Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet

This one pan bacon cheeseburger rice brings all the comfort of your favorite burger joint meal right to your dinner table in just 30 minutes. The clever combination of ground beef, bacon, and cheese with perfectly seasoned rice creates a satisfying dish that tastes remarkably like biting into a juicy cheeseburger. I developed this recipe during a particularly busy week when my family was craving comfort food but I needed something quick and easy that would please everyone from my picky toddler to my skeptical husband.

The first time I made this, I was honestly skeptical about whether rice could really capture those classic cheeseburger flavors. But the magic combination of ketchup, mustard, and seasoned salt transforms ordinary ground beef into something that genuinely tastes like your favorite burger. Now it's become our family's go to comfort meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend): The fat content is crucial for flavor and moisture, lean ground beef will make this dish dry
• 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped: Cook this ahead of time and let it cool completely before chopping for best texture
• ½ medium yellow onion, diced: Yellow onions provide the perfect balance of sweetness and sharpness
• 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced: Fresh garlic makes a noticeable difference over garlic powder in this dish
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt: This is what gives the beef that distinctive burger flavor
• 8 ounces tomato sauce: Use a good quality sauce as it forms the base of the dish
• ¼ cup ketchup: This is essential for that authentic cheeseburger taste
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard: Classic yellow mustard works best, avoid fancy varieties here
• 2 cups instant rice: Minute Rice or similar brands work perfectly and cook quickly
• 2 cups beef broth: This adds richness and depth that water simply cannot provide
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor punch, avoid pre shredded if possible

Step by Step Instructions

Cook the Beef and Onion:

Heat your large skillet over medium high heat until it's hot but not smoking. Add the ground beef and diced onion together, cooking for 6 to 8 minutes while continuously breaking up the meat with a spatula. You want no pink remaining in the beef and the onions should be softened and translucent. This step builds the flavor foundation for the entire dish.

Add Garlic and Season:

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for exactly 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Drain off any excess grease by tilting the pan and spooning it out or using a paper towel to absorb it. Season the mixture generously with seasoned salt, stirring to distribute evenly.

Build the Rice Base:

Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, instant rice, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined and the rice is evenly distributed. The mixture will look quite soupy at this point, which is exactly what you want.

Simmer Until Tender:

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The broth should be absorbed and the rice should be tender but not mushy. If the rice seems undercooked, add a splash more broth and continue cooking.

Add First Layer of Toppings:

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese and half of the chopped bacon. Stir gently until the cheese melts completely into the rice, creating a creamy, cohesive mixture.

Top and Melt:

Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon evenly over the top of the rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes. The residual heat and steam will melt the cheese on top, creating that perfect cheesy finish.

Serve Hot:

Remove the lid and serve immediately while the cheese is still melty and the dish is piping hot. The flavors are best when served fresh and hot.

Save

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover bacon cheeseburger rice in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent drying out and microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each interval. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium low heat, stirring frequently and adding liquid as needed.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can replace the beef for a lighter version, though you may need to add a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Turkey bacon works well in place of regular bacon. For a vegetarian version, use plant based ground meat and vegetable broth. Cauliflower rice can replace regular rice for a low carb option, though cooking times will need to be adjusted.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty rice dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with ranch dressing to echo those classic burger joint flavors. Steamed broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition to the plate. For a fun presentation, serve it with pickle spears on the side just like you would with a real cheeseburger.

Save

One Pan Wonder

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the fact that everything cooks in one pan. This makes it perfect for camping trips, busy weeknights, or whenever you want maximum flavor with minimum cleanup. The combination of proteins, vegetables, and starch all in one dish means you have a complete meal without needing multiple side dishes.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use regular rice instead of instant?

Instant rice works best for timing, but regular rice can be used if pre-cooked before adding to the skillet.

→ How do I make this dish spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne, or swap cheddar for pepper jack to boost the heat.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes well. Cool completely, store in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months.

→ Can I substitute turkey for beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well. Add a tablespoon of oil to prevent dryness.

→ What toppings go well with this dish?

Try pickles, chopped scallions, or a drizzle of ketchup for extra burger-inspired flavor.