Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet is pure comfort made easy—a skillet dish that transforms all the flavors of a classic American bacon cheeseburger into a single, hearty, family-style meal. This recipe combines ground beef, smoky bacon, melted cheese, and a tangy hint of burger “fixings,” all tossed with fluffy rice and finished with favorite toppings.
Ready in under 40 minutes (most of it hands-off), this one-pan wonder is both nostalgic and practical: perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or anyone craving the taste of a backyard cookout any time of year. The result is a meal that brings smiles, second helpings, and next-day lunch requests in equal measure.
Why You’ll Love It
Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet is as craveable as it is satisfying. Each bite balances rich beef, crisp bacon, creamy melted cheese, and the subtle tang of burger condiments. The rice acts as both hearty filler and a clever vehicle for all the saucy flavor, soaking up the beefy juices and tangy sauces while keeping everything easy to scoop and eat.
There’s no layering, baking, or flipping required—just a handful of ingredients and one pan. Plus, it’s endlessly versatile: you can add veggies, spice it up, or dial down the richness for lighter preferences. Retro, fun, and filling, it’s sure to win over picky eaters and grownups alike.
Key Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred, but any works)
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white or brown rice, uncooked
- 3 1/4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow or Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Toppings (all optional): shredded lettuce, diced tomato, sliced pickles, extra bacon, chopped green onion, more cheese, hot sauce
Preparation
Start by crisping the bacon in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Once golden and fragrant, transfer the bacon pieces to a plate, leaving about a tablespoon of drippings in the pan. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, then add the garlic.
Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Stir in the rice, toasting it with the beef for a minute or two. Add Worcestershire, ketchup, mustard, and broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–22 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed (use the longer time for brown rice). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking; add a splash more broth if the rice absorbs too quickly.
Once the rice is cooked, stir in two-thirds of the cooked bacon and half the cheese. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon on top, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes so cheese melts and the flavors meld.
Serve hot, garnished as desired with classic cheeseburger fixings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, green onions—add more ketchup or a drizzle of burger sauce for extra authenticity.
Technique, Tips & Tricks
Perfect bacon cheeseburger rice is all about sequencing and balance. Use good quality bacon and brown it fully, as the rendered fat is the base of the dish’s flavor. Toasting uncooked rice briefly with the beef adds depth and prevents the grains from becoming mushy.
Be sure to use the correct amount of broth—enough for tender rice, but not so much that the skillet becomes soupy. For an extra flavor punch, try a splash of pickle juice or hot sauce stirred in before serving. Let the dish rest, off heat, under a cover for a few minutes to meld the flavors and help the cheese melt fully.
Veggie add-ins (bell pepper, mushrooms, frozen corn, or peas) can be sautéed with the onions, making the dish more colorful and nutritious.
Substitutions and Variations
This skillet shines with flexibility:
- Use turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Swap in cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option (reduce broth).
- Go gluten-free with tamari instead of Worcestershire and confirm condiments.
- Make it spicy with jalapeño, crushed red pepper, or hot sauce stirred in before serving.
- Plant-based eaters can use meatless crumbles, vegan cheese, coconut bacon, and plant-based broth.
- Try different cheeses: Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or American cheese for variety.
- Swap the rice for cooked quinoa or another grain—adjust liquid as needed.
For an “animal-style” twist, add sautéed onions and extra pickles, or drizzle with Thousand Island dressing.
Serving Suggestions
Pile generous spoonfuls into wide bowls and top with shredded lettuce, chopped tomato, plenty of pickles, and even a little extra squiggle of ketchup or “special sauce.” Serve with a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or a quick tangy slaw on the side to balance the richness.
Leftovers make excellent filling for stuffed peppers, a base for burritos or quesadillas, or a hearty next-day lunch. For a crowd, keep warm in a slow cooker and offer an array of toppings for a DIY burger bowl bar.
Pair with cold beer, sparkling lemonade, or sweet iced tea for the full “diner” experience.
Story & Origins
Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet borrows its flavors from America’s iconic bacon cheeseburger—layering ground beef, cheese, pickles, ketchup, and other fixings—but translates it into a cozy skillet meal. As home cooks sought easier ways to stretch burger night and reduce bread intake, skillet “burger bowls,” casseroles, and rice-based twists took off.
This skillet dish is rooted in both classic American casseroles and the all-in-one “hot dish” tradition from the Midwest, blending efficiency with craveable nostalgia. The result delivers the essence of summer cookouts—meaty, cheesy, tangy—no grilling (or buns) required.
Nutrition Notes
Rice skillets are filling and provide solid protein from beef, plus calcium from the cheese. Incorporate more veggies, swap to brown rice, and use turkey for lighter, higher-fiber meals. Use low-sodium broth, turkey bacon, and part-skim cheese if preferred.
To lower sodium or fat, drain all rendered fat from the bacon and beef, use reduced-sodium condiments, and add plenty of vegetables as fillers. Whole grains or alternative grains boost fiber, while cauliflower rice keeps carbs in check.
The dish is naturally gluten-free with appropriate ingredient choices—always check condiment labels and use verified GF sauces.
Flavors & Pairings
Pairings should be crisp, tangy, or fresh to cut through the richness: pickles, slaw, bright tomato salad, or lightly pickled onions complement beautifully. Serve with crunchy kettle chips, roasted sweet potatoes, or even a dab of sauerkraut on the side. Classic drinks like cola, root beer, or cold lagers round out the meal.
For appetizers, offer fried pickles or onion rings to reinforce that burger-joint vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cooked rice?
Yes! Use about 3 cups of cooked rice; add less broth (about 1 cup), and simmer just until heated through and the flavors meld.
How do I keep leftovers?
Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or a skillet with a splash of broth.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat as above.
What about meal prep?
Perfect for portioning into containers with a handful of shredded lettuce and toppings added fresh.
Does this work with other grains?
Yes! Quinoa, farro, or even small pasta shapes are all delicious—adjust the liquid to match the new grain.
Final Thoughts
Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet is nostalgia in a pan, combining America’s favorite burger flavors with all-in-one dinner practicality. With no layering, grilling, or extra dishes, you get rich, craveable comfort on busy nights—and enough flexibility to make it new every time you crave it.
