One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe

If you’re anything like me and love the classic flavors of a bacon cheeseburger, you’re going to adore this One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe. It’s the perfect way to enjoy all those nostalgic burger elements—crispy bacon, juicy beef, sharp cheddar—wrapped up in a cozy, one-pot meal that’s super simple to make. I often find this recipe hits the spot on busy weeknights when I want something comforting but without tons of cleanup.

What makes this One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe stand out is how everything cooks in one pot, letting the flavors meld beautifully while saving time. Plus, it’s so versatile—you can tweak the seasonings or add veggies to fit your mood. Once I made it for friends, and everyone kept going back for seconds, which tells me this recipe is worth keeping in your dinner rotation!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe plays a crucial role to create that mouthwatering cheeseburger taste—but in rice form! Using quality beef broth and sharp cheddar elevates the depth of flavor, while the caramelized onion burger seasoning adds a savory kick that’s hard to beat.

• Bacon: Crisp it up to add smoky, salty goodness that permeates the entire dish.
• Ground Beef: The protein base that gives you that hearty, classic cheeseburger feel.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
• Garlic: Brings aromatic warmth and rounds out savory flavors.
• Caramelized Onion Burger Seasoning: A secret weapon to mimic the flavor of a great burger joint.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds tangy umami that makes the beef taste even richer.
• Tomato Paste & Sauce: Introduce tomato depth that keeps the dish moist and flavorful.
• Dill Pickle Relish: Zesty and sweet, this gives you that recognizable pickle twist you want on a cheeseburger.
• Mustard: Cuts through the richness with a bit of tang and balance.
• Rice: I prefer jasmine for its aromatic quality, but long grain white works great too.
• Beef Broth: Essential for cooking the rice and infusing meaty, savory flavor throughout.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts into creamy, cheesy bliss that ties it all together.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how this One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe can be a canvas for your flavor preferences. Sometimes I toss in a few jalapeño slices for a little heat, or swap the cheddar for pepper jack to add a spicy twist. It’s all about making it your own and keeping dinner exciting.

• Spicy Kick: Adding jalapeños or a swirl of hot sauce instantly kicks the flavor up a notch—I always do this when craving heat.
• Protein Swap: Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully if you want a leaner option without losing flavor.
• Veggie Boost: Throw in mushrooms or diced bell peppers during the sauté step to up your veggie intake.
• Cheese Variety: Experiment with gouda, mozzarella, or even a sharp blue cheese to see what melts your heart.

Step-by-Step: How I Make One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon Till Perfect

I start by cooking the chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. This is the cornerstone of flavor here, so don’t rush it. Once crispy, scoop the bacon out and set it aside, leaving just about a teaspoon of that glorious bacon fat behind to cook the beef. This little bit of fat is pure gold—it adds smoky depth without overwhelming the pot.

Step 2: Brown the Beef & Sauté Aromatics

With that reserved bacon fat, I add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic right to the pot. Cook, stirring regularly, until the beef is browned and cooked through, and the onions are soft and fragrant. Draining any excess grease here prevents the dish from becoming greasy while still keeping plenty of flavor. You want a nice caramelization on the beef—don’t shy away from letting it brown well.

Step 3: Layer in Seasonings & Sauces

Next up, sprinkle in that caramelized onion burger seasoning and pour Worcestershire sauce over everything. Let it cook for about 1-2 minutes so the flavors get cozy. Then, stir in the tomato paste, cooking another 1-2 minutes to deepen the tomatoey goodness. After that, it’s time to add dill pickle relish, mustard, and canned tomato sauce—these ingredients give you that authentic bacon cheeseburger taste all in one pot!

Step 4: Cook the Rice to Perfection

Now, add the uncooked rice and beef broth, stirring everything well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover with a lid and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has soaked up all the flavorful liquid. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often—that steam is what cooks the rice just right.

Step 5: Melt Cheese, Add Bacon, and Serve

When the rice is done, remove the pot from heat and stir in one cup of shredded cheddar cheese along with your reserved crispy bacon. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover again, and let it sit for 3-5 minutes to melt into ooey-gooey heaven. Serve this dish straight from the pot and watch everyone dive right in—it’s that satisfying!

How to Serve One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top mine with extra shredded cheddar, a sprinkle of sliced green onions for freshness, and sometimes a few diced pickles or a drizzle of ketchup and mustard—just like a cheeseburger! These little touches brighten the dish and give that fun, authentic burger feel.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for some crunch and color on the plate. For a casual dinner, I love serving it alongside oven-baked fries or even some guacamole-loaded tortilla chips for a fun twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests? Serve the One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins with a grilled pickle spear on top. I once made this for a game night and added a side of tangy coleslaw—everyone loved how it resembled an elevated burger platter without the mess.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I transfer leftovers to airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it tastes even better the next day—just make sure to reheat gently to keep the rice from drying out.

Freezing

If I want to prep in advance, I portion this recipe into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly with a splash of broth or water to revive its creamy texture.

Reheating

My go-to reheating method is warming leftovers on the stovetop over low heat with a little beef broth stirred in. This prevents the rice from sticking or drying out, and it brings that comforting cheeseburger rice back to life just like fresh.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe holds a little piece of comfort and nostalgia for me, especially on days when I want that “burger” flavor without firing up the grill or dealing with buns. It’s satisfying, easy to throw together, and hits all those flavor notes you crave. I hope you give it a try and find it as comforting as I do—you might just find it becomes your new go-to weeknight favorite.

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