Bacon Cheeseburger Rice started one busy Thursday evening when I needed dinner on the table fast. My two grandchildren had arrived early from school and were very hungry while I was juggling laundry and emails about my upcoming baking class. I opened the pantry, spotted a pound of ground beef and instant rice, and thought, what if I combined what was on hand into something hearty?
I browned the beef with onions and garlic, then stirred in tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, rice, broth, and two cups of broth. The kitchen filled with that classic cheeseburger aroma meaty, tangy, familiar and I whispered a little “thank you” to the food gods.
After it simmered, I piled in half the bacon and half the cheese. My grandchildren dove in, cheeks puffed, eyes bright, asking for seconds. I felt that warm spark, pride, comfort, relief, that we all get from feeding family something satisfying.
I’ve since tweaked this recipe, adding a pinch of smoked paprika or swapping sharp cheddar for a milder cheese depending on loot in the fridge but the bones remain the same. It’s reliable, flavorful, and clearly loved by everyone around my table. And the bonus? It’s ready in about 30 minutes.
Short Description
This Bacon Cheeseburger Rice transforms classic burger flavors into a one-pan rice dish, combining ground beef, tomato sauce, instant rice, bacon, and cheese for a simple, family-friendly meal.
Key Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 tbsp fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tsp seasoned salt
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 cups instant rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Tools Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater (if shredding cheese fresh)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef and Onion
Heat skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking 6–8 minutes until no pink remains and onions are soft. Break meat apart while cooking.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasoning
Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Drain excess grease, then sprinkle in seasoned salt.
Step 3: Combine Sauces, Rice, Broth
Pour in tomato sauce, ketchup, and mustard. Add the instant rice and beef broth. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
Step 4: Simmer Until Rice Is Tender
Bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat slightly and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until broth is absorbed and rice is tender.
Step 5: Mix In Cheese and Bacon
Remove from heat. Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar and ½ cup chopped bacon until cheese melts into rice, coating it in creamy strands.
Step 6: Melt the Topping
Sprinkle remaining cheese and bacon on top. Cover skillet and let sit for 2–3 minutes so residual steam melts the cheese on top.
Step 7: Serve Hot
Remove lid and serve immediately, scooping out cheesy, bacon-studded rice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor Explosion: Burger favorites in a rice bowl—with beef, bacon, cheese, and tang of ketchup.
Quick and Easy: From start to finish in about 30 minutes, perfect weeknight solution.
Versatile: Add veggies, swap meats, or adjust cheese type—easy to customize.
One-Pan Meal: Less cleanup, more dinner time spent at the table.
Family Approved: It vanishes quickly and leaves satisfied smiles.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Rice Too Dry or Mushy
Cause: Wrong rice-to-broth ratio or uncooked rice.
Fix: Use exact amounts—2 cups rice to 2 cups broth; simmer only until tender.
Greasy Dish
Cause: Not draining beef grease.
Fix: Drain excess fat before adding sauces to keep texture balanced.
Cheese Doesn’t Melt Evenly
Cause: Stirring too soon or insufficient cover time.
Fix: After stirring, cover and let residual heat melt topping cheese.
Onion Bits Too Crunchy
Cause: Undercooked onions.
Fix: Cook onions fully during meat browning before adding garlic.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve with steamed broccoli or green beans for color and freshness
Scoop onto fresh lettuce for a low-carb twist
Pair with a crisp garden salad or coleslaw and iced tea
Serve family-style in the skillet so everyone can pile their own bowl
Add hot sauce or chopped pickles on the side for a burger-like finish
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently over medium heat on stove, adding splash of broth or water to restore creaminess.
Microwave option: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring each time until warm, adding a teaspoon of liquid if needed.
Freezing: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of instant rice?
Yes, but cook it separately first, swap with pre-cooked brown rice and stir in during final steps.
2. What if I don’t have beef broth?
Use chicken broth or water with a beef bouillon cube for flavor.
3. Is turkey or chicken okay instead of beef?
Absolutely. Use ground turkey or chicken and adjust seasoning to taste.
4. Can I add vegetables?
Yes, dice bell peppers, frozen peas, or corn and add with the onion in Step 1.
5. How do I make it less salty?
Skip the seasoned salt and reduce ketchup to 2 tablespoons; taste and adjust at the end.
Tips & Tricks
Brown the meat well for deeper flavor—let it sit without stirring for the first minute or two.
Toast the rice briefly in the pan before adding broth for nutty aroma.
Use leftover grilled bacon for even more smoky flavor.
Stir in a handful of fresh chopped parsley or chives just before serving for color.
For a cheesier finish, fold cheese into rice and also sprinkle on top before covering.
Recipe Variations
Veggie Cheeseburger Rice
Stir in 1 cup chopped bell peppers and ½ cup corn with onions.
Omit bacon or use soy bacon for a vegetarian twist.
BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Rice
Swap ketchup for ¼ cup BBQ sauce and add a tsp of smoked paprika.
Finish with extra BBQ sauce drizzle and green onions.
Low-Carb Version
Replace rice with cauliflower rice, cook separately and fold in at end.
Use sugar-free ketchup and reduce sauces if needed for macros.
Spicy Cheeseburger Rice
Add 1 teaspoon chili powder and ½ tsp cayenne with the seasoned salt.
Top with sliced jalapeños or serve with hot sauce.
Final Thoughts
Making this Bacon Cheeseburger Rice brought back so many fond memories, my kids requesting burgers, gathering around the counter, chatting with family. It’s warm, meaty, and cheesy comfort in one bowl, yet simple enough for a busy evening.
I’ll keep making it whenever I need something zero-fuss and full of flavor. This dish reminds me why I love cooking: it nourishes us physically and emotionally, crowding the table, sharing stories, and enjoying good food together.
Bacon Cheeseburger Rice
Print ThisIngredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 tbsp fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tsp seasoned salt
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 cups instant rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
Step 1: Cook Beef and Onion
Brown ground beef and diced onion in a skillet over medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes, breaking up meat as it cooks.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasoning
Stir in minced garlic; cook 1 minute. Drain grease and season with seasoned salt.
Step 3: Add Sauces, Rice, and Broth
Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, rice, and broth until combined.
Step 4: Simmer
Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until broth is absorbed and rice is tender.
Step 5: Mix in Cheese and Bacon
Remove from heat. Stir in ½ cup cheese and ½ cup bacon until melted.
Step 6: Add Topping
Sprinkle remaining cheese and bacon on top. Cover and let sit 2–3 minutes.
Step 7: Serve
Uncover and serve hot.
