One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe

I’m so excited to share this One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe with you because it’s one of those meals that’s both insanely comforting and incredibly easy to make. Seriously, when I’m pressed for time but craving that classic cheeseburger flavor packed into something warm and cheesy, this dish never disappoints. It’s like all the best parts of a bacon cheeseburger, but without the hassle of flipping patties or flipping through takeout menus.

What makes this One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe stand out for me is how everything cooks in one pot—fewer dishes, less stress, and the flavors get to mingle beautifully. Whether you’re feeding a family on a weeknight or want something you can cozy up with on the weekend, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of smoky bacon, savory beef, sharp cheddar, and tangy pickles. Trust me, once you try it, it might just become your go-to comfort food.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe plays a key role in building that familiar cheeseburger flavor in a comforting, cheesy rice bowl. When shopping, pick quality bacon and a flavorful shredded cheese for the best results—it really makes a difference!

• Bacon: Adds smokiness and crisp texture; I like thick-cut for bite and flavor.
• Ground Beef: The juicy, meaty base that makes it a true cheeseburger experience.
• Onion: Gives a subtle sweetness and aromatic backbone to the dish.
• Garlic: Adds depth and savory warmth; fresh is always best here.
• Burger Seasoning: Brings in classic burger spices; I use Kinder’s Caramelized Onion blend for a twist.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides umami richness and a slight tang.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that adds body and a touch of sweetness.
• Dill Pickle Relish: Gives that iconic cheeseburger tang and crunch flavor combo.
• Mustard: Brightens the dish with slight acidity and a hint of spice.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds heartiness and blends the flavors together.
• Long Grain White Rice: I use jasmine for a subtle floral note, but regular long grain works great.
• Beef Broth: Cooks the rice and infuses savory meaty flavor throughout.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds that classic sharp cheeseburger bite.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love tweaking this One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood. Feel free to add ingredients or spices that make it feel like your own signature dish—cooking should be fun and flexible!

• Spicy Kick: Adding diced jalapeños or a splash of your favorite hot sauce really wakes up the flavor; I often do this when I crave a little heat.
• Protein Swaps: Tried it with ground turkey and chicken when I wanted something lighter, and it worked perfectly—just make sure to adjust the seasoning slightly.
• Veggie Boost: Mushrooms and bell peppers add great texture and nutrition without overpowering; I toss them in with the onions.
• Dairy-Free: Swap shredded cheese for a dairy-free alternative or leave it out; the dish is still very flavorful thanks to bacon and seasoning.

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

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

Start by cooking the chopped bacon in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. This step is key because it renders flavorful fat that you’ll use to cook the beef. Once crispy, scoop out the bacon bits and set them aside, leaving about a teaspoon of that bacon grease behind to infuse the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Brown the Beef, Onion & Garlic

Add your ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Stir and break up the beef as it cooks until it’s nicely browned and the onions have softened. I like to drain any excess grease at this point to keep things from getting greasy. The key here is to develop rich flavor from the browning, so take your time.

Step 3: Layer in the Seasonings

Now stir in the garlic again (a little extra garlic never hurts), your burger seasoning of choice—Kinder’s Caramelized Onion is my fave—and Worcestershire sauce. Let this cook and meld for 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors really bloom.

Step 4: Add Tomato Paste & Build the Base

Mix in the tomato paste and cook it out for another 1 to 2 minutes. This step deepens the tomato flavor and adds body. Then stir in the dill pickle relish, mustard, and tomato sauce—these are your signature cheeseburger touches that really set this recipe apart.

Step 5: Cook the Rice

Pour in the uncooked rice and beef broth. Give everything a good stir to combine, then bring the pot to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and has soaked up all the liquid. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often—that steam is what cooks the rice perfectly!

Step 6: Cheese & Bacon Finish

Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in one cup of your shredded sharp cheddar cheese along with the reserved crispy bacon. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover the pot, and let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes so everything melts into that ooey-gooey perfection.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

Scoop this warm, cheesy goodness into bowls and serve immediately. If you’re anything like me, you won’t wait long before diving in.

How to Serve One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this with a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or a few pickle slices to amplify that cheeseburger vibe. A dollop of ketchup or mustard on the side is a fun nostalgic touch, and if you’re feeling fancy, a little shredded lettuce can add a fresh crunch.

Side Dishes

Simple sides like a crisp garden salad, steamed veggies, or some roasted potatoes balance the meal nicely without overshadowing the rich main dish. Sometimes, I like to serve it with some crunchy dill pickle spears for extra tangy fun.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving this in mini cast iron skillets or over toasted bun halves for a “deconstructed” cheeseburger experience. It also makes a great hearty filling for stuffed bell peppers if you’re looking to impress at a dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating, adding a splash of broth or water helps revive the rice and keeps the texture from drying out—so simple but it really makes a difference.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, so I often portion it into freezer-safe containers for quick meals down the road. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently with a little extra broth to keep the rice creamy.

Reheating

Reheating in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water keeps this dish tasting fresh and melty, avoiding the dreaded dry rice or rubbery texture that microwaves can cause sometimes.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe is totally one of my kitchen favorites because it combines all my love for cheeseburgers with the comfort of a creamy rice dish—all without the fuss of making patties or burgers. It’s hearty, satisfying, and ridiculously tasty, plus the one-pot approach keeps things simple and approachable. Seriously, I hope you try it soon and love it as much as I do—it’s perfect for those nights when you want something cozy, cheesy, and full of nostalgic flavors but need dinner on the table fast. Enjoy every bite!

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