Introduction:
Craving the flavors of a juicy bacon cheeseburger but want something quick, easy, and family-friendly? This Bacon Cheeseburger Rice recipe brings all those savory, cheesy, smoky burger flavors into one delicious skillet meal. It’s a budget-friendly, one-pan wonder that combines crispy bacon, ground beef, cheese, and rice into a satisfying comfort food experience.
Origin:
This dish takes inspiration from the American cheeseburger, an iconic staple of diner and cookout culture. Combining those classic ingredients with rice turns this into a hearty, fusion-style skillet meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It likely evolved from midwestern casserole and skillet dinner traditions, where everything is cooked together for convenience and comfort.
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 1/4 cups beef broth or water with bouillon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped pickles (optional, for topping)
- Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish
Optional Ingredients/Substitutes:
- Swap white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier version
- Add diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or bell peppers for extra flavor
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein
- Mix in Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce for a bolder taste
- Top with lettuce and diced tomato after cooking for a full burger-in-a-bowl vibe
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving about 1 tbsp of bacon grease in the pan.
- Add ground beef and onion to the skillet. Cook until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add uncooked rice and stir to coat. Pour in the beef broth.
- Stir in ketchup and mustard. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes (or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed).
- Turn off heat. Stir in cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with pickles, green onions, or extra cheese if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy your cheesy, savory skillet meal!
Tips for Success:
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt and flavor.
- If rice isn’t fully cooked, add a splash of water and continue to simmer covered.
- Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking.
- Adjust ketchup and mustard amounts to match your flavor preferences—more ketchup for sweetness, more mustard for tang.
Recommendations:
- Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to balance the meal.
- Leftovers reheat well—add a splash of broth or water before microwaving.
- This dish is kid-friendly and also great for potlucks or meal prepping.
Nutrition (per serving, approx. 1/6 of recipe):
- Calories: 460
- Fat: 26g
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Net Carbs: 31g
(Nutrition will vary based on substitutions and portion size.)