It is 6pm and your family is hungry. You need a dinner win tonight. This Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet is your new best friend.
It brings all those favorite burger flavors into one cozy pan. It is warm, cheesy, and so satisfying. This is the perfect meal for a busy fall weeknight when you need comfort fast.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This recipe is a total weeknight lifesaver for busy parents. It uses simple ingredients you likely already have. Your kids will actually ask for seconds of this one.
The best part is the cleanup. You only have one pan to wash after dinner. It is budget-friendly and fills up even the hungriest teenagers easily.
Simple Cooking Steps
You start by crisping up salty bacon for that perfect crunch. Then you brown the beef and rice together in the same pan. Everything simmers until the rice is tender and fluffy.
It is a fail-proof meal even for beginner cooks. You just let the stove do the hard work. In about 30 minutes, dinner is ready for the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are pantry staples you can find at any store.
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 0.5 tsp kosher salt
- 0.25 tsp ground black pepper
- 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Step-by-Step Directions
- In a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan.
- Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Saute until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 60 seconds until it smells wonderful.
- Add the dry rice, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir well to make sure the tomato paste dissolves.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight lid and simmer for 18 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon evenly over the top.
- Put the lid back on for 2 minutes to let the cheese melt. Garnish with green onions and serve.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this warm right out of the skillet for a cozy family meal. I love adding a few dill pickle chips on top. A simple side salad or steamed broccoli balances the richness perfectly.
If you have leftovers, they make excellent lunches for the next day. The flavors actually get better after sitting. Just heat it up and enjoy a quick midday treat.
Storage & Reheating
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist. You can microwave it easily or warm it on the stove. I do not recommend freezing this as the rice texture can change.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip rinsing your rice to keep it from getting gummy.
- Use sharp cheddar for the best flavor punch in every bite.
- Make sure your lid fits tightly so the rice cooks evenly.
- If the rice is still firm after 18 minutes, add 2 minutes.
- For a fun twist, add a drizzle of burger sauce on top.
- Double the bacon if you are feeling extra indulgent tonight.
Easy Flavor Ideas
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Use pepper jack cheese if you want a little spicy kick.
- Stir in some chopped pickles at the end for extra tang.
- Add a handful of fresh spinach for a hidden veggie boost.
Common Questions
Can I use brown rice instead?
Brown rice takes much longer to cook and needs more liquid. For this specific recipe, long-grain white rice works best for timing. If you use brown, you will need to adjust the broth and time.
Will my kids eat the onions?
If you dice the onions very small, they melt into the beef. Most picky eaters won’t even notice they are there. You can also use onion powder if you prefer.
I hope this cozy skillet meal makes your busy weeknights a little easier. There is nothing like a warm, cheesy dinner to bring the family together. Happy cooking!
— Lidia
Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon , chopped
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 cup long -grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups low -sodium beef broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 0.5 tsp kosher salt
- 0.25 tsp ground black pepper
- 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions , thinly sliced
Instructions
- In a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until the fat has rendered and the protein is crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving 15ml of rendered fat in the pan.
- Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Saute until the beef is fully browned and the onions are translucent, ensuring the meat is broken into small crumbles. Drain any excess accumulated lipid.
- Incorporate the minced garlic and cook for 60 seconds until aromatic compounds are released.
- Add the dry rice, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir vigorously to ensure the tomato paste is fully incorporated into the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 18 minutes, or until the rice has achieved a tender texture and the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Remove the skillet from the heat source. Distribute the shredded cheddar cheese and reserved crispy bacon evenly across the surface.
- Replace the lid for 120 seconds to allow the residual heat to melt the cheese. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
