Bacon Cheeseburger Rice brings the flavors of a backyard classic to a speedy skillet supper bold, cheesy, and satisfyingly smoky.
In just 30 minutes, enjoy all the juicy-burger goodness mingled with tender rice and crisp bacon for a family-friendly crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
ground beef – the savory, juicy base that mimics a burger patty
barbecue sauce – adds sweet-smoky depth and that flame-kissed vibe
prepared mustard – sharp tang that brightens rich beef and cheese
instant rice – soaks up every drop of saucy flavor in minutes
shredded cheddar – melts into creamy pockets of classic cheeseburger bliss
dill pickles – crunchy, briny bursts that wake up each bite
crisp bacon – salty-smoky crumbles for irresistible finish
Crafting Bacon Cheeseburger Rice
Brown beef in a wide skillet, letting fond develop for extra flavor. Splash in water, barbecue sauce, mustard, onion, and pepper; bring to a lively boil.
Stir in rice, blanket with cheddar, cover, and gently simmer five minutes until rice is tender and cheese gooey. Scatter pickles and bacon just before serving for fresh crunch and smoky flair.
Top Tips
Keep bacon pieces separate until plating to preserve crunch.
Swap cheddar for pepper jack if heat is welcome. A tablespoon of pickle juice stirred in with the liquids brightens the whole skillet.
For leaner fare, use 90% beef and drain thoroughly; richness returns once cheese and bacon join the party.
Storing Leftovers
Cool rice quickly, then pack into airtight containers within two hours.
Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze flat in zip bags for 2 months.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water to revive moisture; add fresh pickle garnish afterward to maintain crunch.
Bacon Cheeseburger Rice FAQ
Can I use regular long-grain rice?
Yes, substitute 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice plus 2 cups water; simmer 15 minutes before adding cheese.
Is there a veggie swap for the beef?
Crumbled plant-based ground or finely chopped mushrooms sautéed with a dash of soy sauce delivers hearty flavor.
How do I make it less sweet?
Choose a low-sugar barbecue sauce or halve the amount; increase mustard for balanced tang.
Can this be prepped ahead?
Absolutely cook beef mixture earlier in the day. At dinnertime, reheat to a boil, add rice and cheese, and finish as written for fresh texture.
Bacon Cheeseburger Rice
Ingredients
- 1 / 2 teaspoon pepper
- 5 bacon strips cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 / 3 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 1 / 3 cup chopped dill pickles
- 2 cups uncooked instant rice
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until no pink remains, then drain any rendered fat.
- Add the water, barbecue sauce, mustard, dried minced onion and pepper, and bring the mixture to a lively boil.
- Stir in the instant rice, sprinkle the cheddar over the top, reduce the heat to low, cover and let the dish simmer for 5 minutes so the rice absorbs the liquid.
- Uncover, scatter the chopped pickles and crumbled bacon across the surface, and serve immediately while hot.