If you’re craving the perfect harmony of juicy ground beef, smoky bacon, melted cheddar, and flavorful rice all in one skillet, you’re going to love this Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe. It’s a cozy, one-pan wonder that delivers all the comfort and satisfaction of a classic bacon cheeseburger, but with the added heartiness and ease of a rice skillet dish. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal, this recipe comes together quickly and fills your kitchen with irresistible aroma, promising a deliciously cheesy, savory experience that everyone around the table will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is simple but essential, combining to create a symphony of flavors, textures, and colors that make this Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe truly shine. Each component brings something special, from the savory depth of the beef broth to the tangy kick of yellow mustard.
- Ground beef (450 grams, 80/20 blend): This ratio gives a perfect balance of lean meat and fat, ensuring juicy, flavorful bites.
- Yellow onion (60 grams, diced): Adds sweetness and a slight crunch that softens beautifully as it cooks.
- Fresh garlic (15 grams, minced): Brings an aromatic punch that enhances the savory profile without overpowering.
- Seasoned salt (5 grams): Elevates the entire dish with just the right hit of seasoning and complexity.
- Tomato sauce (225 grams): Offers a rich, tangy base that binds the flavors together harmoniously.
- Ketchup (60 milliliters): Adds a subtle sweetness and a hint of acidity that’s classic in cheeseburgers.
- Yellow mustard (15 milliliters): Gives a gentle zip that cuts through the richness for perfect balance.
- Instant rice (320 grams): Cooks quickly and soaks up all the savory juices, making this dish wonderfully hearty.
- Beef broth (480 milliliters): Infuses the rice with deep meaty flavor and keeps everything tender and moist.
- Cooked bacon (100 grams, chopped): Imparts irresistible smoky crunch and the iconic bacon flavor cheeseburger lovers crave.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (115 grams, shredded): Melts into gooey pockets of cheesy goodness that pull everything together deliciously.
How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown Beef and Onions
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add your ground beef along with the diced yellow onion. As you sauté for 6 to 8 minutes, use a spatula to break up the meat so it cooks evenly while the onions soften and become sweet. This step builds the base of rich flavor you’ll love in every bite.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Season
Next, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until the kitchen fills with that irresistible fresh garlic aroma. Then, drain any excess fat to keep the dish balanced before sprinkling in seasoned salt for that savory uplift that ties every ingredient together.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients and Rice
Pour in the tomato sauce, ketchup, and yellow mustard, stirring everything into a tantalizing sauce. Then, stir in the instant rice and beef broth, making sure all the components are mixed thoroughly so each grain of rice absorbs the flavors that will make this Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe unforgettable.
Step 4: Simmer Rice Mixture
Bring the skillet mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the rice will soak up almost all the broth, plumping perfectly and becoming tender, while the sauce thickens into a rich, comforting base.
Step 5: Incorporate Cheese and Bacon
Remove the skillet from heat and fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese along with half of the chopped bacon. As you mix, the cheese melts into creamy swirls and the bacon pieces distribute their smoky, crispy goodness throughout the dish, making every forkful a delight.
Step 6: Finish with Topping
Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon evenly over the surface of the skillet. Then cover it and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes. This simple step uses the residual heat to melt the cheese into a luscious, gooey topping that invites everyone to dig in.
Step 7: Serve Hot
Finally, remove the lid and serve your Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe immediately. Enjoy it while it’s hot, cheesy, and bursting with the familiar flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger, but all mixed into a satisfying rice skillet that’s sure to become a go-to favorite.
How to Serve Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate this dish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or scallions for a pop of color and brightness. A dollop of sour cream or a few slices of ripe avocado can add creamy contrast that complements the bold flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
This skillet is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp garden salad or steamed green beans adds refreshing crunch and lightness to the meal. Sweet potato fries or simple oven-roasted veggies can also round out the plate beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the skillet in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets to give each plate a personal touch. Or, top it with a fried egg or some pickled jalapeños to surprise your guests with a little extra flair and depth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen, making it just as tasty the next day when reheated.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, making sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain its texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can help restore moisture, and stirring occasionally ensures the cheese stays melty and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?
Yes, but keep in mind that regular rice will require more liquid and a longer cooking time. Adjust the broth accordingly, and simmer the dish until the rice is tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef and bacon for plant-based alternatives or sautéed mushrooms and smoked paprika for a similar smoky depth.
What kind of cheese works best in this recipe?
Sharp cheddar is ideal for its melting quality and classic flavor, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses to customize the dish.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can brown the beef and onions and mix the wet ingredients in advance, storing them separately. Combine and cook the rice just before serving to keep textures fresh.
How spicy is this Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe?
This recipe isn’t spicy by default, but you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce while cooking if you enjoy a bit of heat.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting, quick, and family-friendly dish that hits all the right flavor notes, the Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe is your answer. It’s easy to make, packed with hearty ingredients, and offers that irresistible combo of bacon, cheese, and burger goodness, all in one skillet. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your weekly rotation—trust me, it’s a total crowd-pleaser!
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
A hearty and comforting Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet combining ground beef, instant rice, tangy tomato sauce, and melted sharp cheddar cheese, topped with crispy bacon. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick, delicious family meal.
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 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 onions are softened.
- Add Garlic and Season: Incorporate minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until aromatic. Drain any excess fat, then season the mixture with seasoned salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients and Rice: Add tomato sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, instant rice, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to ensure all components 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 rice is tender.
- Incorporate Cheese and Bacon: Remove pan from the heat. Fold in 55 grams (½ cup) of shredded cheddar and 55 grams (½ cup) of chopped bacon, mixing until the cheese melts into the rice.
- Finish with Topping: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and bacon evenly over the rice mixture. Cover the skillet and allow to stand for 2 to 3 minutes to let the residual heat melt the cheese.
- Serve Hot: Remove the lid and serve immediately while the dish is hot and the cheese is gooey.
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for best flavor and moisture.
- Instant rice reduces cooking time but make sure to stir gently to avoid mushiness.
- Adjust seasoned salt according to your taste preferences to control sodium levels.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth to restore moisture.
- For a lower fat version, substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey and reduce or omit bacon.
