One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe

Hey, friend! If you’re craving that indulgent, comforting vibe of a cheeseburger but want to skip the grill and the dishes, this One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe is about to be your new best pal. It’s basically all the good stuff of a bacon cheeseburger—crispy bacon, melty cheese, seasoned beef—mixed right into creamy, tender rice. I love pulling this together on busy weeknights because it’s flavorful, satisfying, and best of all, only one pot to clean!

What makes this recipe special to me is how it brings that classic burger flavor into an easy dinner that everyone at the table adores. Plus, it’s super versatile and forgiving, so if you want to switch up the cheese or add a few veggies, go for it! The combination of beef broth, tomato sauce, and burger seasoning literally makes every bite sing in this One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe—you’re going to want to make it on repeat.

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe plays a role in nailing those classic cheeseburger flavors while keeping the texture interesting. From the smoky bacon to the melty cheese and tangy pickle relish, everything balances beautifully. When shopping, I like to pick good-quality bacon and fresh aromatics to really boost the dish.

• Bacon: Adds smoky, crispy bites that elevate the entire dish.
• Ground Beef: The hearty base providing that juicy, meaty flavor.
• Onion: Brings a subtle sweetness that complements the savory beef.
• Garlic: Infuses a rich, aromatic depth that makes the flavor pop.
• Burger Seasoning: I use Kinders Caramelized Onion Burger Seasoning, but any blend with salt, pepper, and onion powder works well.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and a bit of tang to round out the flavor.
• Tomato Paste & Tomato Sauce: Provide richness and the perfect saucy base for the rice.
• Dill Pickle Relish: That little zing that mimics the burger topping and cuts through the richness.
• Mustard: A touch of sharpness that brightens the whole dish.
• Rice (Long Grain/Jasmine): Absorbs all the flavors and keeps the dish comforting and filling.
• Beef Broth: The cooking liquid that adds extra depth beyond water.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully to create gooey, cheesy goodness.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing things up with the One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe depending on my mood or what’s in my fridge. It’s so forgiving that you can make it spicier, swap out proteins, or throw in extra veggies and it still turns out fantastic. You really can’t go wrong here.

• Spicy Kick: I often add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix when I want a little heat—it livens up the dish beautifully.
• Protein Swap: Ground turkey or chicken works great if you’re looking for a lighter option, and I’ve had great success with those swaps.
• Veggie Boost: Mushrooms or bell peppers are my go-to add-ins for extra nutrition and texture, especially when in season.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to try pepper jack, mozzarella, or even a smoky gouda for a fun twist.

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

Step 1: Cook Bacon Until Crispy

Start by heating your large pot over medium heat and tossing in the chopped bacon. I let it cook slowly so it gets that perfect crispiness without burning. Once crispy, remove the bacon and drain it on paper towels, leaving only about a teaspoon of that flavorful bacon grease in the pot—this little bit will be magic for browning your beef.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef with Aromatics

Next, add your ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef as it cooks until it’s nicely browned and the onions have softened. Once browned, drain off the excess grease so your dish isn’t oily but still packed with flavor.

Step 3: Layer in Flavor with Seasonings and Sauces

Stir in your garlic (if adding extra), burger seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Let those ingredients mingle for a minute or two to wake up those layers of flavor. Then, stir in tomato paste and cook another minute; this boosts the richness and adds a subtle sweetness that brings everything together.

Step 4: Add Pickle Relish, Mustard & Tomato Sauce

This is the secret sauce part! Adding dill pickle relish and mustard gives you that authentic cheeseburger tang, while the tomato sauce creates a comforting base that will soak into your rice. Stir everything until it’s combined and smelling irresistible.

Step 5: Cook Rice in Beef Broth

Add uncooked rice and beef broth to the pot, stirring everything up so the rice is evenly distributed. Bring it all to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes—or until the rice is tender and all that flavorful liquid has been absorbed. Patience here pays off with perfectly tender rice.

Step 6: Melt Cheese and Stir in Bacon

Once the rice is just right, remove the pot from heat. Stir in about half of your shredded cheese along with the reserved bacon—this makes the dish creamy and rich. Then sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top, cover, and let it sit for 3-5 minutes so the cheese melts into that gooey, perfect finish.

How to Serve One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping this dish with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and a few extra pickle slices for that fresh crunch and zing. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream or a little drizzle of ketchup and mustard, just like the perfect burger fixings.

Side Dishes

Since the One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe is hearty on its own, I often keep sides simple—think a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for some freshness. For something crunchier, garlic roasted potatoes or a simple coleslaw make excellent companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual get-togethers, I’ve served this in cute individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and bacon crumbles, which is a serious crowd-pleaser. It also freezes beautifully in muffin tins—pop one out for a fun portion-controlled lunch or dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice stores really well in an airtight container in the fridge. I usually just reheat portions over medium heat with a splash of beef broth or water to refresh the moisture, and it tastes almost as good as the first night!

Freezing

I love freezing this recipe in individual portions for quick lunches or busy nights. Just cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it keeps up to 2 months. When you thaw and warm slowly with a little broth, it comes back creamy and delicious.

Reheating

Reheating on the stove in a covered pan with a dollop of broth is my preferred method to avoid dryness. If using the microwave, add a splash of water or broth and cover loosely to keep the cheese melty and the rice tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe is honestly one of my go-to comfort meals when I want something hearty, flavor-packed, and fuss-free. It reminds me of those cozy nights when I’d wish for a burger but just want to kick back without a mess of dishes. I hope you enjoy making it just as much as I do—and maybe, like me, you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds (or thirds) regularly. Give it a try soon and let me know what twist you added!

Print