Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet

Imagine all the beloved flavors of a juicy bacon cheeseburger, transformed into a comforting, one-pan meal – that’s the magic of this Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet. This incredibly satisfying dish brings together savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and tender rice, all simmered in a rich, tangy sauce reminiscent of classic burger condiments. Topped with a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese and extra crumbled bacon, it’s a hearty and flavorful experience in every spoonful. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s quick to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and delivers that nostalgic, crowd-pleasing taste that makes everyone ask for seconds. This skillet meal is comfort food redefined, offering a complete and utterly delicious dinner solution.

Detailed Ingredients

For the Base & Aromatics:

• 2 lbs (approx. 900g) ground beef (80/20 lean preferred for flavor)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 4-6 cloves)
• 2 teaspoons seasoned salt (such as Lawry’s or your preferred brand)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Sauce & Rice:

• 10 ounces (approx. 280g) tomato sauce (canned)
• ½ cup (120ml) ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 3 cups (approx. 450g) minute rice (instant rice)
• 2 cups (480ml) beef broth (low sodium preferred)

For the Cheeseburger Toppings:

• 1 cup (approx. 100g) cooked bacon, chopped or crumbled (about 8-10 slices)
• 1 cup (113g) shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, as preferred)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Part 1: Cooking the Beef and Aromatics

1. Brown Beef and Onion: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven (preferably cast iron or heavy-bottomed), add the ground beef and diced yellow onion. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the ground beef is no longer pink and the onion has softened, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Add Garlic & Season: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
3. Drain Grease: Carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet. This step is important to prevent the dish from being overly oily.
4. Season Beef: Return the skillet to the heat. Season the cooked beef and onion mixture with the seasoned salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Stir to combine.

Part 2: Simmering the Rice Mixture

1. Add Sauce Ingredients: To the seasoned ground beef in the skillet, add the tomato sauce, ketchup, and yellow mustard. Stir everything together thoroughly until the beef is well coated.
2. Add Rice & Broth: Stir in the minute rice and beef broth. Mix well to ensure the rice is submerged in the liquid.
3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a light simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the minute rice has absorbed most of the liquid and is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Part 3: Finishing with Cheese and Bacon

1. Stir in Cheese and Bacon: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in ½ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup of the cooked bacon crumbles into the rice mixture until well combined and the cheese starts to melt.
2. Top & Melt Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the remaining ½ cup of bacon crumbles evenly over the top of the skillet mixture.
3. Cover to Melt: Cover the skillet tightly with a lid (or foil if your skillet doesn’t have a lid). Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, allowing the steam to gently melt the cheese into a gooey, delicious layer.

Part 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve: Remove the lid and serve the Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet hot, directly from the skillet.
2. Optional Garnish: You can add optional garnishes like diced pickles, chopped fresh tomatoes, or a drizzle of extra ketchup/mustard if desired.

Tips, Variations, and Storage

• Bacon Prep: For best results, cook your bacon until extra crispy before chopping/crumbling.
• Cheese Choice: While cheddar is classic, feel free to use a Mexican blend, Colby Jack, or even a smoked Gouda for a different flavor profile.
• Veggie Boost: For added nutrition, you can stir in a cup of frozen corn or peas during the last 2-3 minutes of the rice cooking time.
• Spicier Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for some heat.
• Topping Variations: Consider adding diced pickles or fresh diced tomatoes as a fresh topping after the cheese has melted.
• Slow Cooker Adaptation: While designed for a skillet, a similar dish could be adapted for a slow cooker with pre-cooked beef, though liquid amounts would need adjustment.
• Make Ahead: This dish is best served fresh. However, you can cook the ground beef and bacon ahead of time.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth to prevent drying out.

Pairings

• Sides: This skillet is a complete meal on its own! However, a crisp side salad with a simple vinaigrette or some quick steamed green beans would complement it well.
• Beverages: Classic pairings include soda, iced tea, or a cold beer (for adults).

Quick Info

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Cuisine: American / Comfort Food