This hearty one-pan dish transforms ground beef, beef bacon, and sharp cheddar into a skillet bursting with classic cheeseburger flavors. Sauté onion and garlic with beef, then bring together tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and beef broth for a rich base. Instant rice cooks quickly, absorbing every bit of the savory liquid. Melted cheese and smoky beef bacon, both mixed in and sprinkled on top, bring out irresistible cheeseburger notes in every bite. Easy prep, minimal cleanup, and a nostalgic flavor profile make this a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners.
This Bacon Cheeseburger Rice brings together all the flavors of your favorite burger in a cozy one pan skillet dinner. With beefy goodness, smoky bacon, melty sharp cheddar, and classic burger condiments, it is both nostalgic and family friendly—plus you only need about half an hour and a handful of easy to find ingredients.
Ingredients
Ground beef: eighty twenty blend brings classic burger taste and a perfect balance of flavor and moisture
Yellow onion: diced builds up sweet and savory flavor—choose one that feels heavy for its size and has papery skin
Fresh garlic: minced for aromatic depth and zing—use firm cloves for best flavor
Seasoned salt: enhances the beefiness and keeps seasoning balanced throughout
Tomato sauce: adds moisture and a tangy layer that mimics burger toppings
Ketchup: brings familiar sweetness and a pop of acidity—grab your family’s favorite brand
Yellow mustard: offers that signature burger bite and balances out the richness
Instant rice: such as Minute Rice cooks quickly and soaks up the beefy flavors—look for instant varieties as traditional rice will not cook through the same way
Beef broth: deepens the savory umami taste—choose a low sodium version if you like to control salt
Cooked beef bacon: chopped brings smoky crunch and true bacon cheeseburger vibes—cook bacon until crisp but not burnt for best texture
Sharp cheddar cheese: shredded for creaminess and bold burger cheese taste—grate your own for perfect, even melting
Step-by-Step Instructions
Brown the Beef and Onions:
Start by heating a large wide skillet over medium-high heat Add the ground beef and diced onion Cook for six to eight minutes stirring frequently and breaking apart the meat as it browns Watch for the onions to turn soft and the beef to lose all its pink color This builds the hearty flavor base for the whole dish
Add the Garlic and Seasoning:
Sprinkle in the minced garlic and cook for one minute until you can smell its savory aroma Stir in the seasoned salt evenly across the meat and onion mixture to ensure every bite is seasoned Drain off as much fat as possible so the finished dish is not greasy
Mix in the Sauces and Rice:
Pour in the tomato sauce ketchup and yellow mustard Stir well to combine with the beef mixture Add the instant rice and beef broth making sure the rice is fully moistened and submerged
Simmer Until Tender:
Allow everything to come to a gentle simmer Keep the heat on medium low and cook for two to three minutes Stir just enough to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom and the rice gets evenly cooked You are looking for the broth to be absorbed and the rice to turn fluffy and tender
Melt in Bacon and Cheese:
Turn off the heat and stir in half a cup each of the shredded cheddar and chopped beef bacon Mix until the cheese melts completely into the hot rice making the dish creamy and savory
Top and Steam the Finish:
Sprinkle the rest of the bacon and shredded cheese over the top of the rice Place the lid on the skillet and let the pan sit undisturbed for two or three minutes The steam will gently melt the cheese into a gooey topping
Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the lid and fluff up the rice a bit Serve immediately while hot and cheesy This is the moment it tastes most delicious with that melted cheddar pull and plenty of smoky bacon flavor
Ingredients:
→ Main
1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
8 ounces tomato sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
2 cups instant rice
2 cups beef broth
1 cup cooked beef bacon, chopped
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until beef is fully browned and onions are softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Drain off any excess grease, then stir in seasoned salt to evenly distribute.
Add tomato sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, instant rice, and beef broth to the skillet. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broth is absorbed and rice is tender.
Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup chopped cooked beef bacon until the cheese is melted and integrated.
Top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup beef bacon. Cover the skillet and let stand for 2 to 3 minutes to melt the cheese using residual heat.
Uncover and serve immediately while hot, ensuring each portion receives a generous topping of melted cheese and bacon.
Notes
Use instant rice for best results, as it cooks rapidly and absorbs flavors effectively.
Cook beef bacon in advance and allow it to cool before chopping for better texture.
Draining excess fat after browning beef ensures a balanced, non-greasy dish.
Ketchup and mustard contribute authentic cheeseburger flavor notes.
Leftovers reheat well in the microwave and can be enjoyed the next day.