If your dinner dreams swing between hearty skillet suppers and the crave-worthy combination of bacon, beef, and cheese, Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet is about to become your new weeknight hero. This dish delivers all the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger—savory beef, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, sweet onions, and the tang of ketchup and pickles—folded into fluffy rice and finished in a single pan.
The result is a sizzling, satisfying meal that feeds a hungry crowd, comes together in under 40 minutes, and transforms humble pantry staples into something far more than the sum of its parts.
The skillet approach means maximum flavor with a minimum of dishes, and the rice bulks up this meal into a family-friendly masterpiece. It’s flexible enough to raid your fridge for whatever toppings and extras sound good, endlessly riffable for picky eaters or dietary needs, and perfect for meal prep or “bring and share” gatherings. Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet is the kind of food that unites nostalgia with practicality, inviting both big scoops and enthusiastic seconds around the table.
Ingredients
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for more flavor)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (about 1 cup uncooked)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup dill pickles, finely diced (plus more for topping)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh tomato (optional)
- Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, shredded lettuce, sliced cherry tomatoes, extra ketchup or burger sauce
The Story and Classic Taste of Skillet Suppers
The American tradition of skillet meals is as much about convenience as it is delicious improvisation. These one-pan wonders, beloved across generations, combine affordable ingredients in creative ways—saving time and effort while delivering maximum flavor. Bacon cheeseburgers, meanwhile, are a staple of backyard cookouts, diners, and roadside stops, built to satisfy the dual cravings for salty-sweet, cheesy, crisp, and juicy in every bite.
By borrowing the starring notes of a bacon cheeseburger and blending them into a skillet meal with rice, this recipe takes comfort food in a fresh direction. The rice absorbs all the beefy juices and burger sauce flavor, bacon crispiness adds smoky crunch, and cheddar melts into every fluffy forkful.
Step-by-Step Technique
To craft the perfect Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet, begin by heating a large, sturdy skillet (cast iron or nonstick) over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy and golden. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about a tablespoon of drippings in the pan for extra flavor.
Into the same skillet, add the ground beef and onions. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if desired. Cook, breaking up with a spatula, until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft, about 5–7 minutes. Midway, add the minced garlic and continue to stir. If there’s excess grease, drain it off, but leave enough for flavor.
Stir in the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and half of the cooked bacon. Let these simmer together for 2–3 minutes, letting the sauce coat the meat. Add the cooked rice, tossing everything together to absorb the flavors and form a unified mixture.
Reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle over one cup of cheddar and the diced pickles, then stir gently to combine. Smooth the top of the skillet and scatter on the remaining cheddar and bacon. Cover the pan and cook just until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2–4 minutes.
Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes to set. Top with extra pickles, green onions, fresh tomatoes, or any of your burger favorites. Serve hot, straight from the skillet, for a meal that disappears fast.
Creative Variations and Add-Ins
The base recipe is just the start—Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet is endlessly adaptable. For a “Deluxe” skillet, stir in diced tomatoes, sliced olives, or sautéed mushrooms. Add heat with jarred or fresh jalapeños, and for even more burger flair, offer a drizzle of thousand island or burger sauce over each serving.
Love barbecue? Swap in BBQ sauce for the ketchup and toss in a handful of fried onion strips at the end. For a lighter twist, use ground turkey or chicken and part-skim cheese, and swap half the rice for riced cauliflower.
Vegetarian versions work with meatless crumbles and veggie bacon, and gluten-free eaters will appreciate that the entire dish is naturally GF if you use gluten-free Worcestershire and condiments.
If you love the extra crunch of lettuce and tomato, serve each scoop in lettuce cups or over a bed of chopped salad, just as you’d garnish a classic diner burger.
Meal Prep, Storage, and Leftovers
This skillet keeps well for a few days, making it ideal for lunches or easy dinners. Simply let leftovers cool, then scoop into airtight containers. For best texture, reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to fluff the rice and remelt the cheese, or microwave covered on 70% power, stirring halfway through.
For freezer prep, portion into meal-size containers and freeze for up to three months; thaw overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.
You can even repurpose leftovers: stuff them into bell peppers and bake, wrap in tortillas for cheeseburger burritos, or top with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast-for-dinner.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet is a one-dish wonder but sings when paired with bright, crisp sides. A simple green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness, while coleslaw brings crunch and tang. For a true diner vibe, serve with sweet potato fries or baked potato wedges.
On game day, scoop portions with a big spoon and pile into bowls with extra toppings, letting everyone build their perfect “cheeseburger bowl.” For family dinners, serve alongside pickles, sliced tomatoes, and extra sauces for dipping.
Complement the skillet with cold beer, fizzy soda, or lemonade for a retro touch, and finish with quick chocolate chip cookies or root beer floats for a throwback meal everyone will love.
Troubleshooting and FAQs
Why is my rice mushy or dry? Use freshly cooked or leftover rice that isn’t too soft—fluffy, distinct grains mix best and won’t make the dish sticky. Why is there a lot of grease? Depending on your beef cut, you may need to drain excess fat after browning to avoid heaviness. Can I use brown rice? Absolutely—just cook it fully and use in place of white rice.
Can I make it ahead? Yes, fully assemble and refrigerate, then reheat gently, adding cheese fresh before serving for the best melt.
What cheese is best? Sharp cheddar melts and tastes classic, but experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or gouda for a twist.
Can I skip the bacon? The skillet still works with just beef, but the smoky flavor of bacon adds signature depth; for a pork-free twist, smoked paprika alone helps mimic that essence.
Nutrition
Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet is comfort food, rich in protein and calcium, and balanced with rice for staying power. It’s a good source of iron and can fit into a balanced diet when portioned with plenty of vegetables on the side.
To lighten, reduce cheese and bacon, and serve with roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or grilled veggies. To keep carbs lower, replace half the rice with riced cauliflower or serve over roasted mushrooms.
The Final Scoop
Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet is the embodiment of what makes home cooking great: speed, flavor, and the clever use of what’s on hand to create something everyone craves. This recipe channels all the fun of burgers into a comforting skillet meal, bringing a taste of summer picnics to the table year-round.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this skillet will hold its own as a weeknight staple, lunchbox favorite, and crowd-pleasing winner. So next time you’re torn between a burger, a casserole, or a one-pan meal, let this skillet bring it all together—one cheesy, satisfying scoop at a time.
