Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet

Bacon Cheeseburger Rice nails all the flavors you love about a classic burger in one crazy-cozy skillet meal. This recipe has saved busy weeknights for me countless times because it brings out those nostalgic satisfying tastes while only taking a few simple steps. Everyone in my house lights up when they realize it is cheeseburger night in rice form.

I tried this out of curiosity the first time and it quickly became a family favorite. Now my partner requests it after any long day because the flavors feel like the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: 80 20 blend ensures a juicy rich bite and just enough fat for flavor
• Yellow onion: Diced for sweet undertones and choose onions that feel heavy for their size
• Fresh garlic: Minced for punchy depth Use plump firm cloves for the best flavor
• Seasoned salt: Balances and heightens every component look for your favorite blend
• Tomato sauce: The moisture and tang pull things together use a brand with no extra sugar
• Ketchup: Adds familiar burger flavor select one that is thick and tangy
• Yellow mustard: This gives it that authentic cheeseburger kick Choose bottled yellow for the classic taste
• Instant rice: Minute Rice or a similar brand cooks quickly and soaks up all the juices
• Beef broth: Lends savory richness Opt for low sodium to control salt levels
• Cooked bacon: Chopped for smoky crunch Crispy bacon works best
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Shredded for meltiness and bold cheese flavor get blocks and shred yourself if possible for superior melting

Instructions

Brown the Beef and Onion:

Heat your largest skillet over medium high Cook the ground beef with diced onion for 6 to 8 minutes While stirring and breaking up the beef make sure no pink remains and the onions get soft This builds your foundation of flavor

Build the Flavor Base:

Stir in minced garlic and cook for about one minute just until you catch that garlicky aroma Drain off any grease so your rice isn’t oily Sprinkle in the seasoned salt and stir to coat everything

Combine Liquids and Rice:

Pour in tomato sauce ketchup yellow mustard instant rice and beef broth Stir until everything looks evenly mixed Scrape any bits off the pan so nothing sticks or burns

Simmer and Soften the Rice:

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer Let it cook for two to three minutes Stir occasionally so the rice does not clump and watch for the broth to mostly absorb with rice turning tender

Stir in Cheese and Bacon:

Remove the pan from heat and stir in half a cup of cheese and half a cup of chopped bacon Stir patiently so the cheese melts smoothly into the rice and the bacon distributes evenly

Finish with Extra Toppings:

Scatter the rest of the cheese and bacon over the dish Put a lid on the skillet and let it sit off the heat for two to three minutes to allow steam to finish melting everything

Serve Hot:

Take the lid off and serve the mixture right away while it is steamy and bubbling Every scoop will remind you of a big cheesy burger

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Cheddar is the true star for me You can really taste that sharp cheese in every bite My youngest tried to sneak handfuls while I was grating it and now it is our running kitchen joke on burger rice nights

Storage Tips

Once cooled store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days The rice can thicken as it sits so add a splash of broth before reheating for a creamier texture It reheats best on the stove or even in the microwave

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken to lighten things up If out of beef broth you can use chicken broth or even vegetable broth in a pinch Non dairy cheese also melts in beautifully for a lactose free twist I have even tossed in pickled jalapenos for extra kick

Serving Suggestions

Pile this into bowls for a cozy meal or scoop on top of crunchy lettuce for a cheeseburger rice salad My family loves this with classic burger garnishes I sometimes set out sliced pickles extra ketchup or even a dollop of sour cream on the side

A Little Background

This playful dish was honestly inspired by craving fast food flavors but wanting something I could prep at home It is a fun spin on both classic cheeseburgers and easy skillet rice The crowd pleasing approach will make it a regular on your dinner rotation for sure

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This bacon cheeseburger rice will quickly become a weeknight favorite with its hearty flavor and easy prep. Enjoy every cheesy comforting bite straight from the skillet.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of beef works best?

Choose an 80/20 ground beef blend for rich flavor and juiciness. Leaner blends can be used but may yield a drier texture.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and store covered in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stove or in the oven until hot and bubbly before serving.

→ Are there substitute options for instant rice?

You can use cooked regular rice; just stir it in after the sauce has simmered. Adjust liquid to avoid sogginess.

→ How do I add extra vegetables?

Dice bell peppers or mushrooms and cook with onions for added flavor, texture, and nutrients.

→ Is there a way to make it spicier?

Add chopped pickled jalapeños, a pinch of chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to boost heat as desired.