Last summer, my grandchildren came over for a weekend sleepover, and like most kids, they had only one thing on their minds when it came to dinner: cheeseburgers. But the forecast that evening called for a heavy rainstorm, and my husband had already covered the grill.
I could see a few disappointed faces, so I rummaged around in the pantry, determined to create something just as satisfying indoors. That’s when I spotted a bag of rice sitting next to a can of tomato sauce. A skillet idea sparked in my mind, and within an hour, we had a new family favorite: Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet.
The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity and comfort. It takes the flavors of a juicy bacon cheeseburger and turns them into a one-pan, hearty meal. The sizzling bacon fills the kitchen with a smoky aroma, the onions soften into sweetness, and the sharp cheddar melts into a gooey blanket over tender rice. My grandchildren still call it “Grandma’s cheeseburger rice,” and it has become a rainy-day tradition for us ever since.
Cooking, to me, is about moments like this: turning small inconveniences into memories that live on the table. This skillet recipe is cozy, practical, and just plain fun. And yes, even on sunny days, I find myself craving it.
Short Description
A one-pan comfort dish that combines smoky bacon, seasoned beef, fluffy rice, and gooey cheddar into a skillet packed with classic cheeseburger flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual family gatherings.
Key Ingredients
- 6–8 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Kinders Caramelized Onion Burger Seasoning (or your favorite burger seasoning)
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon yellow or Dijon mustard
- 8 ounces canned tomato sauce
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (like jasmine)
- 2¼ cups beef broth
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or your preferred burger cheese)
Tools Needed
- Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Cheese grater
- Lid for skillet
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Chop bacon and cook it in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 1 teaspoon of bacon grease in the pan.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic to the pan. Cook until beef is browned and onions are softened. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Season the Base
Stir in burger seasoning and Worcestershire sauce. Let it cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Step 4: Add Tomato Paste
Mix in tomato paste and cook another 1–2 minutes. This step helps build a rich, savory base.
Step 5: Mix in Condiments
Add dill pickle relish, mustard, and tomato sauce. Stir until evenly combined.
Step 6: Cook the Rice
Pour in uncooked rice and beef broth. Stir gently, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Bacon
Remove skillet from heat. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese and the reserved bacon. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top, cover, and let sit 3–5 minutes until melted and gooey.
Step 8: Serve
Spoon into bowls and serve hot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Comforting and familiar: All the flavors of a cheeseburger in a hearty, spoonable meal.
One-pan convenience: Fewer dishes, faster cleanup.
Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples and stretches meat with rice.
Family-approved: A kid-friendly dish that adults love just as much.
Customizable: Easy to adjust seasonings and toppings to suit your taste.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Rice not cooking through: Always keep the skillet covered and simmer on low heat. If rice is still firm, add ¼ cup broth, cover, and cook 5 more minutes.
Cheese clumping: Add cheese off heat so it melts smoothly instead of turning rubbery.
Too salty: Bacon and broth add salt. Use low-sodium broth if possible.
Soggy texture: Don’t lift the lid too often while rice cooks. Steam is key for proper texture.
Bland flavor: Don’t skip tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, they build depth.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for balance.
Pair with dill pickles or coleslaw for a classic burger touch.
A glass of iced tea, lemonade, or even a cold beer makes a perfect match.
For gatherings, present the skillet family-style at the table with extra toppings like sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or avocado.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.
Reheating on stove: Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth until heated through.
Microwave: Reheat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. Add cheese before serving for extra freshness.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but increase broth to 3 cups and simmer for 35–40 minutes.
2. What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack add variety.
3. Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Prepare the skillet up to the point of adding cheese, then reheat and melt cheese before serving.
4. Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your Worcestershire sauce and broth are certified gluten-free.
5. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken makes it lighter but still flavorful.
Tips & Tricks
Chop bacon with kitchen scissors for quicker prep.
Toast rice in bacon grease for 1 minute before adding broth for extra flavor.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note.
Keep cheese freshly shredded—pre-shredded bags often contain anti-caking agents that affect melting.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Cheeseburger Skillet: Add diced jalapeños and top with pepper jack cheese.
BBQ Version: Replace tomato sauce with BBQ sauce for a smoky-sweet twist.
Tex-Mex Style: Add a can of black beans, corn, and taco seasoning. Top with cheddar and cilantro.
Vegetable Boost: Stir in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms with the onion.
Breakfast Skillet: Swap rice for diced potatoes, top with fried eggs.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet isn’t just another recipe in my notebook. It carries the warmth of rainy evenings, the sound of laughter echoing from my grandchildren, and the satisfaction of transforming simple ingredients into something comforting. Every time I make it, the smell of sizzling bacon and melted cheese fills my kitchen with a sense of home.
Cooking doesn’t have to be fussy to be meaningful. This skillet is proof that even a quick weeknight dinner can feel special when shared with family. It’s hearty enough for my husband, fun enough for the kids, and flexible enough to adapt to whatever I have in the pantry. And truthfully, dishes like this remind me why I love being in the kitchen at 65 just as much as I did when I was 25.
If you give it a try, don’t just serve it, share it. Gather your loved ones, set the skillet in the center of the table, and let the meal spark conversation and memories. That’s the real magic of food.
Hearty Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet
Ingredients
- 6 –8 slices bacon chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 –4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon Kinders Caramelized Onion Burger Seasoning or your favorite burger seasoning
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon yellow or Dijon mustard
- 8 ounces canned tomato sauce
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice like jasmine
- 2¼ cups beef broth
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese or your preferred burger cheese
Instructions
- Chop and cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving 1 tsp grease in the pan.
- Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until browned and softened. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in burger seasoning and Worcestershire; cook 1–2 minutes.
- Mix in tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes for depth of flavor.
- Stir in relish, mustard, and tomato sauce until combined.
- Add rice and broth, stir, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 18–20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Stir in 1 cup cheese and bacon. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top, cover, and let melt 3–5 minutes.
- Spoon into bowls and enjoy hot.
