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Everything you love about a bacon cheeseburger gets thrown together in one cozy skillet, beef, crispy bacon, gooey cheddar, and all those classic condiments. This is real comfort food in about thirty minutes, using just a handful of simple, grab-anywhere ingredients. Everyone's gonna want seconds.
The first time I whipped this together, grilling was out of the question, and I couldn't believe how much it tasted like a cheeseburger straight out of a bowl. Serious comfort.
Tasty Ingredients
- Sharp cheddar cheese: For that dreamy melt and rich burger flavor. Shred yours at home for best results.
- Beef broth: Gives the meal a deep savory edge—use less salty broth if you want to watch your sodium.
- Instant rice: Like Minute Rice, soaks up everything and cooks fast. Regular rice isn't your friend here.
- Cooked beef bacon: Chop it up after it’s nice and crispy—not burned!—for that smokey crunch.
- Yellow onion: Chopped up, makes everything sweeter and adds depth. A heavy-feeling one with flaky skin is best.
- Fresh garlic: Mince it up for some zingy aroma and sharp flavor. Firm fresh cloves work best.
- Ground beef: Grab some eighty twenty beef for a juicy, classic burger base with extra taste and moistness.
- Tomato sauce: This brings a bit of tang and moistens things up, just like burger fixings would.
- Yellow mustard: Cuts through all the richness and gives that signature burger zing.
- Ketchup: Sweetness and sharpness all in one—just use your go-to brand, nothing fancy.
- Seasoned salt: Sprinkled in for beefy flavor and evenly balanced seasoning.
Cozy Step-by-Step Directions
- Serve and Dig In:
- Take off the lid, fluff with a spoon, and serve while it's straight up melty and hot. It's best eaten now when the cheese is still gooey and the bacon's got its crunch.
- Top and Melty Finish:
- Sprinkle on leftover bacon and cheese right over the hot rice. Pop the lid back on and let it sit for a couple more minutes. The steam makes the top extra cheesy and soft.
- Melt Bacon and Cheese:
- With the heat off, toss in about half of the bacon bits and a generous helping of cheddar. Mix it until every grain is creamy and cheesy throughout.
- Simmer Gently:
- Let everything bubbling just a little on medium-low for two to three minutes. Stir a few times so the rice doesn’t stick and the broth soaks in. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is puffed up and tender, with barely any liquid left.
- Mix in Sauces and Rice:
- Squeeze in the ketchup and mustard, add the tomato sauce, and give it a really good stir. Dump in the instant rice, pour over the beef broth, and make sure nothing’s dry.
- Add Garlic and Spice:
- Toss in your minced garlic, let things sizzle for about a minute, then season with your seasoned salt. Once you’ve got things smelling amazing, drain off as much fat as you can so it doesn’t end up heavy or greasy.
- Brown Meat and Onion:
- Heat up your biggest pan on medium-high, then add the beef and onions. Stir and break up the meat while it cooks for about six to eight minutes. When onions are soft and there’s no pink left, you’re good to go.
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I always look forward to the crispy bacon part. No matter how many times I toss this together, it leaves my kitchen smelling like those family burger runs late at night—totally nostalgic.
Leftover Storage
Just stick any extra in sealed containers in the fridge for about four days. The rice gets thick as it chills, but a small splash of milk or broth fixes it when you’re heating it up. You can also freeze servings up to three months for a quick bite anytime.
Swap Ideas
Use turkey or a plant-based crumble to keep it lighter, as long as there’s enough fat to stop it getting dry. Swap in meatless or turkey bacon if you need. If cheddar’s not your thing, try mozzarella or Monterey jack for a milder melt. Using regular rice? Just cook it on the side, then stir it in right at the end.
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Fun Ways to Dish It Up
It’s great solo or next to a big crunchy salad. Want a super cheeseburger vibe? Sprinkle on pickles, tomato slices or even more mustard. Kick up the heat with jalapenos or hot sauce if that’s your style. For something different, pile scoops of the mix into lettuce leaves and eat them taco-style.
Background and Vibes
This meal rounds up all that iconic diner cheeseburger goodness and brings it to your kitchen table, fuss-free. People all over rely on easy rice skillets like this for comfort and stretching dinner dollars. It’s just smart home cooking, turning drive-thru cravings into something you can enjoy out of a bowl with zero effort.
FAQs About the Recipe
- → Can I substitute regular bacon for beef bacon?
Definitely! If you can’t find beef bacon, just fry up some pork bacon first, chop it up, and toss it in.
- → What kind of rice works best for this dish?
Go for instant rice since it picks up all those yummy flavors fast. If you use long-grain, add some extra broth and let it cook a bit longer.
- → Can this meal be prepped in advance?
For sure! You can make it ahead, chill in the fridge, and warm it up later. Throw in a splash of broth before heating if it’s a bit dry.
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
Chop up some jalapeños and toss ‘em in, or sprinkle in cayenne. Hot sauce drizzled on top works, too.
- → Is this suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yep! Just double-check that every condiment and the broth you use are gluten-free—then you’re good to go.
- → What toppings work well for serving?
Top it with some diced pickles, sliced tomatoes, or green onion. Adds great crunch and more burger flavor.