One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice

This One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice delivers all the flavors you crave from a loaded cheeseburger with the comfort of a cozy skillet meal. Crispy bacon meets savory seasoned beef plus just the right amount of gooey cheddar and a little tang from dill pickles for a dinnertime dish that is pure comfort and minimal fuss. Even picky eaters go back for seconds in my house and it always reheats like a dream.

The first time I made this my teen declared it better than any takeout burger. Now it is our go-to when everyone wants something cozy but I do not want extra dishes.

Ingredients

• Bacon: chopped for smoky richness and a salty kick choose thick cut for best texture
• Ground beef: brings classic burger flavor pick lean for less grease or go with a blend for more richness
• Small onion: diced to add sweetness and depth pick onions that are firm and heavy for their size
• Garlic cloves: minced because fresh garlic gives a deeper flavor than powder
• Burger seasoning: like Kinders or your favorite to build up that classic burger taste try to choose a blend with garlic and onion
• Worcestershire sauce: for umami and a touch of tang opt for a good quality brand for best depth
• Tomato paste: creates body in the sauce and adds a touch of sweetness look for deep red paste
• Dill pickle relish: to bring signature cheeseburger tang go for a crunchy variety if you find it
• Yellow or Dijon mustard: brightens things up use whichever you love on your own burgers
• Tomato sauce: brings together the sauciness look for one without too much sugar
• Uncooked long grain white rice: such as Jasmine ensures fluffy texture pick rice that is old crop if possible for best absorption
• Beef broth: provides moisture and layers of flavor low sodium lets you control the salt
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: melts smoothly and adds punch grate your own for best melt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Bacon:

Start by cutting bacon into small pieces and cooking in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Stir occasionally so all sides get evenly cooked. This step not only provides that classic bacon crunch but also seasons the base of your pan.

Brown the Beef Onion and Garlic:

Once bacon is finished remove it and leave about a teaspoon of the grease. Add in your ground beef diced onion and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat breaking up the meat as you go. Let the onions turn soft and fragrant and let the beef brown all over for maximum flavor. Drain off any extra fat so the finished rice does not get greasy.

Season and Add Flavor Base:

Next add your burger seasoning and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and let everything cook for a minute or two. Add the tomato paste and keep stirring letting the paste cook for another minute to develop a deeper tomato flavor.

Mix in Relish Mustard and Tomato Sauce:

Measure in your dill pickle relish plus your favorite mustard. Pour in the tomato sauce and stir until it is all well combined for a smooth zesty flavor base.

Add Rice and Broth:

Sprinkle in the uncooked rice and pour over the beef broth. Mix everything thoroughly making sure rice is distributed throughout. Increase the heat to bring everything to a boil then immediately lower heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and simmer without disturbing for eighteen to twenty minutes so the rice becomes tender and absorbs the flavors.

Finishing Touches with Cheese and Bacon:

Once the rice is tender remove the pot from heat. Gently fold in half the shredded cheddar and the crispy cooked bacon. Sprinkle the other half of the cheese on top put the lid back on and allow it all to sit for about three to five minutes until the cheese melts into gooey goodness.

Serve:

Spoon into bowls serve piping hot and watch it disappear

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I love how the dill pickle relish transforms the whole dish. My little one always insists on sprinkling extra cheddar on his bowl before diving in and we laugh about the cheesier the better.

Storage Tips

Store leftover bacon cheeseburger rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It is ideal for packing in lunches because the flavors improve overnight. For longer storage freeze portions for up to two months. When reheating add a splash of broth or water and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to keep it creamy and moist.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to switch up the protein with ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter twist. If you do not love cheddar try Monterey Jack or even pepper jack for a little heat. You can sneak in diced bell pepper or mushrooms along with the onions for a veggie boost. For a gluten free version check that your Worcestershire and broth are certified gluten free.

Serving Suggestions

This skillet meal needs little on the side but pairs well with a crisp green salad or simple roasted veggies. For a true diner experience sometimes I serve it with oven fries or extra pickles on the side. Kids love topping theirs with more cheese or a drizzle of burger sauce for extra fun.

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Cultural and Historical Context

One pot cheeseburger rice is inspired by classic American diner food where everything comes together fast and feeds a hungry crowd. This modern twist brings all the favorite burger flavors home in a weeknight friendly skillet. It is a great example of how comfort food can be both nostalgic and practical enough for busy families.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of rice works best for this skillet meal?

Long grain white rice, such as jasmine, cooks up tender and absorbs all the flavors well. Avoid short grain types, which may become too sticky.

→ Can I substitute other proteins for the beef?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives and will still offer plenty of flavor in the dish.

→ How can I add more vegetables?

Stir in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even peas when browning the beef and onion to boost the veggie content.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze portions for up to 2 months. Add a splash of broth when reheating to keep it moist.

→ How can I add more spice?

Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce with the other condiments for extra heat.