One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you love a recipe that feels like a comforting hug after a busy day. This One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe nails that vibe perfectly. Imagine all the juicy, sizzling flavors of your favorite bacon cheeseburger, but cozy and satisfying in a single pot of warm, cheesy rice. It’s easy to pull together on any night when you want something hearty without spending endless time in the kitchen.

What makes this One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe so special? Besides the mouthwatering combination of savory bacon, seasoned beef, and melted cheese, it’s the simplicity. You get a full meal in one dish — no juggling multiple pans or dirtying bowls. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser whether you’re feeding your family, meal prepping for the week, or inviting friends over for a laid-back dinner. I promise, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to in your recipe rotation.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a starring role in bringing that delicious bacon cheeseburger taste to your table in an easy rice dish. Let me walk you through why these specific items matter so much and some tips for picking quality ones.

• Bacon: Crisp, smoky, and salty bacon adds essential umami and texture; go for thick-cut for best results.
• Ground Beef: Use a mix with some fat (80/20) for juicy, flavorful results that won’t dry out during cooking.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; fresh diced onion brings balance to savory flavors.
• Garlic: A few cloves boost aroma and savory notes; don’t skip this for that authentic flavor punch.
• Burger Seasoning: Kinder’s Caramelized Onion Burger Seasoning is a favorite, but any good burger seasoning mix works great to boost that classic flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds tangy, complex notes that brighten the savory beef.
• Tomato Paste: Deepens flavor and adds richness without making it saucy.
• Dill Pickle Relish: The secret ingredient that mimics the pickle slice in your bacon cheeseburger, adding crunch and zing.
• Mustard: Yellow or Dijon adds a slight bite that cuts through richness beautifully.
• Tomato Sauce: Brings moisture and a hint of acidity to meld flavors together.
• Long Grain Rice: Jasmine rice is my favorite because it cooks fluffy and fragrant, but any long grain white rice works well.
• Beef Broth: Adds savory depth and cooks the rice perfectly while infusing flavor.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Go for a strong, melty cheese that gives that gooey cheeseburger finish.

Make It Your Way

I love that this One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe is like a blank canvas. Sometimes, I toss in sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. Other times, I’ll swap ground beef for turkey to lighten things up. Don’t hesitate to mix it up to fit what’s in your fridge or your mood!

• Spicy Kick: For a little heat, I add sliced jalapeños right before simmering or stir in a dash of hot sauce at the end—instant flavor boost.
• Protein Swap: Ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully if you want a lighter option but keep all the same great flavors.
• Veggie Boost: Adding mushrooms or diced bell peppers gives it a fresh texture and makes it a one-dish balanced meal.
• Cheese Varieties: Sharp cheddar is my go-to, but you can use pepper jack or even mozzarella for a different cheesy twist.

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

Step 1: Crisp Your Bacon to Perfection

Start by cooking chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy—that’s where so much flavor begins. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate, but don’t wipe the pot clean! Leaving about a teaspoon of that rendered bacon grease in the pot is crucial for building savory layers as you cook the beef and aromatics.

Step 2: Brown Your Ground Beef with Onion and Garlic

Next, add your ground beef to the pot and toss in diced onion and minced garlic. Cook it all over medium-high heat, breaking up the beef into crumbles, until everything is browned and deliciously fragrant. Drain excess grease to avoid a greasy final dish—it helps keep the rice fluffy and prevents it from tasting heavy.

Step 3: Build the Flavor with Seasoning and Sauces

Now stir in the garlic, your favorite burger seasoning (I adore Kinder’s Caramelized Onion blend), and Worcestershire sauce. Let these cook together for a minute or two to release their aroma. Then mix in tomato paste, cooking it briefly to deepen that rich umami flavor. Follow up by stirring in dill pickle relish and mustard — that zingy combo is exactly what gives this recipe that authentic cheeseburger twist.

Step 4: Add Rice, Broth, and Tomato Sauce; Simmer

Pour in the uncooked rice along with your beef broth and tomato sauce. Stir everything gently to combine, then bring the pot to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover it up, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and has soaked up all the flavorful liquid. Patience here pays off — the rice should be just right, not mushy.

Step 5: Cheese, Bacon, and Gooey Finish

After removing the pot from heat, stir in a cup of shredded cheddar and the crispy bacon pieces you set aside earlier. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover again, and let it rest for 3-5 minutes. This step is magical, allowing the cheese to melt into perfectly gooey, melty heaven you’ll want to dive into immediately.

How to Serve One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top—they add a bright, fresh contrast to that rich, cheesy base. Sometimes I’ll add a dollop of sour cream or a few sliced pickles for that classic burger vibe. A sprinkle of black pepper or a dash of hot sauce always ups the flavor if you want a little kick.

Side Dishes

This hearty dish is pretty complete on its own, but I like to serve it with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies to balance the richness. Classic coleslaw or simple steamed broccoli also pair nicely, adding color and texture to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at parties, I’ve served this in individual ramekins and baked until the cheese on top turned golden and bubbly. It’s also fantastic spooned into toasted bread bowls or served inside lettuce wraps for a low-carb option that’s still bursting with bacon cheeseburger flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and they keep great for up to 4 days. The flavors actually meld more in the fridge, which makes for a delicious lunch or quick dinner the next day without any extra effort.

Freezing

I’ve had success freezing portions of this One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe in freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to two months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind cheese texture changes slightly after freezing but the flavors remain fantastic.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, I add a splash of broth or water to keep things moist and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Stirring occasionally helps the cheese soften back up and prevents the rice from drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe has become one of my favorite comfort meals because it hits all the right notes—rich, cheesy, smoky, and satisfying—all in one pot. It’s the kind of dish you make when you want that nostalgic burger flavor without the fuss of fries or buns. I can’t recommend it enough if you’re craving something delicious that’s simple, versatile, and just downright comforting. Give it a whirl and watch it quickly become a staple in your kitchen too!

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