If you love the hearty, satisfying flavors of a bacon cheeseburger, but crave the convenience of a one-pan meal, this Bacon Cheeseburger Rice recipe is about to become your new favorite. It combines the smoky crunch of bacon, the savory richness of ground beef, melty cheese, and fluffy rice—all in a single skillet. Imagine the comfort of a cheeseburger and the heartiness of a casserole, with the ease of a weeknight dinner. This dish is quick, family-friendly, and bursting with flavor.
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Ingredients (and Why They Work)
6 slices of bacon, chopped – Adds smoky, salty flavor and crispy texture, while providing a base of rendered fat to cook the beef.
1 lb ground beef – The classic foundation of any cheeseburger; hearty, rich, and filling.
1 small onion, finely diced – Brings sweetness and depth to balance the savory meat.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses aromatic flavor and enhances the beef’s richness.
1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked – Absorbs all the flavors as it cooks, transforming into a tender, satisfying base.
2 ½ cups beef broth – Ensures the rice cooks perfectly while layering in savory depth.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Creamy, melty cheese that gives the dish its cheeseburger soul.
2 tablespoons ketchup – Adds a touch of sweetness and that signature burger tang.
1 tablespoon yellow mustard – Cuts through richness with a tangy kick, evoking classic cheeseburger flavor.
Salt and black pepper, to taste – Essential for seasoning and balance.
Optional toppings: diced pickles, fresh tomato, shredded lettuce, or an extra drizzle of burger sauce for a true cheeseburger feel.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the bacon. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1–2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
2. Brown the beef. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess grease if necessary.
3. Add aromatics. Stir in diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
4. Incorporate the rice. Add the uncooked rice and stir to coat it in the beef mixture, allowing it to absorb some flavor.
5. Simmer with broth. Pour in beef broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 18–20 minutes, or until rice is tender and broth is absorbed.
6. Add the cheeseburger touch. Stir in ketchup, mustard, and half the shredded cheese. Mix until creamy and well combined.
7. Finish with bacon and cheese. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and cooked bacon on top. Cover the skillet for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully.
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Why This Recipe is Loved
One-pot simplicity – Fewer dishes, more flavor.
Family-approved – Kids love it for its cheeseburger taste; adults love it for the hearty comfort.
Customizable – Add jalapeños for heat, swap in pepper jack cheese, or toss in veggies like bell peppers or peas.
Meal-prep friendly – Tastes just as good reheated, making it perfect for busy weeknights or packed lunches.
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Pro Tips for Perfect Bacon Cheeseburger Rice
Don’t skip the bacon fat. It’s the secret to deep, smoky flavor.
Toast the rice slightly. Let it absorb the meat and onion mixture before adding broth—it enhances flavor.
Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Adjust consistency. If you prefer creamier rice, stir in a splash of milk or cream before adding cheese.
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Serving Suggestions
Turn this dish into a complete meal with:
A crisp side salad with ranch or burger-style dressing.
Pickle slices and diced tomatoes sprinkled on top for freshness.
Warm garlic bread or toasted burger buns on the side.
For a fun twist: serve in bowls topped with shredded lettuce and diced pickles to mimic a true bacon cheeseburger.
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Final Thoughts
This Bacon Cheeseburger Rice recipe is the perfect marriage of comfort food and convenience. It delivers all the bold, smoky, cheesy flavors of a bacon cheeseburger in a one-pan skillet meal that’s ready in under 40 minutes. With its family-friendly appeal, easy prep, and customizable nature, this dish is a guaranteed weeknight winner. Try it once, and it’ll quickly become part of your regular dinner rotation.
If you’re searching for a simple, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing meal, this Bac
on Cheeseburger Rice stands out from the rest—proof that the best comfort foods are often the easiest to make.
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