Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet

Bacon cheeseburger rice is pure comfort in a bowl. Whenever my family craves the iconic flavors of a burger but I need something faster and more filling this skillet meal is always my answer. You get cheesy seasoned beef savory bacon and all the tangy condiments mixed with tender rice for a hearty one pan dinner that never lets us down.

The first time I made this everyone went back for seconds and now it appears on our dinner table all year long. The way it brings cheesy burger vibes into a single scoop is irresistible.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: seventy to thirty blend hits that perfect juicy cheeseburger flavor look for fresh beef with a deep red color and minimal gray spots
• Yellow onion: diced for sweetness and depth choose one that feels firm and heavy for its size
• Fresh garlic: minced for bold aroma and punch pick out tight dry bulbs with no sprouting
• Seasoned salt: boosts the savory notes opt for a blend with herbs for extra complexity
• Tomato sauce: adds that rich body to the base go for a smooth consistency with no added sugar for best results
• Ketchup: brings sweetness and tang use your favorite brand for familiar flavor
• Yellow mustard: for true cheeseburger zing look for classic American yellow mustard for the best hit of nostalgia
• Instant rice: the real time saver here and cooks up fluffy stick to mini grains like Minute Rice for foolproof texture
• Beef broth: soaks the rice with savory goodness choose low sodium for better control over the saltiness
• Cooked bacon: delivers smoky salty crunch freshly cooked and cooled bacon slices always taste best
• Sharp cheddar cheese: melts smooth and adds that classic cheesiness shred it yourself from a block for the richest melt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef and Onion:

Heat a large skillet over medium high. Add ground beef and diced onion cook for about eight minutes stirring and breaking up the beef until no pink remains and the onions become soft and translucent which builds deep flavor for the whole dish.

Sauté Garlic and Season:

Sprinkle in the minced garlic and continue cooking for a full minute until the kitchen smells fragrant and inviting. Drain off the excess grease carefully for lightness and then dust everything evenly with seasoned salt.

Add Liquids and Rice:

Pour in tomato sauce ketchup yellow mustard instant rice and beef broth all at once. Stir the mixture thoroughly so every grain of rice gets coated and all the ingredients come together in a rich hearty combination.

Simmer and Soften Rice:

Bring the skillet to a gentle simmer. Let everything bubble for about three minutes stirring occasionally so the rice absorbs the broth and swells up tenderly but does not stick to the bottom. Watch for the liquid to disappear as a sign it is done.

Mix in Cheese and Bacon:

Take the skillet off the heat and fold in half the shredded cheddar and half the crumbled bacon. Stir until the cheese melts silkily into the rice making the entire mixture creamy and rich.

Top and Melt:

Scatter the leftover cheese and bacon across the top of the rice mixture. Cover the pan with a lid and let it rest for two or three minutes so the steam helps the cheese blanket everything in melty bliss.

Serve Hot:

Uncover and serve right away to catch all the gooey cheese and sizzling bacon flavor while it is at its best. Every bite gives you the taste of a loaded bacon cheeseburger but in a cozy hearty spoonful.

Save This

My favorite part is folding in the fresh bacon right at the end. Its smoky crunch really does make this feel like the ultimate burger mashup. My kids always argue over who gets the spot with the most bacon bits on top and it has turned into a friendly weeknight tradition.

Storage Tips

Let the rice cool completely before moving into an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to three days and reheats beautifully in the microwave. If you want to freeze it portion into small freezer safe bags for convenient meal prep and thaw overnight before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground turkey or even a plant based ground for the beef if you want to lighten things up. Pepper jack or Monterey Jack can stand in for cheddar for a different cheesy kick. If you do not have instant rice use cooked cooled rice but decrease the broth by about half.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crisp dill pickles and a simple side salad for a classic diner style dinner. My kids love when I add a handful of shredded iceberg lettuce or diced tomatoes right before serving for a fun loaded burger twist. If you are feeling extra indulgent a drizzle of burger sauce over the top is delicious.

Cultural Context

This recipe brings together the best parts of American diner food with the comforts of a family style skillet meal. It is a nostalgic tribute to that beloved cheeseburger flavor but perfect for when you crave something hefty homey and quick.

Common Queries

→ Can I use another type of rice?

Instant rice cooks quickly and blends well, but leftover cooked rice can also work if you reduce the broth and adjust simmer time.

→ How can I add more vegetables?

Diced bell peppers or frozen peas can be added with the onion for extra flavor and color. Sauté with beef to soften.

→ Is there a substitute for ground beef?

Ground turkey or chicken works well, though the flavor will be milder. Add a dash of Worcestershire for a richer taste.

→ Can this be made ahead?

Absolutely! It reheats well in the microwave, making it convenient for meal prep or quick leftovers.

→ How do I keep the dish from being too greasy?

Drain excess fat from the beef after browning. This keeps the rice mixture flavorful but not oily.

→ What cheese works best besides cheddar?

Monterey Jack or a blend of cheeses can be used for different flavor profiles and meltability.