Bacon Cheeseburger Rice: How to Make This Easy Family Favorite

Bacon cheeseburger rice is more than just a clever twist on classic comfort food—it’s a dinner that instantly brings the whole family to the table, excited for seconds. As someone who loves cozy Midwest meals, I’ve found that a bacon cheeseburger rice recipe is the easiest way to take everything you love about a juicy bacon cheeseburger and transform it into a cheesy, hearty skillet meal with minimal fuss. This isn’t just an easy weeknight dinner; it’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

Our journey to this recipe began with a passion for sharing practical, flavorful dinners over at our About page, where every recipe has a story and every dish brings people together. If you love the idea of quick-prep classics with a nostalgic feel, you’ll want to explore our kitchen adventures.

When you’re looking up things like “bacon cheeseburger rice recipe,” “old fashioned bacon cheeseburger rice,” or “easy bacon cheeseburger rice,” you’re probably after a dish that feels homemade and satisfies everyone. Whether you’re thinking cheeseburger rice skillet, cheeseburger rice bowl, or even cheeseburger rice casserole, this recipe delivers big flavor with a familiar, fun twist that even picky eaters will love.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

What is Bacon Cheeseburger Rice and Why It Works

Bacon cheeseburger rice is exactly what it sounds like: a sizzling skillet dinner that’s got the classic flavors of a bacon cheeseburger—ground beef, melty cheddar, smoky bacon, tangy ketchup and mustard—all combined with perfectly tender rice. Instead of serving up individual burgers, you get all those craveable flavors in every bite of rice, making it an instant favorite for weeknight dinners or potlucks.

The best part? You can tweak the recipe to suit your mood or pantry! It’s an “easy bacon cheeseburger rice” recipe that welcomes substitutions. Use instant white rice for speed or swap in brown or wild rice if you have more time. You could even add extra veggies or pile on classic burger toppings like pickles and tomatoes.

Families love this dish because it’s fuss-free, kid-friendly, and customizable. The one-pan method keeps cleanup to a minimum, and you can prep parts ahead if you like. It’s inspired by everything from “cheeseburger rice skillet” meals to Midwest favorites like “cheeseburger rice cooking in the Midwest,” bringing a slice of nostalgia to your table.

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Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe: Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what goes into the perfect bacon cheeseburger rice. This bacon cheeseburger rice recipe is all about simple ingredients working together for big flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• 1 pound ground beef (go for 80/20 for juiciness, but any ground beef works)
• ½ yellow onion, diced (sweetens and flavors the beef)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (for depth and aroma)
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (adds a well-rounded seasoning)
• 8 ounces tomato sauce (brings the tangy, saucy cheeseburger vibe)
• ¼ cup ketchup (classic burger flavor, a little sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (adds zip and ties it all together)
• 2 cups minute rice (for fast, fluffy results—use any rice you like, just adjust cook time!)
• 2 cups beef broth (deepens flavor and cooks the rice)
• 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped (smoky, salty, and essential for bacon lovers)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (melty and irresistible)

You’ll notice these are all easy-to-find staples—one of the reasons bacon cheeseburger rice is such a win for busy cooks!

Step-by-Step: How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Rice

Ready to get cooking? Here’s how you’ll bring this bacon cheeseburger rice recipe together in just a few simple steps:

1. In a large skillet, add ground beef and diced onions. Cook over medium-high heat until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft. Add minced garlic and cook for one minute, just until fragrant.
2. Carefully drain off excess grease. Sprinkle seasoned salt over the beef mixture and stir to coat.
3. Pour in the tomato sauce, ketchup, and mustard. Stir to combine. Add in the minute rice and beef broth, then stir again. Bring the mixture to a light simmer.
4. Let the skillet simmer for 2–3 minutes, until the broth is mostly absorbed by the rice. The mixture should look thick and saucy.
5. Stir in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup of chopped bacon. Mix well to let everything melt and come together.
6. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon over the top. Cover the skillet and let the steam melt the cheese. Once gooey and irresistible, it’s ready to serve!

This easy bacon cheeseburger rice recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, and cleanup is a breeze since it’s all made in one pan.

