This bacon cheeseburger rice brings together everything I love about classic burger night but in one ultra-cozy pot. With just a handful of familiar ingredients and minimal cleanup, you get all the rich and savory goodness of a bacon cheeseburger layered through tender, cheesy rice. My family asks for this dish whenever we want something comforting but do not want a pile of dishes after. If you love a juicy burger and crave creamy casseroles, this is your match.

When I first whipped this up on a night with nothing prepped it became an instant favorite. My kids request it regularly after practice when everyone is hungry and there is no time for fuss.

Ingredients

• Chopped bacon: provides smoky depth and classic cheeseburger character
• Ground beef: stick with 80 to 85 percent lean for juicy flavor
• Small onion: sweetens the whole pot and makes the base aromatic
• Fresh garlic cloves: lift the savory base with bold flavor
• Burger seasoning: use a ready-made blend or combine salt pepper paprika and garlic powder
• Worcestershire sauce: adds subtle umami and a hint of tang
• Tomato paste: gives a punch of richness to balance the rice
• Dill pickle relish: brings brightness and that signature cheeseburger tang
• Yellow or Dijon mustard: wakes up the flavors with a gentle kick
• Tomato sauce: binds everything together with mellow acidity
• Long grain rice: choose a firm rice that holds its shape during simmering
• Beef broth: amps up the savory taste try to pick a low sodium option
• Shredded cheddar cheese: look for sharp cheddar for maximum melt and bite

Instructions

Prepare the Bacon:

Chop the bacon into small pieces and cook in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Stir frequently until it is deep golden brown and crisp. Remove the cooked bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside but leave about a teaspoon of rendered fat in the pot. This smoky base sets the whole tone of the dish.

Brown the Beef and Aromatics:

Add ground beef diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook over medium to medium high heat breaking the beef apart with a spoon. The goal is to get everything browned and fragrant. Once the beef has lost its pink color and the onions are golden which should take about seven minutes pour off any extra grease to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.

Season and Layer Flavors:

Sprinkle your burger seasoning over the beef mixture and drizzle in the Worcestershire sauce. This combo starts to smell exactly like a burger on the grill. Cook and stir for another two minutes so the onions and garlic soak up those seasonings.

Toast the Tomato Paste:

Spoon in the tomato paste and work it into the beef mix. Give it about two minutes on the heat. Toasting tomato paste tames the sharpness and gives your finished rice a more developed flavor.

Add Cheeseburger Essentials:

Gently stir in the dill pickle relish mustard and tomato sauce. Mixing them in now lets the tangy and  creamy flavors meld through every layer of the dish creating that cheeseburger essence.

Incorporate Rice and Broth:

Add uncooked long grain rice and pour the beef broth all over. Stir very well to make sure there are no clumps and the rice is fully submerged. Bring everything to a lively simmer then cover the pot with a tight fitting lid and turn the heat to low.

Simmer to Perfection:

Let the mixture cook for eighteen to twenty minutes. Do not peek until at least fifteen minutes have passed. When the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid uncover the pot and stir. If the rice is not fully cooked add a splash more broth and cook another three minutes.

 Cheese and Bacon Finish:

With the pot off the heat stir in one cup of shredded cheddar  cheese and all the reserved cooked bacon. The residual heat will make the cheese melt beautifully into the rice binding it together.

Final Melt:

Scatter the rest of the cheddar cheese over the top. Replace the lid and let the dish sit for five minutes. This resting time lets the cheese finish melting and the flavors to finish blooming through the casserole.

Cheddar cheese makes such a difference here. I always reach for an extra-sharp variety since it gives the dish that unmistakable savory edge. This is the one recipe I never skimp on good cheese. One of my favorite memories is letting my youngest add the cheese on top and seeing the melty layer stretch with every scoop.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat stir in a splash of broth or water and warm on the stove or in the microwave until creamy. This dish also freezes well just cool it completely first and freeze for up to two months.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you want a milder or lighter taste. For a spicy kick add diced pickled jalapeno or swap in pepper jack cheese. You can use white or brown rice just add extra broth and increase the simmer time if using brown.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish with fresh green onions diced pickles or even a drizzle of your favorite burger sauce. Serve alongside a simple green salad or steamed veggies for added crunch. Some nights I pile this into tortilla wraps for an extra hearty handheld meal.

Cultural and Historical Context

The idea for this recipe comes from classic American comfort food especially the greasy spoon diners I remember as a kid. Bacon cheeseburger casserole and skillet dinners like this are staples in many Midwest kitchens.

Seasonal Adaptations

Try adding fresh summer tomatoes at the end
Stir in sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for a fall twist
Use smoked gouda cheese during the holidays for a festive flavor

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