One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe

I’m so excited to share this One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe with you because it perfectly captures all the best parts of a cheeseburger in one comforting, cozy dish. Imagine crispy bacon, juicy ground beef, and gooey melted cheese all mingling with fluffy rice—yeah, it’s every bit as delicious as it sounds. It’s become one of my go-to weeknight meals when I want something hearty but easy, and I think you’ll love how effortlessly it comes together.

This recipe shines when you need a fuss-free dinner without sacrificing flavor, especially on busy nights. The beauty of the One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe is that everything cooks together, which means fewer dishes and more time to relax. Plus, it’s a huge crowd-pleaser—perfect for families or when friends come over and you want to impress without breaking a sweat.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic behind this One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe is really in the layering of flavors—from smoky bacon to the tang of dill pickle relish, each ingredient plays a key role in recreating that classic cheeseburger vibe in a rice dish.

• Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a salty crunch and smoky depth that sets the flavor foundation.
• Ground Beef: The star of the show, bringing juicy richness and meaty goodness.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and sharpness that balances the meatiness.
• Garlic: For that savory kick that amps up every bite.
• Burger Seasoning: I love using caramelized onion seasoning here, but any burger seasoning works—it’s the secret behind that burger taste.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings umami and a touch of tang for a deeper flavor profile.
• Tomato Paste & Sauce: These provide a rich, slightly sweet tomato base that ties it all together.
• Dill Pickle Relish: Here’s the magic—gives that distinctive cheeseburger tang no one expects in a rice dish.
• Mustard: Mustard adds a slight sharpness that brightens the whole pot.
• Long Grain Rice: I like Jasmine because it’s fragrant and fluffy, but any long-grain works great.
• Beef Broth: Adds savory moisture and cooks the rice perfectly.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts into creamy gooeyness that brings everything together in that classic cheeseburger comfort.

Tweak to Your Taste

I’ve found this recipe adapts beautifully to whatever you have on hand or your mood. I sometimes add a handful of diced bell peppers or mushrooms for veggies, and other days I’ll amp up the heat with jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give it a little kick.

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of your favorite hot sauce—I love the contrast it adds against the cheesy comfort.
• Protein Swap: Ground turkey or chicken work well if you want a lighter twist without losing flavor.
• Extra Veggies: Mushrooms, bell peppers, or even some spinach mixed in can boost nutrition and texture.
• Dairy-Free Version: Try a dairy-free cheese or omit cheese altogether and add extra pickles for tang.

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

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon First

Start by cooking the chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. This not only gives you that irresistible bacon crunch but also renders flavorful grease—just leave about a teaspoon in the pan for cooking the beef later. Pro tip: don’t discard the bacon fat; it adds an amazing depth to the dish.

Step 2: Brown the Beef with Onion and Garlic

Next, add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic to the pot with the bacon grease. Cook it all together until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Drain excess grease carefully so your dish isn’t too oily but still retains flavor. This step builds the meaty base for the recipe.

Step 3: Layer in the Flavor Boosters

Stir in your burger seasoning and Worcestershire sauce, letting those ingredients mingle for a minute or two. Then mix in tomato paste, cooking a little longer to deepen the tomato flavor. Follow that up with dill pickle relish, mustard, and tomato sauce—these ingredients are what make this rice taste like a cheeseburger in the best way possible.

Step 4: Cook the Rice in One Pot

Add uncooked rice and beef broth, stir everything together, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover the pot, letting it simmer for about 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and has soaked up all that savory liquid. Resist the urge to lift the lid too soon—patience here means perfectly cooked rice!

Step 5: Melt the Cheese and Finish Strong

Remove the pot from heat and stir in half the shredded cheese along with the crispy bacon you set aside. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover again, and let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes. This resting time lets the cheese melt into gooey perfection, creating that classic cheeseburger warmth you crave.

How to Serve One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions for freshness and a few pickle slices on the side to echo the relish inside. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream or even a quick swirl of ketchup—because why not? These touches add brightness and play up the cheeseburger vibe.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or my favorite oven-baked sweet potato fries for a fun twist. Coleslaw is another easy side that adds a nice crunch and balances all that cheesy richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner party, I’ve served this One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe in individual mini cast iron skillets—they look so inviting and keep everything warm. Another favorite is spooning it into toasted bread bowls for a cozy, handheld meal that’s fun for both kids and adults.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After we’ve eaten, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge—and it keeps well for up to 4 days. When reheating, I add a splash of broth to bring back moisture and prevent the rice from drying out, stirring it gently over low heat or in the microwave.

Freezing

If I’m making this ahead for busy weeks, I freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Just be sure to add a little broth or water when reheating to keep the texture pleasant and avoid any dryness.

Reheating

Reheating is best done gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or in the microwave covered to trap steam. Stirring occasionally helps the cheese melt evenly again and brings the dish back to its original creamy goodness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe has quickly become a family favorite in my home because it’s just the right kind of comforting, filling, and delicious all at once. I love how easy it is to throw together after a long day, and honestly, the flavors remind me of summer cookouts even when it’s chilly outside. I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try—you’re going to enjoy every cheesy, bacon-y mouthful just as much as I do!

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