Tasty Bacon Cheeseburger Rice

Craving that all-out burger vibe but want to keep it super chill? This Bacon Cheeseburger Rice wraps up juicy beef, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and all those classic toppings in one pan—no grill or fancy extras needed. You just need about 30 minutes and stuff you probably already have in your kitchen.

The first time I made this, everyone was tired and grilling just wasn’t happening. I couldn’t believe how much this felt like a cozy bowl of classic cheeseburgers.

Tasty Ingredients

• Ground beef: go for an 80/20 mix to keep the beef juicy with a classic burger vibe
• Yellow onion: diced up for lots of flavor—pick one that’s heavy and has that papery outer layer
• Fresh garlic: mince it for extra pop—grab firm cloves for best taste
• Seasoned salt: keeps flavors bright and beefy from the first forkful to the last
• Tomato sauce: brings some zing and makes things saucy, kind of like real burger toppings
• Ketchup: little hit of sweetness and a bit of tang—just use your usual brand
• Yellow mustard: lifts the flavor with a sharp kick and cuts through the richness
• Instant rice: something quick-cooking like Minute Rice soaks up all the good stuff—don’t sub in regular rice or it won’t cook right
• Beef broth: brings everything together with deep savory taste—use low sodium if you want less salt
• Beef bacon, cooked: get it crispy and chop it up for that smoky burger vibe—don’t go too dark, just crisp enough
• Sharp cheddar cheese: shred your own for creaminess and max melt—go for that real-deal burger flavor

Simple How-To Steps

Sear Bacon & Cheese:

Once you’ve switched off the heat, stir in half your cheddar and some chopped bacon. You want it to melt and turn everything creamy and fully cheesy—don’t stop until it’s all gooey.

Taste & Top:

Now scatter the rest of the cheese and bacon over the top. Cover the pan and walk away for 2–3 minutes. The heat will make it extra gooey on top.

Scoop & Eat:

Take the lid off and fluff up the rice a bit. Grab your bowl while it’s all steaming and melty—this is when it’s best with all those smoky, cheesy bits.

Simmer Down:

Turn the heat down and let it bubble just a couple minutes. Stir here and there so nothing sticks. You’ll know it’s ready when the broth is gone and the rice’s puffed up.

Stir in Sauces and Rice:

Pour in the ketchup, tomato sauce, and mustard first. Once it’s blended, mix in the rice and broth so every grain’s covered and nothing’s dry.

Sizzle the Beef & Onion:

Heat up your skillet, toss in the beef and onions, and brown them. Stir a bunch until the meat’s all cooked through and onions are soft. That’s your flavor starting point.

Garlic & Spice It Up:

Sprinkle on the garlic and let it cook till you can really smell it—just a minute. Add the seasoned salt across everything so it’s all tasty. Drain off any extra grease or your dinner’ll get heavy.

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The bacon’s the real winner for me. Every single time I whip this up, my house smells like those old-school diner nights with my brothers and sisters—can’t beat that.

Leftover Storage

Pop the extras in sealed containers and keep them in the fridge up to four days. Rice gets a bit thick sitting around, so add a little broth or milk when you warm it up—brings back that creamy vibe. Or freeze for up to three months in portions for those grab-and-go meals.

Switch It Up

Try ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter take, just match up the fat so it’s not dry. No beef bacon? Turkey or veggie bacon work too. Use mozz or Monterey jack if you don’t have cheddar. Only have normal rice? Cook that on the side and toss in at the end so it doesn’t stay crunchy.

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Serving Ideas

Dive in as-is or add a fresh crunchy salad if you want something on the side. Want those burger vibes? Top it with diced pickles, slice up some tomatoes, or add an extra zigzag of mustard. If you like heat, hot sauce or sliced jalapeños are awesome. Or, try stuffing it in lettuce leaves for a lighter, fun way to scoop it up.

Story Behind the Flavor

This dish takes that everyone’s-favorite bacon cheeseburger and turns it into a weeknight dinner for the whole crew. Casserole-style meals like this are go-tos all over because they fill you up without busting your budget. It’s just one of those ways clever home cooks turn drive-through classics into serious comfort food—spoon required.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use pork bacon instead of beef bacon?

Sure thing, pork bacon works great too. Cook it up, chop it, and toss it in just like you would with the beef version.

→ Is there a best rice to use here?

Go for instant rice if you want dinner quick—it soaks up the good stuff fast. Regular white rice is okay but you’ll need a bit more water and time.

→ Can I get this ready ahead of time?

You bet! Make it early, stash it in the fridge, and just reheat when you’re hungry. Add a splash of broth if it’s looking dry.

→ What if I crave some heat?

Toss in chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne as you cook. Or, just hit it with your favorite hot sauce at the table.

→ Is it good for gluten-free eaters?

Yep. Just double-check your sauces and broth to make sure they’re gluten-free and you’re set.

→ Any ideas for tasty toppings?

For extra crunch and zing, top with diced pickles, fresh green onions, or even slices of tomato—burger vibes all the way.