If you’ve ever craved the irresistible comfort of a juicy cheeseburger with crispy bacon but wished it could come in a convenient, one-pan meal, then you’re in for a treat. This Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe combines all those beloved flavors into a perfectly balanced, easy-to-make dish that delivers hearty satisfaction in every bite. It’s a celebration of savory ground beef, smoky bacon, gooey cheddar, and fluffy rice, all mingling together to create a homey, crowd-pleasing favorite you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, accessible ingredients is all it takes to bring this skillet to life. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color, ensuring your dish is as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty base that brings rich, savory flavor and satisfying protein.
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the skillet.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Provides an irresistible punch of savory warmth.
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt: Enhances all the flavors with a balanced, zesty seasoning.
- 8 ounces tomato sauce: Offers tangy moisture that keeps the rice tender and flavorful.
- 1/4 cup ketchup: Brings a touch of familiar sweetness and acidity reminiscent of classic burgers.
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard: Adds a slight tang that brightens up the rich ingredients.
- 2 cups minute rice: Cooks quickly to create a soft, fluffy texture perfect for soaking in all the flavors.
- 2 cups beef broth: Infuses the rice with savory depth and juiciness.
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped: Layers in smoky crunch and melts seamlessly into the dish.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts to a luscious gooeyness that brings everything together.
How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions
Start by adding the ground beef and diced onions to a large skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the beef is thoroughly browned and no pink remains. The onions will soften and release their sweetness, making a perfect base for the rest of the skillet’s flavors.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Season
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant. Then, carefully drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily. Sprinkle in the seasoned salt, which will amplify the meaty, savory taste that’s signature to this recipe.
Step 3: Combine Sauces, Rice, and Broth
Pour in the tomato sauce, ketchup, and mustard, stirring to coat the beef and onions evenly. Then add the minute rice and beef broth. Mix well and bring the skillet to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the rice begins to soften.
Step 4: Mix in Half the Cheese and Bacon
Once the rice has absorbed the flavors, fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the chopped bacon. This step adds creamy richness and smoky bursts throughout the skillet at every mouthful.
Step 5: Top with Remaining Cheese and Bacon
Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it steam gently for a few minutes. This finishing touch melts the cheese into a gooey blanket that ties all the layers of flavor together beautifully.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Your Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet is now ready to be served! Scoop generous portions onto plates and watch as the ooey-gooey cheese and crispy bacon make each spoonful a memorable one.
How to Serve Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten this hearty skillet with a handful of chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. A few dill pickle slices or a squeeze of ketchup on the side can add that classic cheeseburger vibe and balance the richness wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to lighten things up. Consider serving alongside some roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple cucumber tomato salad to complement the creamy, meaty flavors without overwhelming them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family meal, serve the skillet straight from the pan right at the table—everyone can dish up their own portions, making it feel cozy and informal. Alternatively, use small ramekins to create individual portions topped with extra cheese and bacon for a charming presentation at a casual dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftover Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a wonderful option for quick lunches or dinner on busy nights.
Freezing
This recipe also freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the texture and taste.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the skillet gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to keep the rice moist and the cheese melty as it warms through.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of minute rice?
Absolutely! Just note that brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. You’ll want to adjust the broth amount and simmer until the rice is tender for the best results.
Is it possible to make this recipe without bacon?
Yes, you can omit the bacon for a milder flavor. Consider adding smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to mimic the smokiness that bacon provides.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Swap out the ground beef for plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add mushrooms to introduce a meaty texture and depth.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can cook most of the recipe ahead and store it in the fridge. For the best experience, add the final cheese and bacon topping just before reheating so the cheese melts fresh and the bacon stays crispy.
What cheese works best besides cheddar?
While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with American, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp provolone for a slightly different flavor profile that still melts beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe makes every meal feel like a comforting, indulgent celebration. It’s quick, simple, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings the flavors of your favorite burger joint right to your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a go-to dinner that your family and friends will absolutely love!
Print
Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful one-pan Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet that combines ground beef, savory bacon, and melty cheddar cheese with fluffy rice in a simple, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Meat & Dairy
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Condiments & Sauces
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Grains & Broth
- 2 cups minute rice
- 2 cups beef broth
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
Instructions
- Cook the Beef and Onions: In a large skillet, add the ground beef and diced onions. Cook over medium heat until the beef is browned and no pink remains, stirring occasionally to break up the meat.
- Add Garlic and Season: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet, then season the mixture with seasoned salt, stirring well.
- Combine Rice and Sauces: Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, minute rice, and beef broth. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly. Bring the mixture to a light simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until most of the broth is absorbed and the rice softens.
- Incorporate Cheese and Bacon: Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the chopped bacon into the rice mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the skillet.
- Melt Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon on top of the skillet mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit off heat for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt from the residual steam.
- Serve: Once the cheese has melted and everything is heated through, serve the skillet immediately and enjoy your comforting bacon cheeseburger rice meal.
Notes
- Minute rice cooks quickly but if using regular rice, adjust cooking time and liquid accordingly.
- Drain excess grease to avoid a greasy final dish and improve flavor.
- Covering at the end helps melt the cheese perfectly without additional cooking.
- For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper with the seasonings.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
