Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet
Easy One-Pan Dinner Packed with Cheesy, Smoky Flavor
If you love cheeseburgers and need a quick, filling weeknight meal, this Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet is exactly what you’re looking for. It combines juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and seasoned rice in one pan—no bun needed. This recipe is family-friendly, budget-friendly, and perfect for meal prep, with flavors that taste just like a loaded bacon cheeseburger.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan meal = easy cleanup
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Bold cheeseburger flavor without grilling
- Perfect for busy nights & leftovers
- Comfort food that everyone loves
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 5–6 slices bacon, chopped
- ½ medium onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 cups instant rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra melt)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
1 Cook the Bacon
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 1–2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
2 Brown the Beef
Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess grease if needed.
3 Add Aromatics
Stir in the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4 Season for Cheeseburger Flavor
Mix in ketchup, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, onion powder, and chili flakes. Stir well to coat the beef.
5 Cook the Rice
Pour in beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add instant rice, stir, cover, and cook for 5 minutes or until rice is tender.
6 Make It Cheesy
Lower the heat. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the skillet. Cover for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully.
7 Finish & Serve
Top with crispy bacon and garnish with green onions or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Serving Ideas
- Add pickles on top for real cheeseburger vibes
- Serve with a simple side salad
- Drizzle with burger sauce or ranch
- Great inside lettuce cups or wraps
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth
Pro Tips
- Use sharp cheddar for stronger flavor
- Swap beef for ground turkey if desired
- Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra texture