Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Rice offers all the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger—juicy beef, savory bacon, melty cheddar—combined with fluffy rice in one easy skillet. This recipe only takes about 5 minutes of prep and 25 minutes to cook, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. It’s packed with protein, rich in flavor, and loved by kids and adults alike. Whether you’re craving something nostalgic or just want a fuss-free meal, this recipe delivers satisfaction in every bite. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious dish tonight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All-in-one meal: No need for extra sides—beef, rice, bacon, and cheese all in one pan.
- Quick & easy: Prep in 5 minutes, cook in 25—ideal for busy schedules.
- Customizable: Add pickles, jalapeños, or extra veggies for variety.
- Crowd-pleaser: Familiar cheeseburger flavor wins over the whole table.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need (serves 6):
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp seasoned salt
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 cups minute (instant) rice
- 2 cups beef broth (or water + bouillon)
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Step-by-Step: How to Make Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Rice
- Cook beef & onion: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until beef is no longer pink. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Drain excess fat and sprinkle in seasoned salt.
- Incorporate sauces and liquids: Mix in the tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, rice, and beef broth until well combined.
- Let it simmer: Bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 2–3 minutes, until the rice absorbs most of the liquid.
- Stir in cheese & bacon: Mix in ½ cup cheddar and ½ cup chopped bacon until melted and distributed.
- Finish with toppings: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese and ½ cup of chopped bacon over the top. Cover and let it steam for a few minutes to finish melting.
- Serve: Fluff with a spatula and serve hot.
Helpful Tips
- Rice swap: Use long-grain or jasmine rice? Adjust broth amount per package directions and increase cook time to about 15 minutes covered.
- Drain well: After browning beef, drain fully to avoid greasy rice.
- Cheese texture: Use freshly shredded cheese—pre-shredded can have additives that affect melt.
- Cover time: Letting cheese steam covered gives a gooey, even melt.
Substitutions And Variations
- Meats: Try ground turkey, chicken, or crumbled sausage for a twist.
- Cheese: Use pepper jack for heat or Swiss for mellow flavor.
- Veggies: Stake in diced bell pepper or mushrooms with the onions.
- Seasoning: Toss in a pinch of chili powder or paprika for a smokier profile.
- Low-carb: Use cauliflower rice instead of white rice and reduce broth to 1 cup.
- To make it vegetarian: Replace the beef and bacon with plant-based meat alternatives and substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Cool completely then store in airtight container up to 4 days.
- To reheat: Microwave covered or rewarm on stovetop with a tablespoon of broth or water to prevent dryness.
- Freezing: Freeze in portions (without cheese topping) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight, reheat fully, then add cheese and bacon.
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 500
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbs: 31 g
- Total fat: 29 g
- Saturated fat: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sodium: 1476 mg
(Note: nutritional values may vary depending on brands and substitutions used.)
Serving Suggestions
- Pickle on top: Add sliced dill pickles or pickle chips for tang.
- Fresh crunch: Sprinkle diced lettuce and tomato for a cheeseburger feel.
- Condiments: Offer ketchup, mustard, or even a dash of hot sauce on the side.
- Sides: Pair with a simple green salad or roasted veggies to round out the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Rice
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare it through the beef-and-rice step, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat with added cheese and bacon topping when ready to serve.
Q: What if I don’t have instant rice?
A: Use regular long‑grain or jasmine rice—adjust liquid as per package (about 2¼ cups broth per 2 cups rice) and simmer covered for about 15 minutes rather than 2–3 minutes.
Q: How can I reduce sodium?
A: For a lower sodium option, opt for low-sodium broth, cut back on the seasoned salt, and use reduced-sodium ketchup.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Replace the beef and bacon with plant-based meat alternatives and substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth.
Q: Is it freezer-friendly?
A: Yes—freeze before adding cheese/bacon topping, thaw overnight, then reheat, topping with fresh cheese and bacon.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for trying this Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Rice recipe! I hope you love the creamy, cheesy texture and savory bacon bites as much as I do. It’s one of my favorite go-to dinners when I want something quick, flavorful, and satisfying all at once. Wishing you joy in cooking—and even more joy in sharing this hearty dish with your loved ones. Enjoy every delicious spoonful and happy eating, dear food-loving friend!
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Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Rice is a quick, cheesy, one-pan skillet dinner packed with ground beef, bacon, cheddar, and tangy sauce flavors. This family-friendly recipe brings the taste of a bacon cheeseburger into a comforting rice dish ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
½ yellow onion, diced
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tsp seasoned salt
8 oz tomato sauce
¼ cup ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
2 cups minute (instant) rice
2 cups beef broth
1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook beef & onion: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until beef is no longer pink. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Drain excess fat and sprinkle in seasoned salt.
- Incorporate sauces and liquids: Mix in the tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, rice, and beef broth until well combined.
- Let it simmer: Bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 2–3 minutes, until the rice absorbs most of the liquid.
- Stir in cheese & bacon: Mix in ½ cup cheddar and ½ cup chopped bacon until melted and distributed.
- Finish with toppings: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese and ½ cup of chopped bacon over the top. Cover and let it steam for a few minutes to finish melting.
- Serve: Fluff with a spatula and serve hot.
Notes
Use long-grain rice if preferred—adjust liquid and cooking time as needed.
Swap in plant-based meat and broth for a vegetarian version.
For lower sodium, use reduced-sodium broth, ketchup, and less seasoned salt.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 498
- Sugar: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Protein: 28g