Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Stack

Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Stack is one of those dishes that never fails to bring smiles to the table It takes classic comfort food flavors beef cheddar bacon and ketchup and stacks them up with rice for a quick satisfying weeknight meal that everyone can customize at the table Kids love the gooey cheese and bacon inside adults appreciate how easy it is to make and you only need one skillet for it all

If you love the nostalgic flavors of a cheeseburger but want something cozier and simpler than making patties this is it The first time I made this pile of cheesy rice on a snowy winter evening it was instantly devoured with barely a crumb left behind

Gather Your Ingredients

• Ground beef: 80 20 is best for juicy flavor and tender texture make sure it is fresh and well marbled
• Yellow onion: diced for natural sweetness look for a firm onion with no sprouting
• Fresh garlic: brings punchy aroma and depth fresh is key here avoid pre chopped if you can
• Seasoned salt: for that craveable savory boost choose one with herbs for best flavor
• Tomato sauce: gives body and subtle tang go for low sugar brands for the right balance
• Ketchup: adds familiar sweetness use your favorite classic brand
• Yellow mustard: brings sharp zing and ties together the cheeseburger profile classic yellow is best here
• Instant rice: cooks quickly and guarantees a soft creamy texture pick a quality brand for grains that hold up
• Beef broth: rounds out flavors and keeps everything moist look for low sodium if sensitive to salt
• Cooked bacon: adds crunch and smoky flavor cook until deeply golden and crisp for best texture
• Sharp cheddar cheese: gives bold flavor and gooey melt grate your own if possible for the creamiest finish

How to Make It

Brown the Beef and Onions:

Heat a large skillet over medium high and add your ground beef and diced onion Break up the meat thoroughly with a spatula Cook for around eight minutes until the beef is deeply browned and the onions turn translucent This step develops rich caramelized flavors and is the backbone for the whole dish

Sauté the Garlic:

Add your minced garlic once the beef is cooked and sauté for a full minute Be patient and wait until the garlic is fragrant but not browned Drain away any excess fat from the pan and season the mixture with your seasoned salt

Build the Flavor Base:

Stir in the tomato sauce ketchup yellow mustard instant rice and beef broth Mix everything thoroughly so the rice is evenly distributed You should see a deep red saucy mixture forming

Simmer and Cook the Rice:

Bring everything to a gentle simmer Lower the heat just enough to keep it bubbling softly Stir every thirty seconds or so for two to three minutes until you see the rice soak up most of the liquid and become plump Taste a grain or two to check texture

Make it Cheesy and Smoky:

Take the pan off the heat Stir in half of your shredded cheddar and chopped bacon Let the cheese melt fully this makes the whole thing creamy and ties in the bacon flavor throughout

Finish the Stack:

Scatter the remaining cheese and bacon over the top Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for two or three more minutes The steam melts the cheese perfectly

Form and Stack:

Grease the inside of a cooking ring mold and set it on a plate Fill with a thick layer of rice mixture pressing down to make a stable base Add a layer of cheese and bacon in the center for a gooey core Top with more rice and gently compact everything Sprinkle the last bits of bacon and cheese over the top

Final Melt and Serve:

For extra flair broil or torch quickly until golden and bubbly Let the stack rest under the lid for a minute or two before removing the mold Carefully press down as you lift for a tidy tower Serve right away for best texture

My favorite part is sinking into the center and finding that stretchy cheese and bacon hiding in the middle It instantly reminds me of cheeseburger nights growing up but so much easier to make I once made this with my nephew and he was so proud stacking it himself and seeing the layers melt together

Flavor Boosters

Choose sharp cheddar for the richest flavor Letting the stack sit after melting the cheese helps all the layers hold together A ring mold gives the most dramatic stack but you can also use a small ramekin or just mound it up with a spoon

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crisp dill pickles and a side salad for a balanced meal Dress up each plate with a squiggle of ketchup or mustard on top for color Makes a great centerpiece for casual get togethers and the portions can easily be doubled

Creative Twists

You can swap ground beef for turkey or plant based crumbles for a lighter version If you do not have instant rice precook regular rice and fold it in at the end Use Swiss or Monterey Jack if you want a twist on the classic cheddar In summer add chopped fresh tomatoes or sweet corn into the rice mixture In winter try stirring in a bit of sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers Swap the cheddar for smoked gouda for extra warmth

This playful take on American cheeseburger culture always brings my family together One bite of this melty stack and you are hooked

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?

Yes, but cook the rice separately first to ensure it is tender and all liquids are absorbed before stacking.

→ How do I achieve a stable stack?

Use a greased ring mold and compact the layers gently, letting the mixture rest to set before removing the mold.

→ Can this be made ahead of time?

You can prepare the mixture in advance, then assemble and reheat or broil briefly before serving.

→ What cheese works best for extra flavor?

Sharp cheddar provides robust flavor, but you may substitute with gouda or pepper jack for variation.

→ How can I add a golden finish without a broiler?

Use a kitchen torch to gently melt and brown the cheese on top, or cover and let residual heat do the work.