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All the tasty bits of a cheeseburger get scooped into one cozy pan of Bacon Cheeseburger Rice. It's a hearty skillet meal, packed with juicy beef, crisp bacon, gooey cheddar, and all your favorite classic fixings. You'll only spend about thirty minutes at the stove, and the ingredients are all easy to grab at just about any grocery store.
The first time I tried making this was after a long shift when nobody had energy for a grill out, and honestly, it was like a hug in a bowl—super cheesy and comforting.
Tasty Ingredients
- Sharp cheddar cheese: shredded up for that classic bold cheesy flavor—it melts better if you grate it fresh
- Cooked beef bacon: chopped so it adds smoky crisp bits throughout—just fry until crunchy, but not burnt
- Beef broth: levels up the umami and makes everything extra savory—go low sodium if you like to watch the salt
- Instant rice: quick-cooking types, like Minute Rice, soak up the flavors best—regular rice just doesn't cook in the pan the same way
- Yellow mustard: adds that zip and balances the rich flavors
- Ketchup: brings sweet-tart notes—use your top pick from the fridge
- Tomato sauce: throws in a little tang and extra sauciness like burger toppings do
- Seasoned salt: makes sure every bite is well-seasoned and beefy
- Fresh garlic: minced up for add some depth and punch—pick the firmest cloves
- Yellow onion: dice up one that feels heavy and has flaky skin for sweetness and aroma
- Ground beef: an eighty-twenty blend gives you burger flavor and keeps things juicy
Simple Step Guide
- Serve Up Hot and Cheesy:
- Take off the lid and give your rice a quick stir. Best enjoyed right away when the cheese is melty and the bacon's nice and smoky.
- Melt Cheese and Bacon:
- Shut off the heat. Dump in half the bacon and cheddar, mix till smooth and gooey.
- Add More Cheese and Bacon, Steam the Top:
- Sprinkle what's left of the shredded cheese and bacon over the top, cover and just let it steam for a couple minutes. You'll get the perfect melty finish.
- Let It Simmer Till Fluffy:
- Dial down to medium-low and let it all bubble gently for three minutes. That lets the rice turn tender and soak up the broth. Stir now and then so nothing sticks.
- Mix in Sauces and Rice:
- Stir in ketchup, mustard, and tomato sauce till combined, then add the instant rice and pour over the beef broth so it all gets soaked through.
- Toss in Garlic and Seasonings:
- Sprinkle in garlic and a dash of seasoned salt. Give it a good mix, cook a minute so it smells awesome. Drain any greasiness you see off the pan.
- Brown Beef and Onions:
- Pop a big skillet over medium-high. Toss in ground beef and onions, keep stirring for eight minutes till it's brown and onions get soft. This is your flavor foundation.
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The beef bacon's crunchy bits totally win me over. Every single time, my whole place smells like the corner diner—makes me think of piling into the kitchen with my siblings for late-night burgers.
Keeping It Fresh
Stick leftovers in a sealed container and chill for up to four days. The rice gets thicker but a little milk or broth when you reheat brings it right back to life. It also freezes solid in single-serve bags or boxes for three months, so you always have a quick fix ready.
Swap Outs
Chicken or veggie crumbles make it lighter, just stick close to the fat percentage so it’s not dry. Beef bacon can be switched for turkey or plant-based choices. No sharp cheddar? Try mozzarella or Monterey jack if you want it mild. Regular rice works if you cook it first, then toss it in at the end.
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Ways To Serve
You can dig into this by itself or serve with a big crunchy side salad. If you want a pile of burger toppings, go for pickles, tomato slices, or even a splash more mustard. For some heat, hit your bowl with jalapenos or hot sauce. Lighter mood? Scoop it into lettuce wraps.
American Diner Twist
All the cozy diner cheeseburger tastes land in a dish that’s perfect for busy homes. Rice bakes like this are a staple everywhere ‘cause they’re cheap and filling. This is one of those clever ways home cooks turn classic drive-thru flavors into something everyone can eat with a spoon.
FAQs About the Recipe
- → Can I substitute regular bacon for beef bacon?
Totally! If you can't find beef bacon, just fry up some pork bacon and chop it before tossing it in your skillet.
- → What kind of rice works best for this dish?
Stick with instant rice since it soaks up flavor and cooks lightning fast. Regular long-grain rice takes longer and might need more broth.
- → Can this meal be prepped in advance?
For sure! You can make it ahead, pop it in the fridge, then just warm it up on the stove or in the microwave. Add a hit of broth if it looks dry.
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
Mix in some jalapeños or a dash of cayenne while browning the meat, or splash on hot sauce right before you eat.
- → Is this suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yep! Just check the labels on your ketchup, mustard, and broth so they're gluten-free and you're good to go.
- → What toppings work well for serving?
Top it off with crunchy pickles, green onions, or fresh tomato slices for that extra burger feel.