One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the comforting, indulgent flavor of a cheeseburger, right? Now imagine capturing all those vibes in a single pot—juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, melty sharp cheddar, and tender rice mingling with tangy pickles and a hint of caramelized onion seasoning. That’s exactly what makes this One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe so special. It’s a seriously satisfying dinner that feels like a hug on a plate, without all the extra dishes to wash afterward.

I love pulling this recipe out when I want something cozy and easy but packed with flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a crowd-pleaser without a ton of fuss. Plus, the ingredients come together in one pot, which means you get a delicious, cheesy, meaty meal faster than you’d expect. Trust me: once you try this One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe, it’ll become one of your go-tos for simple family dinners or even meal prep.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe uses simple, kitchen-friendly ingredients that balance each other beautifully. Each element adds something unique, building layers of flavor and texture you wouldn’t expect in a one-pot dish.

• Bacon: Adds smoky, salty crunch that elevates the cheeseburger vibe to a whole new level.
• Ground Beef: The hearty protein base that’s juicy and flavorful once browned perfectly.
• Onion & Garlic: Classic aromatics that deepen flavor and add just the right zing.
• Burger Seasoning: Kinder’s Caramelized Onion Burger Seasoning is my favorite—but any burger seasoning will boost that meaty richness.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings a subtle umami punch that makes the dish taste restaurant-worthy.
• Tomato Paste & Sauce: Create a rich, tangy base that blends beautifully with the rice and beef.
• Dill Pickle Relish: A cheeky nod to pickles on a burger, adding bright and tangy contrast.
• Mustard: Tonally balances the richness with a mild tartness.
• Long Grain White Rice (Jasmine): Perfectly fluffy, fragrant rice that absorbs all those savory flavors.
• Beef Broth: Keeps the rice moist and intensifies meaty depth.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts into gooey pockets of cheesy heaven—exactly what you want.

Tweak to Your Taste

I like to play around with this One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe depending on what mood I’m in or what’s in my fridge. It’s so easy to make it your own without losing that signature cheeseburger flavor.

• Variation: If you love a little heat, I often add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce right when I add the tomato sauce—gives it a nice spicy kick!
• Protein Swap: I’ve swapped ground turkey or chicken here when I wanted something a bit lighter; it works surprisingly well with the seasoning and cheese.
• Add-Ins: Mushrooms or bell peppers make fantastic additions—adding texture and veggies to the mix.
• Cheese Choices: Sharp cheddar is classic, but sometimes I switch it up with pepper jack or smoked gouda for a different cheesy twist.

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

Step 1: Crisp Up the Bacon

First, chop your bacon and cook it in a large pot over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. I like to leave the rendered bacon fat in the pan because it adds incredible flavor when you cook the beef. Once cooked, scoop the bacon out and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate so it stays crispy.

Step 2: Brown the Beef with Aromatics

Next, keep about a teaspoon of that bacon grease in the pot and add your ground beef along with diced onion and minced garlic. Cook everything until the beef is browned and onions are softened—about 6-7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain excess grease before moving on to keep the dish from getting greasy.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Stir in your burger seasoning and Worcestershire sauce, cooking it for a minute or two so the flavors get cozy. Then add in tomato paste and cook another 1-2 minutes—it thickens the sauce and amps up richness. Now, stir in the dill pickle relish, mustard, and tomato sauce for that classic cheeseburger twist.

Step 4: Add Rice and Broth, Then Simmer

Pour in the uncooked rice and beef broth, stir everything to combine, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover your pot tightly, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and has soaked up all that delicious liquid.

Step 5: Stir in Cheese and Bacon for Gooey Finish

When the rice is perfectly cooked, remove the pot from heat. Stir in half the shredded cheese and the crispy bacon you set aside earlier. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover, and let it sit for 3-5 minutes so the cheese melts into gooey, irresistible pockets of flavor.

Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy

Give everything a gentle stir if you like, scoop into bowls, and serve while it’s warm and cheesy. Each bite feels like the perfect balance of comfort and flavor that hits the spot every time.

How to Serve One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe

Garnishes

I like to top mine with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions; they add a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the rich flavors. Sometimes I even toss on a little extra dill pickle relish or a drizzle of ketchup and mustard for that fun, nostalgic cheeseburger vibe.

Side Dishes

This dish is filling on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or some air-fried French fries to lean into the classic burger experience. Garlic roasted veggies or a simple coleslaw also add a crunchy, fresh contrast that’s just right.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at a casual dinner party, try serving the rice in mini cast iron skillets or individual oven-safe ramekins. It’s an easy way to impress and makes for a cozy presentation that everyone loves. A little side of pickles or even a pickle spear as a garnish finishes the look perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and they keep really well for up to 4 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth or water to bring the rice back to life without drying it out.

Freezing

Freezing this dish works great for me when I portion it out into freezer-safe containers. I’ve frozen it for up to 2 months and found that thawing overnight in the fridge before reheating gives the best texture and flavor preservation.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually warm it gently on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth or water to keep it creamy. If using a microwave, cover the dish and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, so the cheese doesn’t get rubbery and the rice stays tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Recipe feels like a magic trick in the kitchen—transforming all those burger-and-fries cravings into a speedy, one-pot dinner that tastes like it took hours to make. Every time I whip it up, I’m reminded that simple ingredients can create surprisingly cozy, crave-worthy meals that don’t require a million pots or fancy steps. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do—it’s one of those recipes that really feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day.

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