If you have a craving for something that combines the hearty goodness of a cheeseburger with the comforting simplicity of a rice dish, you are going to love this Cheeseburger Rice Recipe. It’s a fun, flavorful twist that brings together juicy ground beef, tangy barbecue sauce, melty cheddar cheese, and crunchy bacon and pickles into one satisfying skillet meal. Easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights, this dish delivers all the classic cheeseburger flavors in a new, cozy form that will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and that irresistible cheeseburger vibe.
- 1 pound ground beef: The savory base of the dish, providing protein and richness.
- 1-3/4 cups water: Helps cook the rice and meld all the flavors together.
- 2/3 cup barbecue sauce: Adds a smoky tang that brightens every bite.
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard: A subtle sharpness that balances the sweetness of the barbecue sauce.
- 2 teaspoons dried minced onion: Brings gentle onion flavor without the tears!
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Just enough spice to wake up your taste buds.
- 2 cups uncooked instant rice: Quick-cooking to make this a speedy, weeknight-friendly meal.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully into the rice for that classic cheeseburger gooeyness.
- 1/3 cup chopped dill pickles: Adds a crunchy, tangy contrast that sings in every forkful.
- 5 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled: Crispy bacon bits bring smoky crunch and indulgence.
How to Make Cheeseburger Rice Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and browning the ground beef until no pink remains. This step is key because it builds a savory foundation. Remember to drain the excess grease afterward so your dish doesn’t get too greasy.
Step 2: Add the Liquid Flavors and Rice
Next, pour in the water, barbecue sauce, and prepared mustard. Sprinkle in the dried minced onion and pepper, then bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the instant rice and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and let it cook for five minutes. The rice will absorb all those delicious flavors while the cheese melts into a creamy delight.
Step 3: Finish with Pickles and Bacon
When the rice is tender and cheesy, sprinkle the chopped dill pickles and crumbled bacon over the top. Adding them at the end keeps them crunchy and vibrant, providing a wonderful texture and flavor contrast to the soft, cheesy rice below.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Rice Recipe
Garnishes
While pickles and bacon are already fantastic, feel free to add fresh green onions or shredded lettuce on top for a touch of freshness. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce can also amp up the indulgence factor.
Side Dishes
This Cheeseburger Rice Recipe is substantial on its own, but a crisp side salad or some steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans are perfect to lighten the meal and add color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party platter, serve the cheeseburger rice in small ramekins or place spoonfuls on toasted baguette rounds. You can also stuff it inside large bell peppers and bake briefly to create a handheld, cheeseburger-inspired treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually blend beautifully overnight, making for a fantastic next-day meal.
Freezing
The cheeseburger rice freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind that pickles and bacon may lose some crunch, so you might want to add fresh ones after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore creaminess. Top freshly with chopped pickles and bacon to bring back that perfect crunch.
FAQs
Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and water amount according to your rice package instructions. The dish may take longer to prepare, but the flavors will be just as delicious.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles and use vegetarian bacon or skip it altogether. Using veggie barbecue sauce will keep the authentic taste alive.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Try adding diced bell peppers, corn, or peas during the cooking stage to sneak in some extra nutrients and texture.
What type of barbecue sauce works best?
Choose a barbecue sauce with a balanced sweet and tangy profile. Too smoky or too spicy sauces can overpower the other flavors, so pick one that complements ground beef well.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Cheeseburger Rice Recipe is mild in spice, relying mostly on pepper and the tang of mustard and barbecue sauce for flavor. You can always add hot sauce or cayenne if you prefer some heat.
Final Thoughts
This Cheeseburger Rice Recipe is pure comfort food brilliance that brings all the joy of a cheeseburger in a clever, easy-to-make rice dish. It’s perfect for times when you want something satisfying but don’t want to go through the fuss of a traditional burger meal. Give it a try and get ready to impress yourself and everyone at your table with this unique, flavorful twist!
Print
Cheeseburger Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheeseburger Rice is a quick and comforting skillet recipe that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with easy-to-make instant rice. Ground beef is cooked with barbecue sauce, mustard, and seasonings, then simmered with rice and cheddar cheese to create a cheesy, flavorful dish. Topped with crunchy dill pickles and crispy bacon, this meal is perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner that satisfies burger cravings without the bun.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1–3/4 cups water
- 2/3 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
- 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups uncooked instant rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped dill pickles
- 5 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet set over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain off the excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Add liquids and seasonings: To the skillet with the cooked beef, add water, barbecue sauce, prepared mustard, dried minced onion, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer with rice and cheese: Stir in the uncooked instant rice and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors and the cheese to melt.
- Add pickles and bacon: Remove the skillet from heat, then sprinkle the chopped dill pickles and the cooked, crumbled bacon over the cheeseburger rice. This ensures they stay crunchy and add a nice texture contrast.
- Serve immediately: Mix lightly if desired and serve the cheeseburger rice hot for a quick, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Adding the pickles and bacon at the end keeps them crunchy and fresh-tasting.
- Use instant rice for the quickest preparation; regular rice will require longer cooking time.
- For a spicier twist, add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños when cooking the beef.
- Leftovers can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- To reduce sodium, choose a low-sodium barbecue sauce and bacon.
