Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet

Name: Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 yellow onion (diced); 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 teaspoon seasoned salt; 8 ounces tomato sauce; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 2 cups minute rice; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup cooked bacon (chopped); 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)

By Tyla | Last modified on Jan 4, 2026

Featured in: Dinner

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Experience the comforting flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger in a convenient one-pan meal with this Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet. The combination of savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar cheese melds beautifully over perfectly cooked rice for a hearty and satisfying dinner.

This dish brings all your favorite burger toppings to the skillet, making it a crowd-pleaser for weeknights or casual gatherings. Ready in just 30 minutes, it balances ease with rich taste for an unforgettable meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and simple one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Combines classic bacon cheeseburger flavors in a comforting rice dish.
Customizable with your favorite burger toppings and extras.

Ingredients

Ground beef (1 pound): Provides savory, juicy protein as the hearty base for the skillet dish.
Yellow onion, diced (1/2): Adds a sweet, aromatic depth to balance the beef’s richness.
Minced garlic (1 tablespoon): Brings a subtle pungent flavor that enhances overall savoriness.
Seasoned salt (1 teaspoon): Delivers a blend of spices for balanced, robust seasoning.
Tomato sauce (8 ounces): Creates a smooth, tangy base that blends the ingredients together.
Ketchup (1/4 cup): Adds subtle sweetness and classic burger flavor notes.
Yellow mustard (1 tablespoon): Introduces a tangy, sharp contrast complementing the savory beef.
Minute rice (2 cups): Convenient, quick-cooking rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Beef broth (2 cups): Infuses the rice with rich umami taste for added depth.
Cooked bacon, chopped (1 cup): Provides smoky crispiness and a salty punch to the dish.
Cheddar cheese, shredded (1 cup): Melts into creamy, cheesy goodness layered throughout the skillet.

Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef turns fully brown with no pink visible and the onions soften. This step builds the savory foundation, ensuring the beef is cooked thoroughly and onions add sweetness.
Add Garlic and Season: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, releasing its aroma. Then, drain excess grease to prevent the dish from becoming too oily and season evenly with seasoned salt for enhanced flavor balance.
Combine Sauce and Rice Ingredients: Add tomato sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, minute rice, and beef broth directly into the skillet. Stir all ingredients thoroughly to combine flavors and distribute them evenly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer so the rice can absorb the flavorful broth and cook properly.
Simmer Until Rice Is Tender: Allow the skillet to simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This ensures the minute rice cooks fully while soaking up the rich, seasoned liquid for added flavor and texture.
Incorporate Cheese and Bacon: Mix in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the chopped bacon directly into the rice mixture. This starts the melty, indulgent cheesiness throughout the dish and evenly distributes smoky bacon bites.
Top and Melt Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon on top of the skillet contents. Cover the skillet briefly, allowing steam to gently melt the cheese, creating a luscious, gooey finish that accentuates the smoky bacon.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove the cover, fluff gently, and serve immediately for the best texture and warmth. This dish is comforting, filling, and full of bold, familiar bacon cheeseburger flavors enjoyed in every bite.

You Must Know

This dish is highly versatile and can be customized with jalapeños for heat or pickles for tang.
Minute rice cooks quickly; monitor closely to avoid under or overcooking.
Drain excess grease carefully to keep a balanced, non-greasy skillet texture.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep the rice moist and tender.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a well-rounded meal. A side of pickles or a drizzle of hot sauce can add extra zest to each plate.

Professional Tips

Use freshly cooked bacon for best texture rather than pre-packaged bacon bits.
For richer flavor, use homemade beef broth or low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
Let the cheese melt covered to achieve creamy layers without burning or drying out the dish.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?: Yes, but adjust cooking time and liquid amounts accordingly. Minute rice cooks fast, while other rice types may need longer simmering.
Is this dish gluten free?: Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check packaging for any hidden gluten in processed items.
Can I substitute the ground beef?: Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner option, though flavor will be milder.
How spicy can I make this skillet?: Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to taste for a spicier kick.
What cheese works best?: Cheddar provides great melt and flavor, but you can try Monterey Jack or Colby for variation.
Can I make this ahead of time?: It is best fresh but can be prepped partially; cook beef and onions ahead, then finish rice and toppings when ready.