Bacon Cheeseburger Rice is the ultimate one-pan wonder, fusing the comfort and familiar flavors of a classic American cheeseburger with the cozy heartiness of a family-style rice casserole. Each spoonful delivers notes of meaty, juicy beef, the salt and smoke of bacon, melty stretches of cheese, and the soft, satisfying foundation of perfectly cooked rice.
All the best cheeseburger fixings—crisp pickles, tangy ketchup, spicy mustard—make appearances as toppings or savory undercurrents, elevating this easy dish from weeknight staple to enthusiastic crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect solution for when you crave burgers but need something easy, scoopable, and stress-free, or when you’re searching for the next all-in-one family favorite.
Why You’ll Love It
Bacon Cheeseburger Rice packs everything into a single skillet or casserole, making prep and cleanup a breeze. It’s as ideal for busy weeknights as for entertaining, easily doubled for potlucks or portioned for meal prep. Every bite is savory and layered: the crispness of bacon, the rich beefiness, mild onion, and melty cheese, with fluffy, seasoned rice carrying the flavors to completion.
Kids and adults alike love its craveable familiarity, and its balance of protein, carbs, and the option for added veggies means it satisfies on every level. The recipe is highly customizable—adjust the cheese, spice level, or mix-ins—and a great template for using up leftovers or stretching groceries while keeping dinner delicious.
Key Ingredients
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for flavor, or leaner if preferred)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups long grain white or brown rice, uncooked
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth (or low-sodium chicken/vegetable broth)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow or Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: sliced green onions, chopped pickles, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, extra bacon, hot sauce
Preparation
Start by cooking bacon in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp and the fat has rendered. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, pouring off all but one tablespoon of drippings. Add onion and sauté until soft and golden, then stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
Increase the heat and add ground beef, seasoning with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, and cook until browned, crumbling as you go. Drain any excess fat. Stir in uncooked rice, coating in the beef and aromatics for about a minute, letting some of the grains toast for extra flavor.
Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire, ketchup, and mustard. Stir to combine, bring to a slight boil, then lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes (white rice; brown rice may take up to 30 minutes), or until all liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. If the pan dries out before rice is done, add splashes of additional broth as needed.
Just before serving, gently fold in the crisped bacon and half the cheese, reserving the rest for the topping. Remove from heat, sprinkle with remaining cheese, cover, and let sit a few minutes for the cheese to melt into gooey, comforting layers.
Finish with your favorite burger-inspired toppings and serve hot, straight from the skillet for maximum satisfaction.
Technique, Tips & Tricks
For the best texture, use long grain rice (such as jasmine or basmati); avoid sticky or short-grain varieties, which can turn mushy in a casserole. Sautéing the rice in bacon drippings and beef ensures nutty flavor and helps prevent clumping. Browning the beef and onion together delivers deep flavor; if you like extra veggies, lightly sauté diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrot with the onion.
Don’t rush the simmer—keeping the lid on ensures the rice cooks evenly. If you want a bit of a “crust” like you would with tahdig or paella, let the rice rest on the lowest possible heat for a few minutes uncovered at the end.
Fold in cheese and bacon at the last moment to keep them from getting lost in the rice—the cheese should be melty but not overcooked, and the bacon should stay crisp. Let the dish sit for five minutes before serving—this sets everything for easy scooping and helps flavors meld.
For casserole fans, you can transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with cheese and bacon, and broil for a few minutes for a bubbly, browned finish.
Substitutions and Variations
Bacon Cheeseburger Rice is all about adaptation. For healthier or different takes:
- Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for beef.
- Swap white rice for brown, wild rice, or even cauliflower rice for grain-free needs.
- Make it kid-friendly with mild cheddar and less mustard/ketchup; spice it up for adults with pepper jack, green chiles, jalapeños, or a dash of cayenne.
- Add extra vegetables (bell peppers, corn, peas, spinach, or carrots) for nutrition and color.
- For a gluten-free version, confirm that your broth, cheese, and sauces are celiac-safe.
Dairy-free cheese melts, turkey bacon, and even vegan “egg” products work for those avoiding animal products. You can also change the cheeses (Swiss, American, gouda) or add a spoonful of cream cheese for a creamier finish.
Transform leftovers into stuffed peppers, a burrito bowl, or use as a filling for hand pies.
