Bacon Cheeseburger Rice

This One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice brings all the satisfying flavors of your favorite loaded cheeseburger into a cozy skillet meal that feeds the whole family. Crispy bacon meets seasoned ground beef while sharp cheddar cheese melts into perfectly cooked rice with just the right tang from dill pickles and classic burger condiments. Everything cooks together in one pan for minimal cleanup but maximum comfort food satisfaction.

The first time I made this my teenager declared it better than any takeout burger. Now it has become our go to when everyone craves something cozy but I want to avoid extra dishes piling up in the sink.

Ingredients

• 6 to 8 slices thick cut bacon chopped: provides smoky richness and crispy texture throughout the dish
• 1 pound ground beef: brings classic burger flavor choose lean for less grease or an 80/20 blend for richness
• 1 small onion diced: adds natural sweetness and depth pick firm heavy onions for best flavor
• 3 to 4 garlic cloves minced: because fresh garlic delivers deeper flavor than powder ever could
• 1 tablespoon burger seasoning: like Kinders Caramelized Onion variety builds authentic burger taste
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: provides umami and tangy depth opt for a quality brand
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste: creates body in the sauce and adds subtle sweetness look for deep red paste
• 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish: brings signature cheeseburger tang choose crunchy variety if available
• 1 teaspoon yellow or Dijon mustard: brightens the flavors use whichever you prefer on burgers
• 8 ounces canned tomato sauce: ties everything together choose one without added sugar
• 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice: such as jasmine ensures fluffy texture pick older crop for better absorption
• 2 and 1/4 cups beef broth: provides moisture and layers of flavor low sodium lets you control salt
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: melts smoothly and adds punch grate your own for best results

Step by Step Instructions

Cook the Bacon:

Start by cutting bacon into small uniform pieces and cooking in a large heavy bottomed pot over medium heat until golden and crispy. Stir occasionally to ensure all sides cook evenly and render out the fat properly. This step not only provides that classic bacon crunch but also seasons the entire base of your pan with smoky flavor.

Brown the Beef Onion and Garlic:

Remove the crispy bacon and leave about one teaspoon of the rendered grease in the pot. Add ground beef diced onion and minced garlic to the same pot. Cook over medium heat breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon as it browns. Let the onions turn soft and fragrant while the beef develops a rich golden brown color all over for maximum flavor development. Drain off any excess fat to prevent the finished rice from becoming greasy.

Season and Build Flavor Base:

Add burger seasoning and Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture stirring well to coat everything evenly. Let cook for one to two minutes to bloom the spices and deepen their flavor. Add tomato paste and continue stirring letting the paste cook for another full minute until it darkens slightly and develops a richer tomato flavor that will enhance the entire dish.

Mix in Condiments and Sauce:

Measure in dill pickle relish and your chosen mustard stirring to distribute evenly throughout the mixture. Pour in the tomato sauce and stir until everything combines into a smooth zesty flavor base that smells just like your favorite burger joint.

Add Rice and Broth:

Sprinkle the uncooked rice evenly over the meat mixture then pour the beef broth over everything. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon making sure rice gets distributed throughout and no grains stick to the bottom. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil then immediately reduce to the lowest simmer setting. Cover tightly and cook for exactly eighteen to twenty minutes without lifting the lid so the rice becomes perfectly tender and absorbs all those incredible flavors.

Finish with Cheese and Bacon:

Once the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid remove the pot from heat completely. Gently fold in half the shredded cheddar cheese and all the crispy cooked bacon using a light hand to avoid mashing the rice. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top then put the lid back on and allow everything to sit undisturbed for three to five minutes until the cheese melts into gooey perfection.

Serve:

Remove the lid and give everything one final gentle stir then spoon generous portions into bowls. Serve piping hot while the cheese is still melty and watch it disappear from everyone's bowls.

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The dill pickle relish truly transforms this entire dish from ordinary to extraordinary. My youngest always insists on sprinkling extra cheddar cheese on his bowl before diving in and we joke that in our house the cheesier the better is always the rule.

Storage Tips

Store leftover bacon cheeseburger rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days where the flavors actually improve overnight. This makes it perfect for packing in lunch containers since it reheats so well. For longer storage portion into freezer safe containers for up to two months. When reheating from frozen or refrigerated add a splash of beef broth or water and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to restore that creamy moist texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to experiment with different proteins like ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version that still delivers plenty of flavor. If cheddar is not your favorite cheese try Monterey Jack for mild creaminess or pepper jack for a spicy kick. You can easily sneak in extra vegetables by adding diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms along with the onions. For those following a gluten free diet just double check that your Worcestershire sauce and beef broth are certified gluten free.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty skillet meal stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or simple roasted vegetables on the side. For an authentic diner experience I sometimes serve it alongside crispy oven fries or a handful of extra pickles. Kids especially love topping their bowls with additional shredded cheese or even a drizzle of their favorite burger sauce for extra fun and flavor.

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Cultural and Historical Context

One pot cheeseburger rice draws inspiration from classic American diner culture where hearty satisfying meals come together quickly to feed hungry families and workers. This modern interpretation brings all those beloved burger flavors into a weeknight friendly skillet format that captures both nostalgia and practicality. It represents how traditional comfort food can evolve to meet the needs of busy modern families while still delivering that same soul satisfying experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ What type of rice works best for this dish?

Long grain white rice, such as jasmine, cooks up fluffy and absorbs the flavors perfectly without becoming sticky.

→ Can I swap the beef for another protein?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken both work well and still deliver a flavorful skillet meal with a lighter touch.

→ How can I make this meal spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when mixing in the condiments for an extra layer of heat.

→ What cheese melts best in this dish?

Sharp cheddar is the classic choice, but Monterey Jack or pepper jack also melt beautifully and add great flavor.

→ How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for 2 months. Add a splash of broth when reheating for best texture.

→ What sides pair well with this meal?

A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables balance the richness, while oven fries make it feel like a diner-inspired spread.