Making Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Your Way

One of the reasons people love bacon cheeseburger rice is how flexible it is. Wondering about “cheeseburger rice bowl” or “cheeseburger rice casserole” variations? You can easily make this recipe suit your preferences:

• Want a rice bowl? Scoop bacon cheeseburger rice into individual bowls and let everyone add their own toppings—think diced tomatoes, onions, lettuce, or pickles.
• Prefer a casserole? Pour the cooked mixture into a casserole dish, sprinkle with extra cheese and bacon, then bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes for bubbly, golden goodness.
• Trying to keep it simple? Skip the oven and serve straight from the skillet, adding a little extra cheese for those who love it melty.

The beauty of this dish is how easily it adapts to your family’s tastes, pantry staples, or even what’s in season. Plus, you can use any rice you have—white, brown, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter version.

Tips for Perfect Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Every Time

There are a few easy ways to get the most out of your bacon cheeseburger rice recipe:

• Rice matters: Instant rice or minute rice makes things super quick, but feel free to use your favorite. If you’re using long-grain, brown, or wild rice, just increase the simmering time and add more broth if needed.
• Don’t skip the bacon: Cook your bacon crisp so it stands out in every bite. You can use real bacon bits if you’re in a rush, but freshly cooked bacon brings the best flavor.
• Get creative with toppings: Treat your bacon cheeseburger rice like an actual burger—pile on pickles, tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or even a drizzle of extra ketchup and mustard for a burger-in-a-bowl feel.
• Make ahead magic: You can make the beef mixture and rice ahead of time, then just reheat and top with bacon and cheese before serving. Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in a large pan over medium heat.

Want more inspiration? Check out other comfort food recipes at Grandma Recipes Flash for additional Midwest classics!

What to Serve With Bacon Cheeseburger Rice

While bacon cheeseburger rice is hearty enough to stand alone, it’s also perfect with a few easy sides:

• Green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to cut the richness
• Steamed green beans for color and crunch
• Sautéed broccoli or asparagus for extra veggies
• Sliced tomatoes, pickles, or extra burger toppings on the side

If you’re feeling playful, serve it with crispy fries or sweet potato wedges. For a “cheeseburger rice bowl” night, set out little bowls of shredded lettuce, diced onions, pickled jalapeños, and sliced avocado so everyone can customize their serving.

Customizing Your Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe

This recipe is a blank canvas! Here are some favorite ways to mix things up:

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Use pepper jack, mozzarella, or Swiss in place of cheddar for a twist on classic cheeseburger rice.
• Add diced pickles or a spoonful of relish for extra tang.
• Stir in chopped fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
• Mix in chopped spinach or frozen peas for a veggie boost.
• Try BBQ sauce instead of ketchup for a smoky variation.

If you want to go “old fashioned bacon cheeseburger rice,” keep things simple: just beef, bacon, cheese, and rice. But don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Can I Use a Different Type of Rice?

Absolutely! One of the top “people also search for” questions is about using different types of rice. While the recipe was developed for quick-cooking rice like instant or minute rice for convenience, you can substitute any rice you like. White rice, brown rice, jasmine, or even basmati all work, just be sure to adjust the cooking time and the amount of broth to make sure the rice gets perfectly tender. For heartier grains or wild rice, give it a bit more simmer time and a splash more liquid if needed.

Kid-Friendly and Meal Prep Approved

Is this recipe kid-friendly? Absolutely! Kids love anything with the classic cheeseburger flavor combo, and this meal lets them sprinkle their own toppings. For busy nights, bacon cheeseburger rice is also a meal-prep winner. Just cook the beef mixture and rice ahead of time, cool, and store in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat gently and add fresh cheese and bacon on top for that melty finish.

Easy Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers? No problem! Bacon cheeseburger rice stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if the rice gets too thick. It microwaves well too—just cover loosely and heat in 30-second bursts until hot, stirring once or twice for even melting.

If you love make-ahead meals or plan to feed a crowd, double the batch and store in a covered casserole dish for easy serving and reheating.

Conclusion

Bacon cheeseburger rice brings all the best of a classic cheeseburger and all the ease of a one-pot rice meal to your table. Perfect for busy nights, picky eaters, or cozy weekends at home, this bacon cheeseburger rice recipe delivers bold flavor, gooey cheese, and hearty satisfaction in every bite. With so many ways to customize, prep ahead, or serve with your favorite burger toppings, you’ll want to make it a regular on your meal plan.

Ready to create your own cheesy skillet masterpiece? Gather your ingredients, invite your family, and enjoy a comfort food classic made for real life!

Frequently Asked Questions About Bacon Cheeseburger Rice