If you are looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together all the best flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a single pan, this Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine juicy ground beef seasoned perfectly, mingling with tender rice, savory bacon bits, and sharp cheddar cheese, all coated in a tangy tomato and mustard sauce. It’s comfort food elevated with vibrant, hearty layers that feel like home. Quick to make and packed with flavor, this skillet recipe transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that everyone at your table will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in building the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the rich, savory beef to the punchy cheddar and crisp bacon, these staples come together effortlessly for a dish full of color and taste.
- Ground beef (80/20 blend): Provides juicy, flavorful protein with the right fat content to keep the dish moist and rich.
- Yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch once sautéed, enhancing the depth of flavor.
- Fresh garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth that complements the beef perfectly.
- Seasoned salt: Infuses the meat with a balanced savory punch for extra seasoning.
- Tomato sauce: Delivers tanginess and moisture, creating a rich base for the skillet.
- Ketchup: Adds familiar sweetness and acidity, reminiscent of a classic burger topping.
- Yellow mustard: Lends a gentle kick that brightens the entire dish.
- Instant rice: Cooks quickly and soaks up all the meaty, cheesy flavors beautifully.
- Beef broth: Enhances the rice with meaty depth and ensures everything stays juicy.
- Cooked bacon, chopped: Offers crispy, smoky bites that elevate every spoonful.
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts into creamy pockets, melding all the ingredients into a gooey delight.
How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown Beef and Onions
Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat and adding the ground beef along with diced onions. Cook them together for about 6 to 8 minutes, making sure you break up the beef as it browns evenly and the onions soften. This step is critical for building the savory foundation of the dish, as the caramelized onions add a natural sweetness that balances the beef’s richness.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Season
Next, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just a minute until your kitchen fills with that irresistible fragrant aroma. Then, drain any excess fat from the skillet and sprinkle in the seasoned salt. This seasoning will bring out the best flavors and add that signature burger taste we’re aiming for.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients and Rice
Pour in the tomato sauce, ketchup, and yellow mustard directly into the skillet. Add the instant rice and beef broth, stirring everything thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined. This mixture becomes the flavorful cooking liquid for the rice and ties the cheesy and meaty flavors together beautifully.
Step 4: Simmer Rice Mixture
Bring your skillet to a gentle simmer, then let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes without rushing, stirring occasionally. This allows the rice to absorb the broth and soften to that perfect, fluffy texture while retaining moisture from the sauce.
Step 5: Incorporate Cheese and Bacon
Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in half of your cheddar cheese and chopped bacon. Stir gently as the cheese melts into the hot mixture, turning the skillet into a creamy, bacon-studded wonderland of flavors.
Step 6: Finish with Topping
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and bacon evenly on top, then cover the skillet and let it stand for 2 to 3 minutes. This resting time allows the residual heat to melt the cheese thoroughly, creating that irresistible gooey cheese layer that everyone loves.
Step 7: Serve Hot
Lift the lid and serve your skillet piping hot, making sure each serving gets some of that melted cheese and crispy bacon on top. This Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe is best enjoyed warm to savor every gooey, savory bite.
How to Serve Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Consider sprinkling freshly chopped green onions or a handful of diced pickles on top before serving. These fresh garnishes add a wonderful crunch and brightness that balance the richness of the skillet perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with a green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or simple steamed vegetables. The freshness and texture contrast are perfect complements to the hearty, cheesy rice skillet without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, informal meal, serve this Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe straight from the skillet at the table family-style. Alternatively, portion it into individual ramekins and broil briefly for a golden, bubbly cheese crust on top—just like a personal baked casserole!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making any subsequent meal just as delicious as the first.
Freezing
This dish freezes well too. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. To avoid texture changes in the rice, consider thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of beef broth if needed to keep the rice moist. You can also microwave individual portions, covered loosely to trap steam and retain that luscious, cheesy texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?
You can, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount accordingly. Regular rice will take longer to cook and absorb more broth, so monitor the skillet carefully to avoid dryness or overcooking.
What if I don’t have seasoned salt? What can I use?
If you don’t have seasoned salt on hand, a mix of regular salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of black pepper works wonderfully as a homemade substitute.
Can I substitute the beef broth with something else?
Yes, low-sodium chicken broth or even vegetable broth can be used if you prefer a different flavor profile or want to keep things lighter. Water with a bit of extra seasoning is an option too but broth adds the best depth.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground meat alternative or cooked lentils, and replace beef broth with vegetable broth. Use vegetarian bacon or omit it altogether, and you’ll still enjoy a rich, satisfying skillet.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe comfortably serves about 6 people, making it perfect for family dinners or small gatherings where you want a fuss-free, hearty meal.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy all the comfort of a classic cheeseburger without the fuss of assembling a sandwich. It’s quick, satisfying, and bursting with familiar flavors that bring smiles to the table every time. Give it a try for your next meal—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
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 quick and satisfying Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet combining ground beef, savory tomatoes, melted cheddar, and crispy bacon for a comforting one-pan meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 450 grams ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 60 grams yellow onion, diced
- 15 grams fresh garlic, minced
- 5 grams seasoned salt
- 225 grams tomato sauce
- 60 milliliters ketchup
- 15 milliliters yellow mustard
- 320 grams instant rice
- 480 milliliters beef broth
- 100 grams cooked bacon, chopped
- 115 grams sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Brown Beef and Onions: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced yellow onion. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula until the beef is fully browned and the onions have softened.
- Add Garlic and Season: Stir in the minced fresh garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then season the mixture with seasoned salt for balanced flavor.
- Combine Wet Ingredients and Rice: Pour in the tomato sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, instant rice, and beef broth. Stir well to evenly combine all ingredients ensuring the rice is submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer Rice Mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until most of the broth is absorbed and the rice becomes tender and flavorful.
- Incorporate Cheese and Bacon: Remove the skillet from heat. Fold in half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 55 grams) and half of the chopped cooked bacon (about 55 grams), mixing them thoroughly to allow the cheese to melt into the hot rice.
- Finish with Topping: Evenly sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon over the top of the rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it stand for 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the residual heat to melt the cheese and warm the bacon topping perfectly.
- Serve Hot: Remove the lid and serve your Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet immediately while the cheese is gooey and the dish is hot for the best comforting taste experience.
Notes
- Using instant rice drastically reduces cooking time compared to traditional rice.
- Drain excess fat after browning beef to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.
- Adjust seasoned salt to your taste or substitute with regular salt if unavailable.
- Covering the skillet after adding the topping helps melt the cheese evenly without extra heat.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper with the seasoning.
- Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat easily on the stovetop or microwave.
