Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Recipe
Meet your new weeknight hero: the Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet. This crave-worthy dish puts all the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger right into a sizzling skillet supper, balancing savory ground beef, crispy bacon, gooey cheddar, and tangy pickles atop tender rice for total comfort food satisfaction. From the very first cheesy bite, you’ll find yourself hooked on its bold flavor, gooey textures, and how quickly everything comes together. Grab a skillet and let’s turn burger night into something unexpectedly delicious!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simple, familiar ingredients coming together for maximum comfort and flavor. Each one has its own job, whether that’s creating hearty texture, adding a smoky note, or delivering that irresistible creamy-cheesy finish.
- Ground beef: The rich and savory base for your skillet, choose 80/20 for best flavor and juiciness.
- Onion: A half medium onion adds aromatic sweetness and depth.
- Minced garlic: A tablespoon goes a long way in infusing everything with bold, classic burger flavor.
- Instant rice: Quick-cooking rice soaks up all the cheeseburger flavors and keeps dinner speedy.
- Beef broth: Adds real-depth and that savory “beefy” goodness to every bite.
- Cooked bacon: Smoky, salty, and absolutely essential for the “bacon cheeseburger” vibe.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, sharp, and irresistibly gooey—don’t skimp!
- Diced tomatoes: Brings some freshness and tang, whether using canned or ripe fresh tomatoes.
- Diced pickles (optional): For just the right pop of acidity that tastes just like your favorite burger.
- Ketchup: Plenty of zippy sweetness for that classic cheeseburger flavor.
- Yellow mustard: Bright, tangy, and ties all those burger flavors together.
- Salt and black pepper: To bring every bite into balance.
- Olive oil (if needed): Use just a splash if your beef is very lean to prevent sticking.
How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by setting your favorite large skillet over medium heat. Drop in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Cook until the beef is nicely browned and crumbly—this is where you’ll build those deep meaty flavors that set the Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet apart. If there’s a lot of excess fat, go ahead and drain it off for a less greasy finish.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion & Garlic
With the beef still sizzling, stir in your diced onion and minced garlic. Let them sauté for 2-3 minutes, just until the onion turns translucent and everything smells deeply savory and inviting. This is where the freshness and those hallmark burger aromatics really start to shine.
Step 3: Build the Cheeseburger Layers
Now it’s time to make the skillet truly special. Stir in the chopped cooked bacon (hello, smoky goodness!), instant rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Give it all a thorough mix so those burger flavors can cozy up together.
Step 4: Simmer Until Rice Is Tender
Turn the heat to high briefly and bring the entire mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, immediately lower the heat, cover your skillet, and let everything cook undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes. The rice will soak up all that beefy, cheesy, tomato-packed liquid, turning into plump, flavorful grains. Nearly there!
Step 5: Stir in Cheddar & Finish With Pickles
Once your rice is fluffy and the liquid has disappeared, remove the skillet from heat. Add your shredded cheddar cheese and fold it in until every morsel is creamy and melted—this is the moment your Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet becomes truly comforting. Top with extra cheese and, if you love a little tang, sprinkle on the diced pickles before serving.
How to Serve Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet
Garnishes
Just before serving, give your skillet a final flourish! Sprinkling a little extra shredded cheddar on top lets it melt into a gooey cap, while fresh chopped parsley or green onions add a pop of color. A scattering of diced pickles or sliced cherry tomatoes brings a zingy, classic cheeseburger bite to every spoonful.
Side Dishes
Pair your Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet with a simple crisp salad or crunchy coleslaw to balance the richness. For extra indulgence (because why not?), a handful of crispy shoe-string fries or onion rings on the side make dinner feel just like a retro diner feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this skillet straight from the pan for rustic, family-style sharing, or spoon generous portions into individual bowls and let everyone add their own favorite burger toppings, from jalapeños to a squirt of extra mustard. For a fun twist, stuff it into hollowed-out bell peppers and bake until bubbly for a handheld, portable version!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Cool the skillet completely, then transfer any remaining Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making for a lucky next-day lunch or quick dinner.
Freezing
If you want to stash away portions for a future busy weeknight, this dish freezes beautifully! Scoop cooled servings into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, warm leftovers gently in a covered skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to help loosen things up. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through for even heat. Don’t forget: a fresh sprinkle of shredded cheddar on top makes every serving feel fresh again!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice?
Instant rice keeps things speedy, but you can swap it for cooked long-grain or brown rice. Just adjust the broth and simmering time as needed; start with less liquid if your rice is already cooked.
What’s the best way to cook the bacon?
Crisping bacon in a separate pan lets you control the texture and makes for picture-perfect pieces. If you want even more bacon flavor throughout your Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet, you can use some bacon drippings to sauté the onion and garlic!
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use plant-based ground beef and your favorite vegetarian bacon option. Substitute vegetable broth for beef broth—the cheesy, savory flavors still shine, and everyone gets to join in the skillet fun.
How spicy can I make it?
For a spicy kick, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, add diced jalapeños, or stir in a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce with the ketchup and mustard. It’s totally customizable to your heat preference!
Is this Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet gluten-free?
Yes—simply use gluten-free instant rice, be sure your beef broth and ketchup are gluten-free brands, and you’ll be good to go. Always double-check ingredient labels to avoid hidden gluten.
Final Thoughts
There’s something downright magical about bringing your favorite burger flavors off the bun and into one bubbling, cheesy skillet. The Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet is easy enough for busy weeknights, but special enough to share with friends. Don’t wait to try it—one bite and you’ll be hooked!
