One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe
I absolutely love how this One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe brings all the classic burger flavors into a comforting, easy-to-make rice dish. It s perfect for nights when you want something hearty and satisfying without tons of cleanup. Plus, everything cooks in one pot, which means less fuss and more time to relax after dinner.
When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how well the smoky bacon and sharp cheddar cheese paired with the tender rice. You’ll find that it s a total crowd-pleaser, whether you re feeding a hungry family or looking for a tasty meal prep option. Trust me, once you make this, it s going to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One Pot Convenience: Minimal cleanup means you spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
- Burger Flavors in Every Bite: All those classic cheeseburger tastes magically meld into comforting rice – so satisfying!
- Customizable Ingredients: You can easily swap ingredients or tweak seasonings to match your personal preferences.
- Quick and Family Friendly: Dinner s on the table in under 40 minutes, pleasing even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work together to transform simple pantry staples into a flavorful and filling dinner. Keep an eye out for good-quality bacon and choose a cheese that melts nicely to get that perfect gooey texture.
- Bacon: I like using thick-cut for crispiness and smoky flavor.
- Ground Beef: Choose 80/20 for juiciness or leaner if you prefer.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; yellow or white works well.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for that aromatic kick.
- Burger Seasoning: Kinder s Caramelized Onion Burger Seasoning is my go-to, but any burger spice blend will do.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Brings that umami richness essential to burger flavor.
- Tomato Paste: Concentrated flavor to deepen the sauce.
- Dill Pickle Relish: Gives that tangy cheeseburger zing.
- Yellow or Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle sharpness that brightens the dish.
- Tomato Sauce: Helps form a saucy base for the rice.
- Uncooked Long Grain White Rice: I use Jasmine for its fragrance and fluffy texture.
- Beef Broth: Infuses the rice with savory richness.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and packs that cheesy punch you crave.
Variations
I love how versatile this One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe is-there s plenty of room to make it your own. I often experiment by adding different mix-ins or swapping out proteins to keep it interesting.
- Add Some Heat: When I want a spicy kick, I toss in sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce-it wakes up the flavors wonderfully.
- Protein Swap: Ground turkey or chicken works great if you want something leaner or just want a change from beef.
- Veggie Boost: Mushrooms or diced bell peppers add texture and extra nutrition without overpowering the cheeseburger vibe.
- Cheese Options: Try pepper jack for a little spice or gouda for a smokier feel-experiment to find your fave.
How to Make One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe
Step 1: Crisp That Bacon
Start by cooking your chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. I like to keep a little grease in the pot because it adds amazing flavor when we brown the ground beef. Once done, scoop out the bacon and set it aside for later.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Veggies
Use the leftover bacon grease, about a teaspoon, in the same pot to cook the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic until everything is browned and fragrant. Make sure to break up the beef into small pieces as it cooks. When done, drain any excess grease to keep it from getting greasy.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Now stir in your garlic, burger seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Let them cook together for a minute or two so the flavors really come alive. Then add the tomato paste and cook for another couple of minutes-this step brings that rich umami boost that makes the dish sing.
Step 4: Add the Pickle, Mustard, and Tomato Sauce
Next, stir in the dill pickle relish and mustard. These two give you that tangy cheeseburger vibe that s so fun and unique. Pour in the tomato sauce and mix everything well to combine before moving on.
Step 5: Cook the Rice
Add the uncooked rice and beef broth to the pot. Give it a good stir to make sure the rice is evenly dispersed. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes. Make sure not to peek too much or lift the lid too often-that steam is helping the rice cook perfectly.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Bacon
Once the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid, take the pot off the heat. Stir in one cup of shredded cheddar cheese and all the reserved crispy bacon pieces. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top, cover again, and let it sit for 3-5 minutes-this lets the cheese melt into a gooey, dreamy finish.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Give the rice one last gentle stir and serve it hot. You re in for a comforting, cheesy, and smoky meal that feels like your favorite cheeseburger, only cozier.
Pro Tips for Making One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe
- Don t Skip Bacon Grease: Leaving a teaspoon of bacon grease really amps up the flavor when browning your beef and veggies.
