Bacon Cheeseburger Rice with Cheddar and Bacon (Print version)

A one-pan bacon cheeseburger rice skillet with ground beef, smoky bacon, cheddar, pickles, ketchup, and mustard.

# Ingredients:

For the bacon and beef

01 - 6 slices bacon, chopped
02 - 1 lb (450 g) 85 percent lean ground beef
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
06 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
07 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the rice

08 - 1 cup (185 g) long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
09 - 2 cups (480 ml) gluten-free beef broth
10 - 1/3 cup (80 g) ketchup
11 - 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
12 - 1 tablespoon gluten-free Worcestershire sauce

For finishing

13 - 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
14 - 1/3 cup diced dill pickles
15 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
16 - 1 small tomato, diced, optional
17 - Shredded lettuce, optional for serving

# Instructions:

01 - Place the chopped bacon in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring often, until crisp. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and leave about 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the skillet.
02 - Add the ground beef and onion to the skillet. Cook over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, breaking up the meat, until the beef is browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if the pan looks greasy.
03 - Stir in the garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, rice, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 1 minute, stirring, until the rice is coated and the garlic smells fragrant.
04 - Pour in the beef broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 18-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
05 - Remove the skillet from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. This finishes the rice without scorching the bottom.
06 - Sprinkle the cheddar over the hot rice, cover again, and let it melt for 2-3 minutes. Top with the crisp bacon, diced pickles, green onions, and tomato if using. Serve with shredded lettuce if you like.

# Good to know:

01 - Best served hot, right after the cheddar melts.
02 - Use a tight-fitting lid so the rice cooks evenly.
03 - Check labels on broth and Worcestershire sauce if cooking gluten-free.

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