I absolutely love how this One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe brings all the classic burger flavors into a comforting, easy-to-make rice dish. It s perfect for nights when you want something hearty and satisfying without tons of cleanup. Plus, everything cooks in one pot, which means less fuss and more time to relax after dinner.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how well the smoky bacon and sharp cheddar cheese paired with the tender rice. You’ll find that it s a total crowd-pleaser, whether you re feeding a hungry family or looking for a tasty meal prep option. Trust me, once you make this, it s going to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One Pot Convenience: Minimal cleanup means you spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
Burger Flavors in Every Bite: All those classic cheeseburger tastes magically meld into comforting rice – so satisfying!
Customizable Ingredients: You can easily swap ingredients or tweak seasonings to match your personal preferences.
Quick and Family Friendly: Dinner s on the table in under 40 minutes, pleasing even the pickiest eaters.

A white pan filled with a single-layer dish made of rice mixed with small pieces of browned meat and bits of red vegetables, all coated in a reddish sauce. On top, there is a layer of melted bright yellow cheese that looks shiny and smooth, draped unevenly over the rice and meat mixture. The sides of the pan have some remnants of the sauce, giving a slightly messy but hearty look. The pan sits on a black stove, but the surface is changed to a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together to transform simple pantry staples into a flavorful and filling dinner. Keep an eye out for good-quality bacon and choose a cheese that melts nicely to get that perfect gooey texture.

Bacon: I like using thick-cut for crispiness and smoky flavor.
Ground Beef: Choose 80/20 for juiciness or leaner if you prefer.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; yellow or white works well.
Garlic: Freshly minced for that aromatic kick.
Burger Seasoning: Kinder s Caramelized Onion Burger Seasoning is my go-to, but any burger spice blend will do.
Worcestershire Sauce: Brings that umami richness essential to burger flavor.
Tomato Paste: Concentrated flavor to deepen the sauce.
Dill Pickle Relish: Gives that tangy cheeseburger zing.
Yellow or Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle sharpness that brightens the dish.
Tomato Sauce: Helps form a saucy base for the rice.
Uncooked Long Grain White Rice: I use Jasmine for its fragrance and fluffy texture.
Beef Broth: Infuses the rice with savory richness.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and packs that cheesy punch you crave.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe is-there s plenty of room to make it your own. I often experiment by adding different mix-ins or swapping out proteins to keep it interesting.

Add Some Heat: When I want a spicy kick, I toss in sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce-it wakes up the flavors wonderfully.
Protein Swap: Ground turkey or chicken works great if you want something leaner or just want a change from beef.
Veggie Boost: Mushrooms or diced bell peppers add texture and extra nutrition without overpowering the cheeseburger vibe.
Cheese Options: Try pepper jack for a little spice or gouda for a smokier feel-experiment to find your fave.

How to Make One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe

Step 1: Crisp That Bacon

Start by cooking your chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. I like to keep a little grease in the pot because it adds amazing flavor when we brown the ground beef. Once done, scoop out the bacon and set it aside for later.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Veggies

Use the leftover bacon grease, about a teaspoon, in the same pot to cook the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic until everything is browned and fragrant. Make sure to break up the beef into small pieces as it cooks. When done, drain any excess grease to keep it from getting greasy.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Now stir in your garlic, burger seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Let them cook together for a minute or two so the flavors really come alive. Then add the tomato paste and cook for another couple of minutes-this step brings that rich umami boost that makes the dish sing.

Step 4: Add the Pickle, Mustard, and Tomato Sauce

Next, stir in the dill pickle relish and mustard. These two give you that tangy cheeseburger vibe that s so fun and unique. Pour in the tomato sauce and mix everything well to combine before moving on.

Step 5: Cook the Rice

Add the uncooked rice and beef broth to the pot. Give it a good stir to make sure the rice is evenly dispersed. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes. Make sure not to peek too much or lift the lid too often-that steam is helping the rice cook perfectly.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Bacon

Once the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid, take the pot off the heat. Stir in one cup of shredded cheddar cheese and all the reserved crispy bacon pieces. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top, cover again, and let it sit for 3-5 minutes-this lets the cheese melt into a gooey, dreamy finish.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Give the rice one last gentle stir and serve it hot. You re in for a comforting, cheesy, and smoky meal that feels like your favorite cheeseburger, only cozier.

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Pro Tips for Making One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe

Don t Skip Bacon Grease: Leaving a teaspoon of bacon grease really amps up the flavor when browning your beef and veggies.
Use a Good Burger Seasoning: I learned that a high-quality seasoning blend like Kinder s makes a noticeable difference in depth and aroma.
Resist Lifting the Lid: Keeping the pot covered while the rice cooks ensures it steams properly and turns out fluffy every time.
Add Cheese Last: Melting the cheese off heat avoids overcooking and keeps it gooey and melty instead of rubbery.

How to Serve One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe

This image shows a close-up of a white pan filled with a mixture of cooked rice, ground meat, bacon pieces, and melted yellow cheddar cheese evenly spread throughout. The rice and meat blend forms the base layer, with gooey cheese melted on top and intertwined inside, giving the dish a textured and creamy look. A metal spoon lifts a large portion, showing the layers and textures well, with some bits of bacon visible in the mix. The background surface under the pan has a white marbled texture. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh parsley to add a pop of color and a bit of freshness. Sometimes I ll add a little extra shredded cheddar or even a drizzle of ketchup or mustard on top, just like a cheeseburger!

Side Dishes

Since this recipe is pretty hearty, we usually keep sides simple-like a crisp green salad or some steamed broccoli to add a fresh, crunchy element. Homemade oven-baked fries or even roasted veggies make a nice complement if you want to elevate the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual dinner parties, I like to serve the rice in individual mini cast iron skillets or hollowed-out bell peppers for a fun twist. It makes for a cute presentation and lets guests customize with their favorite toppings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe in airtight containers in the fridge, where it keeps well for up to 4 days. I ve found that it tastes just as good warmed up the next day, and sometimes even better once the flavors have had time to mingle overnight.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When I m ready to eat, I thaw it overnight in the fridge, and it reheats perfectly with a quick splash of broth or water to restore moisture.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop with a little beef broth or in the microwave with a few seconds added for steaming. This keeps the rice fluffy and the cheese melty-just like freshly made.

FAQs

Can I make this One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Simply skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The dish will still be flavorful thanks to the seasoning, bacon, and Worcestershire sauce.
What type of rice works best?

I recommend long grain white rice like Jasmine because it cooks evenly and stays fluffy. Avoid quick-cooking or instant rice, as they won’t absorb liquid the same way.
Can I use pre-cooked bacon?

You can, but I like cooking the bacon fresh in the pot to render its fat, which adds flavor when browning the beef. If using pre-cooked bacon, consider adding a teaspoon of oil to replace the rendered fat.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes! It freezes well in portions and can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat with a bit of broth to keep it moist and delicious.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe holds a special place in my meal rotation because it s just so simple yet packed with all those nostalgic burger flavors. Whether I m feeding family on busy weeknights or cooking for friends who love comfort food, it never disappoints. I really hope you ll give it a try-it s like a cozy hug in a bowl that you can whip up anytime!