Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet

This bacon cheeseburger rice brings all your favorite burger flavors to a quick one-pan comfort dish that can be on the table in under half an hour with minimal cleanup. Born from those exhausting weeknights when my family demanded hearty food but I had no energy for grilling or endless dishes, it quickly became our Monday night champion and is always requested when the kids want "something real and filling" for dinner.

I threw this together during a hectic weeknight and it instantly became a regular at our house. Even my friend’s picky teenager loved it when he brought a crowd over, and her skillet was empty in ten minutes flat.

Getting Your Ingredients Right

• Ground beef: With a bit of fat keeps things juicy so use 80 percent lean for flavor without too much grease
• Plain yellow mustard: Gives that classic burger tang do not skip it
• Minute rice: Is a must because the timing lines up with the rest of the dish
• Thick sliced good quality bacon: Adds great crunch and smoky flavor
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Gives the best flavor that will not get lost among all the ingredients
• Beef broth: Adds more richness than water so your rice will not taste bland
• Onions: Look for onions that feel heavy and firm for best texture in the mix

Step-by-Step Instructions

Building the meat base:

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your ground beef and finely diced onion. Cook them together while breaking up the meat. In six to eight minutes the beef will be browned and onions nice and soft forming the foundation of the whole dish.

Adding aromatics

Add minced garlic and keep stirring for just one minute until you smell the garlic turning fragrant. Drain off any extra fat so your dish will not be greasy at the end. This step really boosts the flavor.

Seasoning the foundation:

Sprinkle seasoned salt all over the meat and onion mixture and stir well. This sets the tone for the entire dish and makes it taste like an actual cheeseburger.

Creating burger flavors:

Pour in tomato sauce ketchup and yellow mustard and mix until everything is evenly combined. These classic condiments are the secret to that unmistakable cheeseburger taste.

Incorporating the rice:

Add the minute rice and pour in beef broth. Stir everything thoroughly and bring to a simmer. In just two to three minutes the rice will absorb the flavor and become tender.

Adding the good stuff:

Mix in half of the shredded cheese and half your bacon pieces. Stir until the cheese melts into the mix and the bacon is distributed. The melting cheese ties all the ingredients together.

Final topping layer:

Sprinkle the rest of the cheese and bacon over the top. Cover the skillet and turn off the heat so the steam melts the cheese beautifully and finishes the dish.

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Cheddar cheese is my favorite ingredient here because its sharp flavor really stands out against the hearty rice and smoky bacon. Once my youngest declared this better than a takeout cheeseburger and asked to take the leftovers for school lunch which never happens with other rice dishes.

How To Store It

Cool leftovers completely before sealing in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. When reheating add a splash of broth to keep it from drying out in the microwave. For longer storage freezer bags work well for up to three months though you might lose some creaminess in the rice when thawed. I like making a double batch since it tastes even better the next day.

Making Ingredient Swaps

You can lighten the dish by using turkey bacon and lean ground beef. Any cheese with good melting qualities like Monterey Jack or Swiss will work for a flavor twist. If you do not have seasoned salt just use a mix of regular salt a pinch of garlic powder and black pepper for a homemade version. Add a handful of frozen corn or peas if you want extra veggies.

Ways To Serve

Serve it just as it is for a filling meal or top bowls with diced pickles tomatoes or shredded lettuce. A little extra mustard or ketchup on the side lets everyone build their own cheeseburger bowl. Sometimes we pair it with a crisp green salad to balance out the richness.

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Burger Bowl Origins

This recipe started as a way to satisfy burger cravings without dealing with takeout or standing at the grill. It is inspired by classic diner flavors but built to fit busy family schedules and use supermarket ingredients. One skillet means less time cleaning up and more time enjoying dinner together.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use regular rice instead of instant?

You can, but cooking time and liquid will need to be increased. Instant rice is best for fast, even results in this dish.

→ What can I substitute for seasoned salt?

Regular salt and pepper work, or you can try a burger seasoning blend, garlic powder, or onion powder to taste.

→ Is turkey bacon a good swap?

Absolutely. Just cook turkey bacon until crisp and chop before adding—it lightens up the dish without losing flavor.

→ How can I prevent the cheese from clumping?

Remove the skillet from heat before adding cheese, and use freshly grated cheddar for smooth, even melting.

→ What vegetables can I add?

Diced pickles, tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or even frozen peas and corn can be mixed in or added as toppings.

→ How long will leftovers keep?

Keep leftovers covered in the fridge up to four days. Reheat with a splash of broth if needed to refresh the texture.