Last Tuesday, I came home from work later than usual, and the kids were circling the kitchen like hungry hawks. My son had soccer practice, my daughter had a stack of homework, and my husband looked at me with that “is dinner soon?” face we both laugh about. I needed something quick, filling, and a little fun, because on long weekdays, food has a way of turning everyone’s mood around.

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I thought about how much my family loves bacon cheeseburgers, but making burgers from scratch felt too slow. I wanted the same flavors—savory beef, smoky bacon, gooey cheese—wrapped into a meal I could scoop right out of one pan. That’s how this skillet became a favorite in our house.

It’s budget-friendly, doesn’t require fancy ingredients, and it cooks in a single pot, which means fewer dishes when I’m already running low on energy. By the time I plated it, the kids were already at the table, forks in hand, ready for what they now call “burger rice.” And honestly, I don’t mind the nickname, this dish deserves a spot on any family table.

Short Description

A one-pan skillet packed with all the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger—crispy bacon, seasoned beef, tangy relish, and melty cheese—mixed with rice for a comforting, family-approved dinner.

Key Ingredients

6–8 slices of bacon, chopped
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3–4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon Kinders Caramelized Onion Burger Seasoning (or preferred burger seasoning)
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
1 teaspoon yellow or Dijon mustard
8 ounces canned tomato sauce
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (like jasmine)
2 1/4 cups beef broth
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Tools Needed

Large skillet or Dutch oven with lid
Wooden spoon or spatula
Cutting board and sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Cheese grater

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Keep about 1 teaspoon of the rendered bacon fat in the pan.

Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add ground beef, diced onion, and garlic to the pan. Cook until beef is browned and onions are soft, about 5–6 minutes. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Season the Meat
Sprinkle in the burger seasoning and add Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and cook for 1–2 minutes so the flavors bloom.

Step 4: Build the Sauce
Mix in tomato paste and cook for another 1–2 minutes. Add dill pickle relish, mustard, and canned tomato sauce. Stir to combine.

Step 5: Add Rice and Broth
Pour in the uncooked rice and beef broth. Stir gently, making sure the rice is submerged. Bring to a boil, then lower heat, cover, and simmer 18–20 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Bacon
Remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup cheese and the reserved bacon. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top, cover, and let sit 3–5 minutes until melted.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon hot into bowls and serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Big Flavor, One Pan: Smoky bacon, cheesy beef, and tangy relish bring out all the best burger notes in one dish.

Weeknight Friendly: Done in under 40 minutes with minimal prep.

Family-Approved: Kid-friendly yet satisfying enough for adults.

Budget-Smart: Uses pantry staples and stretches 1 pound of beef into a full meal.

Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and cozy without being heavy.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Rice too crunchy: If rice isn’t tender after 20 minutes, add 1/4 cup broth, cover, and cook 5 more minutes.

Cheese clumping: Stir cheese off the heat to prevent it from turning greasy.

Overcrowding bacon: Cook bacon in two batches for crispier pieces.

Skipping the drain: Always drain beef after browning or the dish becomes greasy.

Not letting it rest: Give the skillet 3–5 minutes off the heat before serving so flavors settle and cheese melts evenly.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve family-style straight from the skillet with a side salad.

Pair with roasted vegetables for balance.

Garlic bread or dinner rolls make it extra hearty.

For drinks, iced tea, lemonade, or a light beer go perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe containers, up to 2 months.

Reheating: Warm in skillet with a splash of broth to keep rice moist, or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but increase broth to 2 3/4 cups and cook for 35–40 minutes.

2. What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor, but Colby Jack or American cheese melts creamier.

3. Can I make it vegetarian?
Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use veggie broth.

4. Is this dish spicy?
Not naturally, but you can add chili flakes or jalapeños for heat.

5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger Dutch oven and increase cooking time for rice by 5–10 minutes.

Tips & Tricks

Toast the rice in bacon fat for extra flavor before adding broth.

Stir in chopped pickles just before serving for crunch.

Garnish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions for brightness.

A drizzle of burger sauce or ketchup-mayo mix makes it taste even more like a classic cheeseburger.

Recipe Variations

Tex-Mex Skillet: Add 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 cup corn, and top with pepper jack cheese.

BBQ Bacon Skillet: Replace tomato sauce with BBQ sauce, stir in 1/2 cup black beans, and garnish with cilantro.

Breakfast Skillet: Add scrambled eggs during the final 5 minutes and swap cheddar with Monterey Jack.

Low-Carb Version: Swap rice with cauliflower rice. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes to avoid mushiness.

Final Thoughts

After a long day at the office, nothing beats gathering everyone at the table with food that feels homemade but doesn’t leave me buried in dishes. The flavors of bacon, beef, and cheese are familiar and comforting, yet the addition of rice makes it a full meal that stretches easily for leftovers.

It’s the kind of dinner that brings conversation, laughter, and second helpings without much effort. My kids always ask for extra cheese on top, my husband likes his with hot sauce, and I enjoy watching everyone dig in without fuss.

Cooking at home doesn’t have to be complicated, it just has to taste good and bring people together. That’s exactly what this dish does for us, and I hope it does the same for your family too.

Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet