra umami.
- Tomato sauce (225 grams): Adds tang and depth with a rich tomato flavor.
- Ketchup (60 milliliters): Brings a touch of sweetness and classic cheeseburger flavor.
- Yellow mustard (15 milliliters): Gives a nice tangy kick that balances the richness.
- Instant rice (320 grams): The star carb that soaks up all those wonderful flavors.
- Beef broth (480 milliliters): Keeps the rice moist and infuses savory goodness.
- Cooked bacon (100 grams, chopped): Crispy, smoky bacon bits that make every bite better.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (115 grams, shredded): Melts irresistibly, lending gooey cheesiness throughout the dish.
How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown Beef and Onions
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef and diced onions, then sauté for about 6 to 8 minutes. Break the meat apart with your spatula while cooking so it browns evenly. You want the beef fully cooked and onions softened, creating a savory, caramelized base for the dish.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Season
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just about one minute until you can smell that wonderful aromatic blast. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish from getting greasy, then sprinkle in the seasoned salt to infuse that classic cheeseburger flavor right into the mix.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients and Rice
Here comes the magic: pour the tomato sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, instant rice, and beef broth all into the skillet. Stir everything together to evenly combine the ingredients. This mix will soon transform into a hearty, tomato-infused rice base that’s rich in all the flavors you love from a bacon cheeseburger.
Step 4: Simmer Rice Mixture
Bring the skillet contents to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally so the rice absorbs the broth and the sauce thickens perfectly. This short simmer ensures the rice cooks fully while soaking up all the savory flavors in one pot.
Step 5: Incorporate Cheese and Bacon
Once the rice is tender with most of the broth absorbed, remove the pan from the heat. Fold in half of your shredded sharp cheddar and half of the chopped bacon. As you mix, the cheese will melt delightfully into the rice, creating creamy pockets of goodness scattered with smoky bacon bits.
Step 6: Finish with Topping
To take this skillet to the next level, sprinkle the remaining cheddar and bacon evenly over the top. Cover the skillet and let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes away from the heat, allowing the residual warmth to melt the cheese gloriously, making the top layer luscious and inviting.
Step 7: Serve Hot
Finally, remove the lid and serve the dish straight from the skillet while it’s hot and the cheese is still gooey. This step ensures you get that comfort-food experience in every bite, bringing together all the flavors and textures perfectly.
How to Serve Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate the dish with fresh garnishes like sliced green onions for a subtle bite, or a handful of chopped pickles for that authentic cheeseburger tang. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce can also add a fiery twist that wakes up your taste buds.
Side Dishes
Although this skillet is satisfying on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans offers a lovely balance. If you want to go all out, some crunchy dill pickles or a simple coleslaw can bring bright, crunchy contrasts to your warm, cheesy masterpiece.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe inside hollowed-out bell peppers for an Instagram-worthy presentation, or scoop it onto toasted buns for a fun twist on a sloppy joe. You can also portion it into small ramekins for individual servings — perfect for dinner parties or portion control while keeping things cozy and homestyle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe, cool any leftovers to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay tasty and fresh for up to 3 days — just waiting to be reheated for a quick, comforting meal.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the cooled skillet into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months, so you can always have a delicious homemade meal ready to go on busy days.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water if it seems a little dry. This will help revive that creamy texture and keep the bacon cheeseburger flavors vibrant and fresh, just like when first made.
FAQs
Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?
You can definitely substitute regular rice, but keep in mind it will require a longer cooking time and possibly additional liquid. Adjust cooking times accordingly, and be patient so the rice cooks through without drying out.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also replace bacon with vegan bacon strips or smoked tempeh for the smoky flavor, ensuring the dish stays hearty and delicious.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it fully and reheat when you’re ready to serve. It’s a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights or entertaining. Just be mindful to store it properly and reheat gently to keep that ooey-gooey cheese perfectly melty.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
Sharp cheddar is recommended for its bold flavor and excellent melting properties that give you that classic cheeseburger feel. However, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a mild Colby for a different twist.
Can I add other toppings or mix-ins?
For sure! Feel free to toss in diced pickles, sautéed mushrooms, or even diced tomatoes to enhance flavor and texture. Just add them according to personal taste preferences to make the dish uniquely yours.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for that perfect meal that combines the juicy, cheesy, bacon-studded goodness of a cheeseburger with the ease of a skillet dinner, this Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe is ready to become your new favorite. It’s effortless, packed with flavor, and so comforting you’ll want to make it again and again. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite around your table!
Print
Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet is a comforting one-pan meal that combines the savory flavors of ground beef and crispy bacon with cheesy, tender rice. Quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, this dish mimics the taste of a classic cheeseburger with the convenience of an easy skillet dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 450 grams ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 60 grams yellow onion, diced
- 15 grams fresh garlic, minced
- 100 grams cooked bacon, chopped
Seasonings and Sauces
- 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
Cheese
- 115 grams sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Brown Beef and Onions: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, sautéing for 6 to 8 minutes while breaking up the meat with a spatula until the beef is fully browned and onions are softened.
- Add Garlic and Season: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then season the mixture with seasoned salt to taste.
- Combine Wet Ingredients and Rice: Add tomato sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, instant rice, and beef broth into the skillet, stirring thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Simmer Rice Mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the broth is absorbed and the rice becomes tender.
- Incorporate Cheese and Bacon: Remove the skillet from heat. Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese (55 grams) and half of the chopped bacon (55 grams), mixing until the cheese melts into the rice.
- Finish with Topping: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon evenly over the top of the rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it stand for 2 to 3 minutes so the residual heat melts the cheese perfectly.
- Serve Hot: Remove the lid and serve immediately while the dish is hot and the cheese is gooey for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use instant rice for quick cooking; regular rice will require longer cooking time and more liquid adjustments.
- For less fat, drain excess grease from the browned beef before adding liquids.
- Substitute sharp cheddar with your favorite cheese like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
- Adding finely chopped pickles or a dollop of sour cream on top when serving can enhance the cheeseburger flavor experience.
- Make sure to cover the skillet carefully during the standing time to ensure cheese melts evenly.
