Introduction to Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet
I know how hard it is to get food on the table on time because I am a very busy mom. But let me tell you how that’s where my Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet saves the day! This fast, hearty dish marries all the flavors of a traditional cheeseburger with single-pot convenience. It’s perfect for those crazy nights when you need something satisfying that ‘wows’ your family. And who isn’t a fan of yummy ground beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheese together? Skillet at the ready; here is a house favorite to the rescue!
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet
This Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet is a lifesaver for busy families! It’s not only speedy, taking just 25 minutes from start to finish, but it also simplifies dinner cleanup with its one-skillet approach. The flavors are utterly satisfying—imagine the smokiness of bacon mingling with cheesy goodness and hearty beef. It’s a dish that pleases even the pickiest eaters, making it ideal for everyone at the table!
Ingredients for Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet
Gathering the right ingredients makes cooking a joy! Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet:
- Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend offers the perfect mix of flavor and moisture without being too greasy.
- Yellow Onion: This adds sweetness and depth to your dish. Diced finely, it blends seamlessly into the mixture.
- Garlic: Freshly minced, garlic brings a fragrant kick to the skillet, enhancing all the other flavors.
- Bacon: Cooked crispy and chopped, it introduces a smoky, crunchy element that takes the dish to the next level.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This cheesy goodness provides a rich, tangy flavor that melts beautifully into the dish.
- Seasoned Salt: A quick sprinkle enhances all the savory elements without overpowering them.
- Tomato Sauce: This adds moisture and acidity, balancing the richness of the beef and cheese.
- Ketchup: A nod to the classic burger experience, it adds sweetness that compliments the savory flavors.
- Yellow Mustard: This tangy staple brings a zesty note to the mix, echoing burger flavor profiles.
- Instant White Rice: My go-to choice for convenience! It cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors beautifully.
- Beef Broth: Using broth instead of water infuses extra beefy flavor, enriching the whole dish.
For those looking to customize, feel free to add bell peppers or mushrooms for a veggie boost. Don’t forget, you can find the precise measurements for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, available for printing. Let’s get cooking!
How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet
Now that we have our ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into the cooking process! Follow these straightforward steps for a delicious Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet that’s sure to please the whole family.
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Onion
Start by heating a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add in the ground beef and diced yellow onion.
As the beef cooks, break it into small crumbles. This way, it browns evenly and the onion becomes tender and translucent, creating a lovely base for the dish. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Keep an eye on it and don’t rush!
Step 2: Add Garlic and Drain Grease
Next, stir in minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute until it’s fragrant.
Afterward, it’s important to drain the excess grease. A quick tip: use a colander for this! It’ll keep your dish from feeling oily. Trust me, the taste really improves when you avoid all that extra fat.
Step 3: Season the Mixture
Now, sprinkle the seasoned salt over the beef mixture. Make sure to stir well to distribute the seasoning evenly. This little step truly enhances the flavors!
Step 4: Stir in Sauces
Time to amp up the flavor! Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, and yellow mustard.
Stir everything until it’s well combined and creates a cohesive mixture. The aroma will be irresistible, making everyone in the house eager for dinner!
Step 5: Combine Rice and Broth
Now, add the instant white rice to the pan. Pour in the beef broth next and give it a good stir to mix.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to cook uncovered for just 2 to 3 minutes. You want the liquid to be absorbed and the rice tender. The magic of Meals in Minutes!
Step 6: Incorporate Cheese and Bacon
Reduce the heat to low and stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the crumbled bacon. Mix well until the cheese melts into a creamy delight.
If you can, resist the urge to taste just yet! Wait until you’ve topped it with more cheese and bacon for that final flourish.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Speaking of toppings, sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon over the top of your skillet marvel.
Remove the skillet from heat, cover it with a lid, and let it sit for about 2 to 3 minutes so the cheese melts perfectly. Then, dig in! Your Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet is ready to impress.
Tips for Success
- For a healthier twist, substitute half the ground beef with ground turkey.
- Try adding veggies like diced bell peppers or frozen peas for extra nutrition.
- Use leftover bacon or precooked bacon to save time on prep.
- Don’t skip the drain step; it keeps the dish from being greasy.
- If you love spice, add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.
Equipment Needed
- Large nonstick skillet: A sturdy skillet helps prevent sticking; an electric skillet works too!
- Spatula: Use a spatula to crumble the beef smoothly. A wooden spoon is a great alternative.
- Colander: Handy for draining excess grease; a slotted spoon can work in a pinch.
- Measuring cups: Perfect for measuring rice and broth accurately.
Variations
- For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative like crumbled tofu or tempeh. Add extra spices for flavor!
- Switch up the cheese! Try mozzarella for a gooey melt or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Add extra vegetables like corn for sweetness or spinach for a pop of color and nutrition.
- For a low-carb version, replace rice with cauliflower rice. It absorbs flavors beautifully!
- Mix in some freshly chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh side salad to balance the richness of the dish.
- Serve with crusty garlic bread for dipping into the cheesy goodness.
- Complement with sweet potato fries for a fun twist on traditional sides.
- Offer a variety of drinks, from sparkling water to iced tea, to keep it refreshing.
- For presentation, garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for a pop of color.
FAQs about Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet
Curious about making this Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet even better? Here are some common questions that might arise when preparing this hearty dish.
Can I use brown rice instead of instant white rice?
While you can use brown rice, it will require a longer cooking time. Just make sure to adjust the liquid amount and simmer longer for it to cook through.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
No problem! You can substitute it with chicken broth or even water if necessary. Just remember, using broth adds rich flavor!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredient mix ahead and store it in the fridge. Just add the rice and broth when you’re ready to cook!
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet is perfect for meal prepping. Divide it into portions and refrigerate or freeze for quick meals throughout the week.
How can I spice it up?
If you love a kick, toss in some diced jalapeños or add hot sauce to your liking. Adjust to your heat preference!
Final Thoughts
Embracing the culinary adventure of creating my Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet has been a true joy! This dish brings together comfort, flavor, and convenience, all in one pot. It’s not just a meal; it’s a memory-maker, a reason to gather around the table, and a surefire way to make even the busiest evenings enjoyable.
The satisfaction of hearing my family’s enthusiastic approval after each bite simply warms my heart. So, whether you’re a gourmet chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is a delicious way to turn mealtime into a celebration. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A quick and tasty meal that combines ground beef, bacon, and cheese with rice, all cooked in one skillet.
Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 100 g bacon, cooked and chopped
- 150 g shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 120 ml tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 250 g instant white rice (Minute rice)
- 400 ml beef broth
Instructions
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Sauté, breaking the meat into small crumbles as it browns, until the beef is cooked through and onion is translucent, about 6–8 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Drain excess grease to prevent an oily texture.
- Sprinkle seasoned salt over the beef mixture, stirring to distribute evenly.
- Add tomato sauce, ketchup, and yellow mustard to the pan. Stir until well combined and the mixture is cohesive.
- Mix in instant rice and pour in beef broth. Stir to combine, then bring to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 2–3 minutes, just until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar and half of the chopped bacon, mixing until the cheese melts and the mixture is creamy.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese and bacon over the top. Remove skillet from heat, cover with a lid, and let stand 2–3 minutes until cheese melts before serving.
Notes
- This dish is best served immediately for optimal creaminess of the cheese.
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Make sure to cook the bacon until crispy for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
