Cheesy Bacon Rice Dinner

Bacon Cheeseburger Rice is your speedy fix for that classic burger flavor but in a cozy skillet. The whole thing is loaded with crispy bacon, tender beef, gooey cheddar, and a bright zing from mustard and ketchup. When I want guaranteed smiles on a crazy evening, this skillet always saves the day.

I can picture the first time I whipped this up after a tough day and hangry family. The smell alone put everyone in a good mood, and my kids even asked for more that night.

Tasty Ingredients

• Cheddar cheese: brings creamy melty goodness Grate your own if you can for the dreamiest texture and flavor
• Cooked bacon: adds smoky crunch Fry it up fresh and chop into little bits
• Beef broth: amps up the rich taste Go with low sodium for better control
• Minute rice: makes this meal quick and fluffy Try long grain if it’s handy
• Yellow mustard: gives brightness and a classic touch Mild American is just right
• Ketchup: adds that sweet-tangy zip Stick with a nice thick style for the sauce
• Tomato sauce: is your base for saucy comfort Choose plain and smooth for best results
• Seasoned salt: ties all the flavors together Go for a blend with herbs if you can
• Minced garlic: adds a burst of punch Fresh is ideal here
• Yellow onion: sneaks in mellow sweetness Chop it up tiny so it melts right in
• Ground beef: heart of the dish Pick a slightly fatty blend for big flavor

Step-by-Step Directions

Finish with Toppings:

Scatter remaining bacon and cheese across the top Cover loosely with foil or a lid to let it all melt from the steam in two to four minutes Grab plates and serve right out of the pan, nice and hot

Cheese and Bacon Layer:

Stir in half the chopped bacon and some cheese as soon as rice is done soaking up broth Let that savory flavor run through every spoonful Taste now and see if you want an extra sprinkle of salt

Simmer to Cook the Rice:

As soon as everything is mixed up, bring it down to a gentle simmer Reduce your stove temp and stir every now and then In a couple minutes, the rice will soak up that sauce, so it stays nice and moist

Combine the Saucy Ingredients:

Add your ketchup, tomato sauce, and yellow mustard right to the skillet Stir everything so the meat gets coated well Next, toss in the minute rice and pour over the beef broth

Add Garlic and Season:

Scoop in the minced garlic and cook another minute Keep things moving in the pan so garlic doesn’t burn Now add the seasoned salt and swirl it all together

Brown the Beef and Onion:

Start by tossing your beef and chopped onions into a big skillet over medium-high Keep stirring and let everything brown up, about eight to ten minutes, until you’ve got no pink left and the onions turn soft and clear All this browning packs plenty of flavor

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I always get excited about the cheesy bits snuggled into the rice. The combination of crispy bacon and warm melted cheese brings me right back to summer cookouts with my family—those are the memories in every bite.

Storage Guide

When you’re done eating, let the dish cool off, then stash leftovers in something airtight. This will chill happily in the fridge for three days. Warm it up in the microwave or in a pan—just drop in a little broth so it’s nice and moist again. You can even freeze portions for easy make-ahead lunches.

Ingredient Swaps

If you want to lighten it up, go with ground turkey or chicken. Switch up the cheese with Monterey Jack or Colby for a softer vibe. If pork’s a no-go, turkey bacon or your favorite meat-free substitute keeps the flavor going strong.

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How to Serve

Slice up some pickles on top for a full-on burger feel. This is tasty next to a crunchy green salad or try some kettle chips for fun. When I’m feeling fancy, I put an extra squeeze of yellow mustard on the side for even more tang.

Backstory and Inspiration

This skillet is a throwback to classic American diner burgers but takes a weeknight shortcut with instant rice. You saw skillet meals like this catch on when busy families wanted fast, filling dinners in the mid-1900s. It captures all the burger night nostalgia but with way less work than grilling outside.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of rice can I substitute?

Quick-cooking rice works best, but regular long-grain rice also works. Just adjust the broth quantity and cooking time for optimal softness.

→ How do I make the bacon crunchier?

Fry the bacon separately until crispy, then sprinkle it over the dish before serving for extra crunch.

→ Can this meal be prepped ahead?

Absolutely! Cook everything, store in the fridge, and warm it up gently in the microwave or on the stovetop when you're ready to eat.

→ How do I make it vegetarian?

Pick plant-based ground meat and a meatless bacon substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef-based ones.

→ What kind of cheese melts well here?

Sharp cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or any creamy cheese mix will taste great too!

→ Ideas for adding more veggies?

Chop up some bell peppers, mushrooms, or toss in frozen peas. Add them with the onions for extra flavor and visual appeal.