- Use a Good Burger Seasoning: I learned that a high-quality seasoning blend like Kinder s makes a noticeable difference in depth and aroma.
- Resist Lifting the Lid: Keeping the pot covered while the rice cooks ensures it steams properly and turns out fluffy every time.
- Add Cheese Last: Melting the cheese off heat avoids overcooking and keeps it gooey and melty instead of rubbery.
How to Serve One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping mine with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh parsley to add a pop of color and a bit of freshness. Sometimes I ll add a little extra shredded cheddar or even a drizzle of ketchup or mustard on top, just like a cheeseburger!
Side Dishes
Since this recipe is pretty hearty, we usually keep sides simple-like a crisp green salad or some steamed broccoli to add a fresh, crunchy element. Homemade oven-baked fries or even roasted veggies make a nice complement if you want to elevate the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual dinner parties, I like to serve the rice in individual mini cast iron skillets or hollowed-out bell peppers for a fun twist. It makes for a cute presentation and lets guests customize with their favorite toppings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe in airtight containers in the fridge, where it keeps well for up to 4 days. I ve found that it tastes just as good warmed up the next day, and sometimes even better once the flavors have had time to mingle overnight.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When I m ready to eat, I thaw it overnight in the fridge, and it reheats perfectly with a quick splash of broth or water to restore moisture.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop with a little beef broth or in the microwave with a few seconds added for steaming. This keeps the rice fluffy and the cheese melty-just like freshly made.
FAQs
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Can I make this One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The dish will still be flavorful thanks to the seasoning, bacon, and Worcestershire sauce.
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What type of rice works best?
I recommend long grain white rice like Jasmine because it cooks evenly and stays fluffy. Avoid quick-cooking or instant rice, as they won’t absorb liquid the same way.
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Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
You can, but I like cooking the bacon fresh in the pot to render its fat, which adds flavor when browning the beef. If using pre-cooked bacon, consider adding a teaspoon of oil to replace the rendered fat.
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Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! It freezes well in portions and can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat with a bit of broth to keep it moist and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe holds a special place in my meal rotation because it s just so simple yet packed with all those nostalgic burger flavors. Whether I m feeding family on busy weeknights or cooking for friends who love comfort food, it never disappoints. I really hope you ll give it a try-it s like a cozy hug in a bowl that you can whip up anytime!
PrintOne Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice recipe combines all the classic flavors of a bacon cheeseburger into a comforting and easy one-pot meal. Featuring crispy bacon, seasoned ground beef, aromatic onions and garlic, and melted sharp cheddar cheese, all mixed with tender long-grain white rice cooked in savory beef broth and tomato sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 6-8 Slices Bacon, chopped
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 2 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Produce
- 1 Small Onion, diced
- 3-4 Garlic Cloves, minced
Pantry
- 1 tbsp Kinders Caramelized Onion Burger Seasoning or any favorite burger seasoning
- 2 tsps Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 tbsp Dill Pickle Relish
- 1 tsp Yellow or Dijon Mustard
- 8 oz Can Tomato Sauce
- 1 cup Uncooked Long Grain White Rice (Jasmine rice used)
- 2 1/4 cups Beef Broth
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside, leaving about 1 teaspoon of bacon grease in the pot.
- Brown the beef and aromatics: Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic to the pot with the bacon grease. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is tender, stirring occasionally. Drain any excess grease.
- Add seasoning and sauces: Stir in the burger seasoning and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Add tomato paste: Mix in the tomato paste and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate condiments and tomato sauce: Stir in the dill pickle relish, mustard, and canned tomato sauce until well combined.
- Add rice and broth: Pour in the uncooked rice and beef broth. Stir to combine everything evenly. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
- Finish with cheese and bacon: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and the reserved crispy bacon. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover, and let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes to melt the cheese fully.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the bacon cheeseburger rice hot, spooned into bowls or plates. Enjoy the gooey, flavorful comfort food all in one pot.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when adding seasonings.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef for a lighter option.
- Vegetables such as mushrooms or diced bell peppers can be added with the onions for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze leftovers in portioned containers for up to 2 months; reheat with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.
- This recipe is great for make-ahead meals or freezer-friendly dinners.