Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet

Introduction

If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner that delivers big flavors without a lot of fuss, this Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet is it. It combines all the classic flavors of a bacon cheeseburger—juicy beef, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and savory seasonings—then mixes them with rice for a hearty, one-pan meal that feels like comfort food at its finest.

My recipe story

This dish was born out of one of those busy nights when I wanted the flavors of a burger but didn’t have the time (or energy) to grill patties, prep toppings, and make buns. I had ground beef, some leftover bacon, cheese, and rice already cooked from the night before—so I tossed it all together in a skillet. The result was a cheesy, savory, irresistible dish that my family immediately fell in love with. Since then, it’s become a go-to recipe in my kitchen because it’s both comforting and practical. I love recipes like this because they remind me that simple ingredients can transform into something incredibly delicious when combined the right way.

Ingredient breakdown

The beauty of this skillet dinner is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge. Ground beef is the star of the dish, providing that juicy burger flavor. Adding diced onion and minced garlic builds a savory base that infuses the rice and meat with depth. Bacon, of course, brings smoky, crispy richness that takes it to the next level.

For the rice, you can use cooked white rice, brown rice, or even leftover rice from another meal. It soaks up the beefy, cheesy flavors beautifully. Cheddar cheese adds creamy, melty goodness, but you can swap it with mozzarella or a cheese blend if you prefer. A touch of ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce mimics the classic cheeseburger condiments, making the dish taste surprisingly like the real thing. Finally, salt, pepper, and paprika round everything out with warmth and balance.

Equipment you’ll need

• Large skillet (preferably cast iron or deep nonstick)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl (optional)

Step-by-step directions

1. Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 6–8 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet for flavor.
2. Brown the beef and onions: Add ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are softened, about 5–7 minutes. Use your spoon to break the beef into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
3. Add garlic and seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. This step deepens the flavor of the dish.
4. Mix in rice and sauces: Add the cooked rice, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well until the rice is fully coated and mixed with the beef mixture. Let it cook for 3–4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Add bacon and cheese: Chop the cooked bacon and stir it into the skillet. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and let the cheese melt for 2–3 minutes. Stir gently to incorporate or serve with gooey melted cheese on top.
6. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions, pickles, or even a drizzle of extra ketchup if desired. Serve hot straight from the skillet for a rustic family-style meal.

Variations & substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter version. For a Tex-Mex twist, stir in taco seasoning, black beans, and corn, then top with pepper jack cheese. Want a little heat? Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. If you’re avoiding rice, you can substitute cooked cauliflower rice to make it lower-carb while still enjoying all the cheeseburger flavors. The recipe is also great for sneaking in extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach without anyone noticing.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

This skillet dish stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep. Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot, adding a splash of broth or water if needed. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. You can also cook the beef and bacon ahead of time, then assemble the skillet fresh when ready to serve, cutting down on weeknight cooking time.

Serving ideas & pairings

This Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish. Garlic bread or dinner rolls are great for scooping up every last cheesy bite. For a fun twist, serve it with pickle spears or coleslaw on the side to mimic classic burger accompaniments. If you’re feeding a crowd, set out toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, jalapeños, or extra cheese so everyone can customize their portion just like they would a burger.

FAQ

Can I use uncooked rice instead of cooked rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to add extra liquid (such as beef broth) and allow the rice to cook fully in the skillet. Using pre-cooked rice saves time and ensures the dish comes together quickly.

What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but Colby Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack all melt beautifully and give different flavor profiles.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute plant-based ground meat and skip the bacon, or use vegetarian bacon alternatives. The flavors still come together deliciously.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, this skillet is naturally gluten-free.

How do I make it spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for an extra kick.

Final thoughts

The Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet is proof that weeknight dinners don’t have to be boring or complicated. With just a few pantry staples and a single skillet, you can create a meal that’s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor. It’s flexible enough to adapt to your tastes and easy enough for even the busiest of schedules. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want leftovers to last you a few days, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try, and you might just find it becoming a regular in your weeknight rotation!

Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A hearty one-pan dinner combining juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and rice for a comforting meal the whole family will love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 slices bacon

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1/2 medium onion, diced

• 1 tbsp minced garlic

• 3 cups cooked rice

• 1/4 cup ketchup

• 1 tbsp yellow mustard

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels, leaving 2 tbsp bacon fat in the pan.

2. Add ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Cook until beef is browned and onion is softened, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.

3. Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Add cooked rice, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well and let cook for 3–4 minutes so flavors blend.

5. Chop cooked bacon and stir it into the skillet. Sprinkle cheese over the top, cover, and let melt for 2–3 minutes.

6. Garnish with green onions and serve hot straight from the skillet.

Notes

Best served fresh, but leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if the rice feels dry.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American