One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted the ultimate comfort food that comes together in just one pot, you’re going to love this One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe. It’s like all the best parts of a cheeseburger smashed into a cozy, cheesy rice dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a really satisfying meal without a ton of fuss. I’ve made it more times than I can count, and it never disappoints.

What makes this One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe stand out is how effortlessly it blends all those familiar burger flavors — crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, that tangy pickle kick — right into fluffy rice that soaks up every bit of goodness. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal-prepping for yourself, this recipe saves time and cleanup, all while delivering big on flavor.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe plays a role in building that nostalgic cheeseburger flavor profile – but with an easy-to-cook, filling rice base. Here’s what I always keep in mind when picking out ingredients for the best results.

• Bacon: Crisp it up for smoky, salty crunch that infuses the whole dish with flavor.
• Ground Beef: The core protein that brings meaty richness and that classic burger taste.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and soft texture after cooking down with the beef.
• Garlic: Because garlic just makes everything better – aromatic and savory.
• Caramelized Onion Burger Seasoning: This really layers in a concentrated onion flavor along with classic burger spices; if you don’t have it, use your favorite burger seasoning blend.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A secret umami booster that deepens the savory notes.
• Tomato Paste: Rich, concentrated tomato flavor for that slight tang and depth.
• Dill Pickle Relish: Adds that necessary tangy zip and crunch reminiscent of a cheeseburger pickle.
• Mustard: Touches the dish with a tangy bite that balances richness.
• Tomato Sauce: Combines with broth to cook the rice and adds a saucy base.
• Long Grain White Rice: I prefer Jasmine rice here for its fluffy texture and subtle fragrance.
• Beef Broth: Essential for cooking the rice and enriching the dish with meaty flavor.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts in for that satisfyingly gooey cheeseburger finish.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe my own depending on what’s in the fridge or what mood I’m in. Feel free to experiment — I promise it’s forgiving and flexible!

• Make It Spicy: I sometimes add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for a little kick that balances nicely with the cheese.
• Swap the Protein: Ground turkey or chicken works surprisingly well if you want a lighter option while keeping all the tasty layers.
• Veggie Boost: Mushrooms, bell peppers, or even frozen peas add sweetness and texture—great for sneaking in extra veggies.
• Cheese Choices: Sharp cheddar is my favorite, but feel free to mix it up with pepper jack or even a smoky gouda for different flavor profiles.

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

Step 1: Crisp Up the Bacon

Start by chopping your bacon and cooking it in a large pot over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. This step is key because the rendered bacon fat will become the flavorful cooking medium for the beef and veggies. Once crispy, remove the bacon pieces and set them aside, but don’t dump all the fat — leave about a teaspoon behind for the next step.

Step 2: Brown the Beef, Onion, and Garlic

In the same pot with the reserved bacon grease, add your ground beef and diced onion. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking the beef apart with a wooden spoon, until the meat is browned and onions are soft. Stir in minced garlic during the last minute to prevent burning. When done, drain any excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.

Step 3: Layer in the Flavor Boosters

Add the burger seasoning and Worcestershire sauce, stirring for 1-2 minutes so those bold flavors really awaken. Then stir in tomato paste and cook for another couple of minutes to deepen the tomato flavor. Follow this by mixing in the dill pickle relish, mustard, and tomato sauce – all those classic burger notes blending together beautifully.

Step 4: Add Rice, Broth & Simmer

Next, pour in the uncooked rice and the beef broth, stirring thoroughly to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce to low heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 18–20 minutes until the rice is perfectly tender and has soaked up all the delicious liquid.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Bacon

Once the rice is tender, remove the pot from heat and stir in half the shredded cheddar cheese along with the reserved crispy bacon. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover again, and let it sit for 3-5 minutes. That resting time allows the cheese to melt into a gooey, dreamy finish that makes this dish irresistible.

How to Serve One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top mine with a little extra shredded cheddar and some fresh chopped green onions for a pop of color and a mild bite. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream or even a few pickled jalapeños if we’re in a spicy mood—it adds freshness and contrast to the rich cheese and bacon flavors.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to brighten up the plate. Roasted broccoli or a simple cucumber salad with vinegar and dill complements the tangy pickle relish perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, I’ve served it in hollowed-out bell peppers or stuffed baked potatoes for casual dinner parties. It’s always a hit when I spoon it over mixed greens or even spoon into crispy wonton cups as bite-sized appetizers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice in an airtight container in the fridge where it keeps well for up to 4 days. When reheating, I add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up and keep it from drying out.

Freezing

If I want to prep meals in advance, I portion this out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove or microwave, again adding a little liquid as needed.

Reheating

Reheating this recipe on the stovetop with a splash of broth keeps the rice fluffy and cheesy. Use medium-low heat and stir often, so the cheese melts evenly without drying out or sticking to the pan.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to meals for a reason — it’s quick, comforting, and packed with all the flavors I crave from a good cheeseburger, but with less work and mess. If you’re after a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a hug in every bite, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this recipe a try. I can’t wait to hear how you make it your own!

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