If you’re craving a dish that perfectly marries the juicy, savory joy of a burger with the comforting heartiness of a skillet meal, this Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It’s a one-pan wonder that delivers all the flavors you love from a classic bacon cheeseburger—melty sharp cheddar, smoky crispy bacon, ground beef, and tangy condiments—combined with fluffy rice that soaks up every bit of deliciousness. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a cozy weeknight supper, this recipe is pure comfort food magic in just one skillet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe calls for simple, straightforward ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and delightful textures. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing richness, tang, and satisfying heartiness.
- Ground beef (80/20 blend): The perfect fat ratio for juicy, flavorful meat that browns beautifully without drying out.
- Yellow onion, diced: Adds a sweet, aromatic foundation that complements the beef.
- Fresh garlic, minced: Infuses the skillet with fragrant depth and a subtle bite.
- Seasoned salt: Elevates the natural flavors with a balanced mix of spices.
- Tomato sauce: Brings a rich, tangy tomato element to mimic classic burger toppings.
- Ketchup: Adds sweetness and a familiar burger-flavored accent.
- Yellow mustard: Offers a bright, zesty kick that cuts through the richness.
- Instant rice: Cooks quickly and absorbs the saucy goodness.
- Beef broth: Moistens the rice and intensifies the meat’s savory character.
- Cooked bacon, chopped: Brings crispy smoky bursts that everyone loves.
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts into creamy ribbons of sharp, cheesy delight 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. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking for about 6 to 8 minutes. Break the meat apart with a spatula while sautéing until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft and fragrant. This step builds the flavor base and renders juicy, savory goodness.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Season
Next, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until you smell that incredible aroma. This quick step brightens the mixture with fresh garlicky notes. Then, drain any excess fat from the pan and season with the seasoned salt to bring out the best in your beef and onions.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients and Rice
Now it’s time to add the tomato sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, instant rice, and beef broth. Stir everything well to combine, ensuring the rice is evenly coated and the sauce ingredients meld perfectly for that classic burger-inspired tang and richness.
Step 4: Simmer Rice Mixture
Bring the skillet contents to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the rice absorbs the broth and becomes tender. This step transforms the dish into a comforting, all-in-one meal with a beautiful saucy consistency.
Step 5: Incorporate Cheese and Bacon
Remove the pan from heat and fold in half of the shredded cheddar and chopped bacon. The warm skillet will gently melt the cheese and let those smoky bacon pieces infuse their flavor into every bite.
Step 6: Finish with Topping
To finish, sprinkle the remaining cheddar and bacon evenly over the top of the rice mixture. Cover the skillet and let it stand for 2 to 3 minutes. This resting period allows the residual heat to melt the cheese perfectly and ensures a gooey, irresistible topping.
Step 7: Serve Hot
Remove the lid and serve your Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe immediately. The dish is best enjoyed while the cheese is still melty and the entire skillet is steaming hot—a true crowd-pleaser everyone will want seconds of.
How to Serve Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your skillet by topping it with fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or crispy fried onions for crunch and color. A dollop of sour cream or a few pickle slices can add an extra burst of creaminess and acidity that enhance the cheeseburger vibe.
Side Dishes
While the Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe is quite hearty on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables adds freshness and balance. A side of oven-roasted potatoes or garlic bread also complements the rich, cheesy flavors if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the skillet straight from the pan for that rustic, homey feel that invites everyone to dig in. For a fun twist, scoop the mixture into toasted burger buns or stuff it inside bell peppers for a playful presentation that transforms this recipe into a handheld delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your skillet has cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an ideal meal prep option for busy weeknights.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, and it will keep for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to enjoy all the original flavors and textures.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over medium heat on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth or water to restore moisture, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave portions in short bursts, covering to keep the cheese melty and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?
You can, but the cooking time will be longer and you may need extra beef broth. Adjust accordingly to make sure the rice cooks fully and absorbs all those yummy flavors.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add mushrooms or lentils for extra texture and umami.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Make sure your ketchup and seasonings are gluten-free, and opt for certified gluten-free instant rice to keep this dish safe and delicious.
What type of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is recommended for its tangy bite, but you can experiment with Colby, Monterey Jack, or a blend for different melty, creamy textures.
Can I add vegetables to this skillet?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, chopped tomatoes, or even some spinach stir in nicely and boost the nutrition while complementing the flavors.
Final Thoughts
The Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe is a total winner when it comes to comfort food that’s fast, flavorful, and downright satisfying. The way all those classic cheeseburger flavors come together in one easy skillet is pure magic, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Give it a try—you might just find your next favorite meal!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful one-pan Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet combining ground beef, savory tomato sauce, crispy bacon, and melted sharp cheddar cheese for a comforting meal ready in just 30 minutes. This dish captures classic cheeseburger flavors in a convenient rice-based skillet perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 450 grams ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 60 grams yellow onion, diced
- 15 grams fresh garlic, minced
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
Toppings
- 100 grams cooked bacon, chopped
- 115 grams sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
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 and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then season the mixture with seasoned salt, stirring to combine.
- 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 pan from heat. Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the chopped bacon, 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 to stand for 2 to 3 minutes so the residual heat melts the cheese.
- Serve Hot: Remove the lid and serve immediately while the dish is hot and the cheese is gooey.
Notes
- Using instant rice shortens cooking time, but regular rice can be used; adjust cooking liquid and time accordingly.
- Drain excess fat after browning beef to prevent greasy texture.
- Covering the skillet at the end helps melt the cheese perfectly without overcooking.
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce during seasoning.
- Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in a skillet or microwave.
