Savory Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Casserole

Craving the hearty goodness of a cheeseburger but want something quick and easy to make for dinner? Look no further than this delicious Bacon Cheeseburger Rice recipe! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without all the fuss. This one-pan wonder brings together all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger in a comforting and filling dish that will have your family coming back for seconds.

Imagine savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar cheese all mixed with fluffy rice and seasoned to perfection. This Bacon Cheeseburger Rice has become a staple in many households, including mine, where it has saved the day on more than one occasion. Whether it’s feeding unexpected guests or just craving some good old comfort food, this recipe has you covered.

So, if you’re looking for a meal that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters, give this Bacon Cheeseburger Rice a try. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds and thanking you for serving up such a delicious homemade dish.

Quick Benefits

• Quick and easy one-pan meal perfect for hectic weeknights
• Versatile – customize with different burger toppings and cheeses
• Balanced meal with protein, carbs, and cheese all in one dish
• Great for leftovers – reheats well and tastes even better the next day

Why You’ll Love This Savory Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Casserole Recipe

• One-pan wonder: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.
• Familiar flavors: Captures the essence of a classic cheeseburger with the convenience of a hearty rice dish.
• Kid-approved: Great way to please picky eaters, impress teenagers, and make you look like the cool parent among your child’s friends.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable with additional burger toppings or different cheeses to suit your family’s preferences.
• Meal prep friendly: Prepare ahead and enjoy the flavors intensifying as leftovers, making it a convenient option for meal planning.
• Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and freeze for later, ensuring you always have a comforting meal ready to go.
• Versatile: Offers room for creativity with possible additions like pickles, mushrooms, or veggies to cater to different tastes and sneak in extra nutrition.

Ingredients for Savory Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Casserole

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 2 cups instant rice (like Minute Rice)
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 2 cups beef broth
• ½ medium yellow onion, diced

How to Make Savory Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Casserole

Step 1: Brown the beef and onions

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and diced onion for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula until beef is no longer pink and onions are softened.

Step 2: Add garlic and season

Cook minced garlic until fragrant for 1 minute, then drain excess grease and season with seasoned salt.

Step 3: Add sauce and rice

Combine tomato sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, instant rice, and beef broth in the skillet. Stir until well mixed.

Step 4: Simmer until rice is tender

Simmer the mixture gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the broth is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 5: Mix in half the toppings

Take the mixture off the heat and stir in ½ cup of shredded cheese and ½ cup of chopped bacon until the cheese is melted into the rice.

Step 6: Top and melt

Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon over the rice mixture. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese with the steam.

Step 7: Serve hot

Serve hot and cheesy immediately after removing the lid. Enjoy the bacon cheeseburger flavor in rice form.

Storage Tips

After preparing the bacon cheeseburger rice, store any leftovers properly to maintain its freshness and flavor. The dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days. When reheating, simply microwave the desired portion until heated through, allowing the flavors to meld further as the rice absorbs more delicious juices over time. The dish tends to taste even better after sitting in the fridge for a day or two.

For longer storage, the bacon cheeseburger rice can be frozen for up to three months. To freeze, transfer the cooled dish into a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen meal in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. While the texture may slightly change upon thawing, the flavors will remain enjoyable, making it a convenient option for meal prep or saving leftovers for future quick and satisfying meals.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to make a leaner version of this dish, you can substitute the 80/20 ground beef with a leaner option like ground turkey or chicken. This swap will reduce the overall fat content while still providing the protein base for the meal. Additionally, if you prefer a vegetarian option, you can replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced firm tofu for a meatless alternative that still offers a hearty texture and absorbs the flavors well.

For a healthier twist, you can use brown rice instead of instant white rice. Brown rice is a whole grain that provides more fiber and nutrients compared to white rice. Keep in mind that brown rice may require a longer cooking time or additional liquid, so adjust accordingly. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to change up the flavor profile of the dish. Swap the sharp cheddar for a milder cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack, or try a smoky gouda for a different depth of flavor. Customizing the cheese can add a unique touch to the dish while still maintaining its comforting and cheesy essence.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and creative serving suggestion, try turning this bacon cheeseburger rice into stuffed bell peppers. Cut bell peppers in half, remove seeds and fill each half with the bacon cheeseburger rice mixture. Top with extra shredded cheese and bake until the peppers are tender. This adds a colorful twist to the dish and makes for a visually appealing presentation.

Another idea is to use the bacon cheeseburger rice as a filling for burritos or wraps. Simply spoon the rice onto a tortilla, add some fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and any other desired toppings, roll it up, and enjoy a handheld version of this delicious dish. This makes for a convenient and portable meal option, perfect for lunches on the go or picnics.

FAQs for Savory Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Casserole

Can I use regular long-grain rice instead of instant rice?

You can substitute regular long-grain rice for instant rice in this recipe, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio accordingly. Instant rice cooks faster, so regular rice will require a longer cooking time and possibly more beef broth to fully cook.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can definitely use ground turkey as a leaner alternative to ground beef in this recipe. Just be mindful that turkey tends to be drier than beef, so you may want to add a little extra seasoning or sauce to keep the dish flavorful and moist.

How can I prevent the rice from turning mushy?

To prevent the rice from turning mushy, make sure to follow the recommended cooking time and liquid measurements in the recipe. Also, avoid stirring the rice too frequently while it’s cooking to maintain the individual grains’ integrity.

Can I make this dish ahead of time and reheat it later?

Yes, this bacon cheeseburger rice reheats well and can be made ahead of time. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to several days. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave until heated through, and enjoy!

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that captures all the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger but in a convenient one-pan dish, Bacon Cheeseburger Rice is the answer! With its perfect balance of savory beef, crispy bacon, tangy cheese, and hints of ketchup and mustard, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your family’s meal rotation.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with toppings and additional ingredients to customize this dish to your taste preferences. Whether you add pickles for a tangy crunch or sneak in some veggies like corn or peas, Bacon Cheeseburger Rice is a versatile recipe that can easily adapt to suit your family’s palate. Remember, the beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and flexibility, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.

So, next time you’re craving the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger but want a hassle-free cooking experience, turn to Bacon Cheeseburger Rice for a delicious and satisfying meal. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will make you feel like a kitchen hero while keeping your loved ones happily fed and coming back for more.

Savory Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Casserole

“An easy one-pan meal blending the flavors of bacon cheeseburgers in a hearty rice dish, perfect for busy weeknights and picky eaters.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time5 Minutes

Cook Time25 Minutes

Total Time30 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings (6 cups)

Ingredients

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 2 cups instant rice (like Minute Rice)
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 2 cups beef broth
• ½ medium yellow onion, diced

Instructions

1. Brown the beef and onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and diced onion for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula until beef is no longer pink and onions are softened.
2. Add garlic and season: Cook minced garlic until fragrant for 1 minute, then drain excess grease and season with seasoned salt.
3. Add sauce and rice: Combine tomato sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, instant rice, and beef broth in the skillet. Stir until well mixed.
4. Simmer until rice is tender: Simmer the mixture gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the broth is absorbed and the rice is tender.
5. Mix in half the toppings: Take the mixture off the heat and stir in ½ cup of shredded cheese and ½ cup of chopped bacon until the cheese is melted into the rice.
6. Top and melt: Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon over the rice mixture. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese with the steam.
7. Serve hot: Serve hot and cheesy immediately after removing the lid. Enjoy the bacon cheeseburger flavor in rice form.