One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice

This bacon cheeseburger rice recipe has become my go-to when I want all the flavors of a classic burger night in one dish. By layering smoky bacon, seasoned beef, and sharp cheddar through creamy rice, you get a satisfying casserole that brings everyone to the table. When weeknights are busy and comfort food is a must, this one-pot wonder always delivers.

I first made this on a night when we had no dinner plan and it instantly became a family favorite. Now, it is the most-requested dish after long practices or cold days.

Ingredients

• Chopped bacon: adds a smoky richness and real cheeseburger taste try to select thick-cut for extra flavor
• Ground beef: brings a juicy base and savory depth look for eighty to eighty-five percent lean for the best balance
• Small onion: gives natural sweetness and aromatics sweeter yellow onions work best
• Fresh garlic cloves: sharpens the savory base use firm cloves with no green sprout
• Burger seasoning: a blend of salt pepper paprika and garlic powder brings a true burger profile choose your favorite premade or homemade
• Worcestershire sauce: deepens umami body and adds a hint of tang opt for one with natural ingredients
• Tomato paste: offers concentrated richness and balances the rice pick a brand with no added sugar
• Dill pickle relish: creates a bright tang like burger toppings always select a fresh and crunchy option
• Yellow or Dijon mustard: perks up the flavors and adds subtle spice smooth varieties help blend easily
• Tomato sauce: keeps it saucy and ties the flavors together go for low sodium for better control
• Long grain rice: ensures separate tender grains use a trustworthy brand for best results
• Beef broth: amplifies savory notes and gives body low sodium keeps salt in check
• Shredded cheddar cheese: delivers the signature cheeseburger finish sharp cheddar melts best and stands up to bold flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Bacon:

Chop bacon into small pieces and cook in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Stir often as the fat renders out. Wait until the bacon is deep golden and crisp before scooping out with a slotted spoon. Leave about a teaspoon of bacon fat in the pot which infuses the entire dish.

Brown the Beef and Aromatics:

Add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic to the bacon fat. Cook over medium to medium high breaking up the beef and stirring until there is no pink left and onions have turned soft and golden. Carefully pour off excess fat to keep the finished dish creamy not greasy.

Season and Layer Flavors:

Sprinkle burger seasoning all over the beef, then add Worcestershire. Stir for about two minutes until you smell a grilled burger aroma and the beef starts to take on those deeper flavors.

Toast the Tomato Paste:

Add tomato paste to the beef mixture. Spread and work it in thoroughly then let it cook for two minutes. Allowing tomato paste to toast in the pan will mellow its brightness and enrich every bite.

Add Cheeseburger Essentials:

Stir in the dill relish, mustard, and tomato sauce. This step blends the tangy and savory notes making the rice taste like a cheeseburger from top to bottom.

Incorporate Rice and Broth:

Pour uncooked rice over the beef and mix well. Then add beef broth and stir so all the rice is wet and no clumps remain. Bring to a brisk simmer then cover tightly and reduce heat to low.

Simmer to Perfection:

Let the rice mixture cook undisturbed for eighteen to twenty minutes. Only peek after fifteen minutes if you suspect the rice is dry. When the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed gently stir everything together.

Cheese and Bacon Finish:

With heat off add one cup of shredded cheddar and all reserved cooked bacon to the pot. The heat will melt the cheese through the rice for a creamy consistency.

Final Melt:

Scatter remaining cheddar cheese atop the hot rice. Cover and let rest five minutes so the cheese melts into a gooey top and the flavors integrate fully.

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Cheddar cheese is always my favorite part of this recipe. Using a really sharp variety adds bite and makes the whole dish pop. One of the best moments is letting the kids sprinkle the cheese on top right before the final melt—watching the steamy cheese stretching over scoops always makes dinnertime feel special.

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water and warm over gentle heat on the stove or in the microwave until it returns to its creamy state. This dish can also be frozen after cooling; pack into zipper bags or freezer trays for up to two months. When reheating from frozen, add broth and heat slowly to regain its original texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter flavor profile while maintaining all the comfort. For spicier tastes, add chopped pickled jalapenos or substitute in pepper jack cheese. You can also use brown rice but add extra broth and extend simmering time until fully tender. If mustard is not a favorite, simply reduce the amount for a subtler taste.

Serving Suggestions

Top servings with sliced green onions, extra pickles, or a spoonful of your favorite burger sauce for freshness. Add a side salad or simply steamed green beans for contrast. On busy nights, I sometimes wrap spoonfuls in warm tortillas for on-the-go hand-held dinners that are a hit with kids and grownups alike.

Cultural and Historical Context

This recipe draws from the heritage of American diner classics and Midwest comfort food. Dishes like bacon cheeseburger casseroles or skillet suppers have long been staples for families looking for hearty options with simple ingredients. Each bite feels like nostalgia for burger nights at local diners or drive-ins.

Seasonal Adaptations

• Add fresh chopped tomatoes when summer is at its peak for juicy bursts
• Fold in sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms in fall for earthiness
• Switch in smoked gouda during the holidays for a unique festive flavor

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Success Stories

Friends have shared that this dish finally made their teenagers excited for family dinner again. It is especially loved at potlucks and tailgates where a creamy cheesy rice bake fits right in with the crowd.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Let the completed dish cool and transfer to freezer-safe bags or trays. Flatten before freezing and reheat straight from frozen with a dash of broth on low heat to return it to creamy perfection.

This simple bacon cheeseburger rice bake is all about getting the flavors and comfort you love with almost no fuss. The pot always comes back empty when I set it on the table and I promise your family will be asking for seconds and thirds.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different cheese types?

Absolutely! Swap in Monterey Jack, Swiss, or American cheese for new flavor variations. Choose sharp cheddar for maximum taste.

→ Which rice works best for this dish?

Long grain white rice, such as jasmine or basmati, is preferred for its texture and ability to absorb flavors without getting mushy.

→ Is it possible to make this ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare in advance and store in the fridge. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to keep it creamy and moist.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge. Reheat with a touch of broth or water for best results.

→ Can I omit or substitute the bacon?

Yes, you can skip bacon or use turkey bacon or more veggies for a lighter version without sacrificing overall flavor.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add diced pickled jalapeno, a pinch of chili powder, or use pepper jack cheese for extra heat and kick.