The idea for this dish hit me during a neighborhood block party. Picture this: a long folding table lined with casseroles, crockpots, and salads, all steaming under fairy lights. My friend Rachel was flipping burgers on the grill, her husband tossing bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers on the side.
My kids were chasing each other around with sparklers, and my husband was already scouting the dessert table. I remember thinking how every cookout seems to have the same struggle, keeping the flavor of a cheeseburger but making it easy enough to serve a crowd without all the mess.
The next day, I wanted to recreate that smoky, cheesy, satisfying burger flavor, but in a form that wouldn’t require firing up a grill or juggling buns. That’s how this One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice came to life. It’s hearty, filling, and uses everyday ingredients you probably already have. Plus, it saves dishes, something every working parent secretly dreams about after a long day at the office.
When this pot hits the table, the kids light up like they’ve just been handed fast food, and my husband always goes for seconds. It’s simple, comforting, and most importantly, real. The kind of food that gathers everyone around, even if dinner’s just a Tuesday night at home.
Short Description
This One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice is a comforting weeknight meal that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger—bacon, beef, cheddar, and pickles—all simmered together with rice for an easy, family-friendly dish made in just one pot.
Key Ingredients
- 6–8 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon 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
- 2¼ cups beef broth
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Tools Needed
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Paper towels
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Place chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat. Cook until evenly crispy, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 teaspoon of bacon grease in the pot.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Aromatics
Add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the beef is browned and onions are translucent. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
Step 3: Add Seasoning and Sauce Base
Stir in burger seasoning and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 1–2 minutes so the spices bloom and coat the beef evenly. Mix in tomato paste and cook another 1–2 minutes—it deepens the flavor beautifully.
Step 4: Build the Cheeseburger Flavor
Add dill pickle relish, mustard, and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine everything into a thick, savory mixture that already smells like your favorite burger joint.
Step 5: Cook the Rice
Add uncooked rice and beef broth, stirring to make sure the rice is evenly distributed. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Bacon
Remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the reserved crispy bacon. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover again, and let sit for 3–5 minutes until the cheese melts into a gooey, golden layer.
Troubleshooting Tip: If your rice is still slightly firm after 20 minutes, add ¼ cup more broth, cover, and cook for another 3–5 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
All-in-One Comfort: Combines your favorite cheeseburger flavors in one simple pot.
Time-Saver: Ready in about 30 minutes, with minimal cleanup.
Kid-Approved: Familiar, cheesy, and full of flavor—kids eat it without a fuss.
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and stretches a pound of beef to feed a family.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite burger toppings or cheese varieties.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overcooking the Bacon: Remove it as soon as it’s crispy. Overdone bacon becomes bitter.
Not Draining the Beef Properly: Extra grease can make the rice oily. Drain before adding seasonings.
Adding Too Much Liquid: Stick to the measurements to avoid mushy rice. If it’s too wet at the end, simmer uncovered for a few minutes.
Forgetting to Stir Occasionally: Give the pot a gentle stir mid-simmer to prevent rice from sticking at the bottom.
Skipping the Resting Step: Letting it sit covered helps melt the cheese and finish cooking the rice evenly.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve this hot with a side of crisp dill pickles or a simple green salad.
For a heartier meal, add roasted vegetables or coleslaw on the side.
Pair with iced tea, lemonade, or a light beer for casual nights.
Serve family-style straight from the pot for easy cleanup and that cozy, “home dinner” vibe.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To Store: Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To Freeze: Place in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
To Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of beef broth to revive moisture, or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but increase the broth to 2¾ cups and simmer for about 35–40 minutes.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare it fully, then store it covered in the fridge. Reheat before serving and add a little extra cheese on top.
3. What if I don’t have burger seasoning?
Mix your own using salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4. Can I make it spicy?
Yes! Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the beef.
5. Is this gluten-free?
It can be if you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and confirm other condiments are safe.
Tips & Tricks
Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor, it stands out best against the beef.
Add a splash of pickle juice if you want a little tang.
If you prefer extra cheesiness, mix in ½ cup more cheese before serving.
Cook the bacon first, it seasons the pot and adds that irresistible smoky flavor to everything else.
Stir gently once the rice starts cooking so it doesn’t turn mushy.
Recipe Variations
Tex-Mex Style: Add 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ cup corn, and ½ cup black beans. Top with pepper jack cheese.
BBQ Twist: Swap tomato sauce for BBQ sauce and sprinkle crispy onions on top before serving.
Mushroom & Swiss: Replace cheddar with Swiss cheese and add 1 cup sautéed mushrooms for a diner-style version.
Low-Carb Option: Use riced cauliflower instead of rice. Cook the beef mixture fully, then stir in the riced cauliflower and cook uncovered for 5 minutes.
Veggie Boost: Stir in chopped spinach, bell peppers, or peas during the last few minutes of simmering for color and nutrients.
Final Thoughts
That night after the block party, when I served this at home, the house smelled like a diner in the best way—savory, cheesy, a little smoky. My son walked into the kitchen and said, “It smells like burgers!” That’s when I knew it was a keeper. It’s the kind of meal that reminds me why I love cooking after work, not just because it feeds my family, but because it makes us slow down for a while, even if it’s just around a pot of rice and melted cheese.
The laughter from the dinner table always feels louder when the food’s this comforting. And for a recipe that takes just one pot and half an hour, it feels like a small miracle at the end of a long day.
One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice
Ingredients
- 6–8 slices bacon chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 3–4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon 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
- 2¼ cups beef broth
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy, then remove and drain, leaving a little grease behind.
- Add ground beef, onion, and garlic; sauté until browned and fragrant, then drain excess fat.
- Stir in burger seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste, cooking briefly to build flavor.
- Mix in relish, mustard, and tomato sauce for that signature cheeseburger taste.
- Add uncooked rice and beef broth, bring to a boil, then simmer covered until tender.
- Stir in cheddar cheese and bacon, sprinkle more cheese on top, and let it melt into a creamy, hearty finish.