Serving Suggestions
Bacon Cheeseburger Rice is all but a meal on its own; serve in big scoops with crunchy dill pickles, a side of coleslaw or green salad, and simple slices of tomato or avocado. Prepare bowls of toppings—shredded lettuce, extra cheese, tomatoes, onions, pickles, jalapeños, ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce—so everyone can build their ideal plate.
Make it a party centerpiece by doubling the recipe and keeping warm in a slow cooker with a topping bar and slider buns for DIY rice “sliders.” For family dinners, offer simple sides of roasted broccoli, corn on the cob, or fruit salad.
Leftovers are amazing repurposed: re-fry with extra eggs for breakfast hash, roll in tortillas for burritos, or stuff into halved and roasted bell peppers for a new meal.
Story & Origins
Bacon Cheeseburger Rice is a natural offshoot of two great American comfort traditions: the classic cheeseburger and the ever-popular rice casserole. As rice became a pantry staple in North America through the 20th century, busy cooks found clever ways to stretch ground beef, bacon, and cheese into new, hearty family meals. Inspired by the flavors of diner-style bacon cheeseburgers—with their tangy sauces, crisp bacon, melted cheddar, and dill pickles—this dish reimagines all those elements for home kitchens.
One-pan hamburger rice dishes have dotted community cookbooks since at least the 1960s, merging affordability, convenience, and nostalgia. Internet recipe sharing and the rise of family food blogs in the early 2000s accelerated the popularity of the cheeseburger rice format, birthing regional riffs (western BBQ versions, pizza-inspired, Tex-Mex) and customizing for dietary needs. Today, this recipe represents not just comfort, but the playful ingenuity at the heart of American home cooking.
Nutrition Notes
Bacon Cheeseburger Rice offers solid protein, carbohydrates, calcium (from cheese), and plenty of iron (beef and rice). To lighten, use lean ground meat, turkey bacon, and reduced-fat cheese; replace all or part of the white rice with brown rice for more fiber, or use cauliflower rice to lower carbs.
Add vegetables—spinach, bell peppers, or carrots—and the dish becomes a perfect “hidden veggie” dinner for kids. Watch sodium in broth, bacon, and cheese if you’re reducing salt. Gluten-free versions are easy—spot-check all sauces and serve with naturally GF toppings.
Vegan adaptations use plant-based crumbles, dairy-free cheese, and alt-bacon, with the flavor lifted by savory spices and umami-rich broth.
Flavors & Pairings
This dish enjoys bold, bright, and crunchy sides. Pair it with mixed green salad with a vinaigrette, coleslaw for a classic American feel, or quick-pickled cucumbers. Dill pickles, diced onions, and cherry tomatoes are superb toppings that echo the iconic burger vibe.
Serve with classic burger sides like oven fries, crispy potato chips, or roasted corn. For drinks, root beer, lemonade, or pale ale complement the rich, salty bacon and beef. Fruit-forward desserts—apple crisp, berry salad, or even ice cream floats—close out the meal in retro style.
A topping bar encourages custom plates: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, avocado, caramelized onions, or creamy dressings all take the dish in delicious directions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prep this ahead?
Yes—cook fully, refrigerate, and reheat gently on the stove or in the oven. Add a little extra broth or water if rice dries out.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely—cool, pack into airtight containers, and freeze. Thaw overnight and reheat with a splash of broth.
Is it gluten-free?
With gluten-free broth, bacon, and ketchup/mustard, yes. Check ingredient lists closely.
Can I use cooked rice?
Yes! Use about four cups of cooked rice, adding to the browned meat along with half the broth; stir, heat through, and finish with cheese and toppings.
How do I keep bacon crisp?
Stir half into the rice, and sprinkle the rest on top just before serving.
Is it good for kids?
Definitely—just use mild cheddar and adjust spices. Kids love the cheeseburger flavor and customizable toppings.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Easily—use plant-based crumbles, vegan bacon, vegetable broth, and dairy-free cheese.
What leftovers work in this?
Cooked hamburger patties, plain rice, day-old bacon, or chopped cooked hot dogs are all perfect mix-ins.
Final Thoughts
Bacon Cheeseburger Rice turns the familiar flavors of a burger basket into a cozy, one-pot meal that gathers everyone around the table with smiles. Flexible, budget-friendly, make-ahead, and endlessly customizable, it’s as ideal for weeknight dinners as for comfort food cravings or a creative twist for your next potluck. With each scoop, you taste the simplicity and heart of home cooking—no grill required.
