Bacon Cheeseburger Rice

Your Favorite Burger, in One Hearty Rice Skillet

If you’re craving bacon cheeseburgers but want something easy and skillet-friendly, this Bacon Cheeseburger Rice hits all the right notes. It’s a one-pot meal that delivers bold flavor, cheesy goodness, and satisfying texture in every bite — and it’s ready in under an hour.

Think of it as a deconstructed burger bowl — without the bun, but with all the beefy, cheesy, bacon-loaded goodness. It’s perfect for weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a hungry family with minimal cleanup.

I created this recipe one night when I had leftover bacon and no burger buns in sight — and now it’s a staple dinner request.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

  • One-skillet meal — Less mess, more flavor
  • Cheeseburger vibes without the bun
  • Perfect for meal prep — Stores and reheats beautifully
  • Hearty and filling — Meat, rice, and cheese in one

Ingredients at a Glance

  • Ground beef (80/20) — Juicy and flavorful
  • Long-grain rice — Absorbs all the beefy goodness
  • Onion + garlic — Builds a savory flavor base
  • Beef broth — Adds depth and cooks the rice
  • Red bell pepper — A sweet, colorful addition
  • Bacon — Crispy and smoky (the star!)
  • Cheddar cheese sauce — Melts perfectly over the hot rice
  • Salt and pepper — Just enough to season it right

How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Rice

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat. Once browned, drain the grease.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add chopped onion and garlic to the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes until fragrant and softened.

Step 3: Add Rice and Broth

Stir in uncooked rice and beef broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Finish with Flavor

Once rice is cooked, stir in diced red bell pepper. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Top and Serve

Portion into bowls. Add crumbled bacon and a drizzle of cheddar cheese sauce over the top.

Pro Tips & Add-Ons

  • Want it extra cheesy? Stir some shredded cheddar into the rice while it’s hot.
  • Add heat: Mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Pickle fan? Top each bowl with sliced pickles before serving.
  • Meal prep tip: Make a double batch and refrigerate — just reheat and top with fresh cheese sauce.
Bacon Cheeseburger Rice

Bacon Cheeseburger Rice

Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

400

kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice

  • 2 cups beef broth

  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper

  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese sauce

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess grease.
  • Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the uncooked rice and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
  • Stir in the diced red bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Divide the rice mixture into bowls. Top with crumbled bacon and drizzle with cheddar cheese sauce.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

  • You can use any type of rice you prefer. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet while cooking the ground beef.
  • Feel free to add other toppings, such as diced tomatoes, pickles, or lettuce.