What if I told you that you could have all the flavors of your favorite bacon cheeseburger — smoky bacon, savory beef, melted cheese — without needing a grill or a single bun? That’s exactly what this Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet delivers.

It’s a hearty, one-pan meal that brings together juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, and creamy cheddar cheese sauce, all mixed into perfectly seasoned rice. Each bite feels like comfort food heaven — rich, cheesy, and deeply satisfying. Best of all, it comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something home-cooked and crave-worthy.

This dish is more than just a meal; it’s the solution to those “what’s for dinner?” nights when you want bold flavor but minimal effort. With one skillet, a few pantry staples, and some leftover bacon, you can create something that tastes like a diner classic with the simplicity of a home-cooked favorite.

The Story Behind the Dish

The first time I made this recipe, it was completely unplanned. It was one of those nights when I opened the fridge and found no burger buns, but plenty of bacon from breakfast. I also had some leftover cooked rice and ground beef thawed out.

I started thinking: what if I could turn all that into something that had the comfort of a cheeseburger but the ease of a skillet meal? A few tweaks later — and a drizzle of cheddar cheese sauce on top — this Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet was born.

The reaction from my family said it all. It instantly became a regular request — the kind of dinner that brings everyone to the table fast. Since then, it’s been my go-to recipe when I want something cozy, filling, and just a little indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Bacon Cheeseburger Rice

There’s a reason this recipe earns rave reviews every time it’s made. It combines everything people love about burgers and comfort food in one easy skillet:

One-pan wonder: Everything cooks in a single pan — less cleanup, more flavor.
Burger flavor without the bun: It’s all the good stuff — beef, cheese, bacon — in a heartier, fork-friendly form.
Perfect for meal prep: It stores beautifully and tastes even better reheated.
Family-friendly favorite: Even picky eaters love it.
Quick and convenient: No special equipment or long prep time needed.

If you love cheeseburgers but want something a bit cozier (and easier to clean up afterward), this is your perfect match.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious skillet meal:

Ground beef (80/20): The perfect balance of fat and flavor. Leaner beef works too, but the richness of 80/20 gives it that authentic burger taste.
Long-grain rice: It soaks up all the meaty juices and creates that hearty, filling texture that makes this dish so satisfying.
Onion and garlic: The flavor base that turns ordinary beef into something aromatic and irresistible.
Beef broth: Adds depth and cooks the rice perfectly while infusing every grain with savory flavor.
Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness, color, and a bit of crunch.
Bacon: The real star. Crispy, smoky, and the perfect finishing touch.
Cheddar cheese sauce: The creamy topping that brings everything together. Use homemade or store-bought — either works beautifully.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances everything.

Optional add-ons: diced jalapeños for heat, mustard for tang, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start with the bacon. In a large skillet, cook your bacon over medium heat until it’s crisp and golden. Remove it from the pan and let it drain on a paper towel. Leave about a tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet — that’s liquid gold for flavor.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the same skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it browns. Once it’s cooked through, drain any excess grease if needed.

Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for that burger-style seasoning.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the onion turns translucent and fragrant. This is where your kitchen starts smelling incredible.

Step 4: Add Rice and Broth

Stir in the uncooked rice. Coat it with the beef mixture before pouring in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.

The rice will absorb all that rich, beefy flavor while cooking perfectly tender.

Step 5: Add the Bell Pepper

When the rice is nearly done, stir in diced red bell pepper. It adds a nice pop of color and a sweet crunch that balances the richness of the beef and bacon.

Step 6: Top and Serve

Once the rice is tender and fluffy, stir everything together and taste for seasoning. Spoon the mixture into bowls, then top each serving with crumbled bacon and a generous drizzle of warm cheddar cheese sauce.

Serve immediately while it’s hot and melty.

Pro Tips for Success

Use freshly cooked bacon: Pre-cooked bacon won’t have the same crunch or flavor.
Do not overcook the rice: Keep the heat low while simmering — this keeps the texture just right.
Customize your cheese: Try a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack or even add a sprinkle of mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
Add crunch: Top with crispy fried onions or crushed potato chips before serving for texture.
Double up for meal prep: This dish reheats perfectly, so make extra for the week.

Flavor Variations

Spicy Cheeseburger Rice: Add diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or a splash of hot sauce for heat.
Barbecue Bacon Rice: Replace part of the cheese sauce with barbecue sauce for a smoky, sweet twist.
Philly Cheesesteak Rice: Add mushrooms and green peppers, and top with provolone instead of cheddar.
Tex-Mex Style: Mix in corn, black beans, and a little taco seasoning for a Southwestern kick.
Breakfast Version: Swap rice for hash browns and top with a fried egg — perfect for brunch.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it straight from the skillet, or pair it with:

A crisp side salad with ranch or vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Steamed broccoli or green beans for some greens on the side.
Garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the cheesy sauce.
Pickle slices or coleslaw for that burger-night authenticity.

It’s also a great potluck dish — everyone loves a good cheesy skillet meal.

Storage and Reheating

One of the best things about this recipe is how well it stores.

In the fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
In the freezer: Cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist.

Pro tip: Add fresh cheese sauce on top after reheating for that just-cooked creaminess.

Make It Healthier

You can easily make this dish lighter while keeping it flavorful. Try these swaps:

Use lean ground beef or turkey for less fat.
Swap regular bacon for turkey bacon.
Choose brown rice or quinoa for added fiber.
Use light cheese sauce or reduce the portion slightly.
Add vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms into the mix.

These tweaks keep it wholesome without losing the indulgent, comforting feel that makes this dish so good.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to this skillet is the combination of flavor layering. Each ingredient adds something unique:

Bacon brings smokiness.
Beef gives richness.
Rice provides a hearty base.
Cheese ties everything together with creamy decadence.

Cooking everything in one skillet allows the flavors to mingle beautifully. The rice soaks up the beef broth and seasoning, creating a dish that’s both meaty and balanced — not greasy or heavy.

It’s comfort food done right — rich enough to satisfy cravings, yet practical enough for weeknight dinners.

Nutrition Overview (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 520
Protein: 32g
Carbs: 38g
Fat: 26g
Fiber: 2g

This dish is hearty and filling, providing plenty of energy and protein — ideal for active families or anyone who wants a satisfying meal that feels indulgent but balanced.

Final Thoughts

This Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet is the kind of recipe that proves you don’t need complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make something incredible. It’s bold, cheesy, smoky, and comforting — all in one skillet.

Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner, a meal prep session, or even a casual get-together, this dish delivers on every level. It’s easy to customize, kid-approved, and guaranteed to become a new favorite in your rotation.

Serve it straight from the skillet, top it with extra cheese and bacon, and enjoy the comforting, down-to-earth flavor of a cheeseburger — reinvented for the dinner table.

Bacon Cheeseburger Rice

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

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.