If you love the hearty satisfaction of a cheeseburger but want something a little different and delightfully comforting, then this Cheeseburger Rice Recipe is just what you need. It’s a quick and easy dish that captures all the beloved flavors of a classic cheeseburger—juicy ground beef, tangy barbecue sauce, sharp cheddar, and crisp pickles—combined with fluffy, tender rice. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy meal when you crave something familiar but with a fun twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential, each one playing a starring role in balancing flavor, texture, and color to make this dish absolutely irresistible. From savory beef to zesty barbecue sauce, and that addictive crunch of pickles and bacon, each bite bursts with deliciousness.
- 1 pound ground beef: The protein powerhouse that gives the dish that classic burger flavor.
- 1-3/4 cups water: Needed for cooking the rice perfectly and melding all the flavors together.
- 2/3 cup barbecue sauce: Adds a sweet and smoky tanginess that lifts the dish.
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard: Brings a subtle sharpness that mimics burger condiments.
- 2 teaspoons dried minced onion: Provides savory depth without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper: A little spice to keep the palette lively.
- 2 cups uncooked instant rice: Quick cooking and fluffy, it soaks up all the lovely beef and sauce flavors.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into creamy, cheesy goodness throughout the dish.
- 1/3 cup chopped dill pickles: Offers a bright, crunchy contrast that’s iconic in cheeseburgers.
- 5 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled: Adds smoky, crispy bites that elevate every forkful.
How to Make Cheeseburger Rice Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef until it is no longer pink. This initial step is crucial for building that rich, meaty foundation. Be sure to drain off any excess grease for a cleaner, less oily base that lets the other flavors shine.
Step 2: Mix in the Sauces and Spices
Once the beef is perfectly cooked, add water, barbecue sauce, prepared mustard, dried minced onion, and pepper directly to the skillet. Bringing this mixture to a boil helps all these flavors marry beautifully, creating the signature savory and tangy backdrop for the rice.
Step 3: Add Rice and Cheese
Stir in the uncooked instant rice and sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese. Reducing the heat to a simmer and covering the skillet allows the rice to absorb all those incredible flavors while the cheese softens and melts, coating the rice in creamy cheesiness. Five minutes of gentle simmering is all it takes for magic to happen.
Step 4: Finish with Pickles and Bacon
The final flourish comes from sprinkling the chopped dill pickles and crumbled bacon on top. Adding them at the end ensures they keep their satisfying crunch and burst of flavor, perfectly complementing the tender beef and cheesy rice below.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your presentation and taste by adding a few fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or a dollop of sour cream. These little touches bring freshness and creaminess, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Side Dishes
Serve this dish alongside a crisp garden salad or steamed veggies to round out the meal. Something light and fresh balances the rich cheeseburger rice, creating a well-rounded dinner that satisfies without feeling heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Try serving the cheeseburger rice in hollowed-out bell peppers or large mushroom caps for a fun, colorful twist. Layer it into a casserole dish topped with extra cheese and broil until bubbly for a crowd-pleasing baked version.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cheeseburger rice recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container placed in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days, making it a perfect option for easy lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, portion the rice into freezer-safe containers or bags. It freezes well and can be kept frozen for up to two months. Just be mindful that pickles and bacon may lose some crunchiness after freezing, so you might want to add fresh garnishes when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and bring back that freshly cooked feel. Add fresh pickles and bacon on top to revive their crisp texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice for this Cheeseburger Rice Recipe?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that regular rice takes longer to cook, so you will need to adjust the cooking time and water amount accordingly. Instant rice is used here for convenience and speed.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetarian bacon or omit it altogether. You can also use a vegetarian barbecue sauce to keep all those flavors harmonious.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely. Just ensure your barbecue sauce and mustard are gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten. The rest of the ingredients, including rice and cheese, are naturally gluten-free.
How can I make the pickles and bacon less crunchy if preferred?
If you prefer softer textures, you can mix the pickles and bacon into the hot rice mixture during the last cooking minute, but adding them at the end is recommended for the best contrast of textures.
What kind of cheese works best in the Cheeseburger Rice Recipe?
Sharp cheddar is the classic choice for that perfect balance of flavor and meltiness. However, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Colby Jack or a smoky gouda for a delicious twist.
Final Thoughts
You really cannot go wrong with this comforting and flavor-packed Cheeseburger Rice Recipe. It takes the beloved components of a cheeseburger and transforms them into a quick, satisfying rice dish that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite. Don’t wait to give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Cheeseburger Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheeseburger Rice is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal combining seasoned ground beef, tangy barbecue sauce, creamy cheddar cheese, and crunchy bacon and pickles, all cooked together with instant rice for a cheesy, savory dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 5 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
Liquids and Sauces
- 1–3/4 cups water
- 2/3 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups uncooked instant rice
Garnishes
- 1/3 cup chopped dill pickles
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet set over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once cooked through, drain off the excess grease to avoid a greasy final dish.
- Add liquids and seasonings: To the same skillet, add water, barbecue sauce, prepared mustard, dried minced onion, and black pepper. Stir the mixture together and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Incorporate rice and cheese then simmer: Stir in the uncooked instant rice and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer gently for five minutes to allow the rice to absorb the flavors and the cheese to melt.
- Finish with pickles and bacon: Once the rice is cooked and the cheese melted, sprinkle the dish with chopped dill pickles and crumbled cooked bacon strips. Serve immediately to enjoy the crunchy texture of the toppings.
Notes
- Use instant rice for a faster cooking time; regular rice will require longer simmering.
- Cook and crumble bacon separately ahead of time to save preparation time while the beef cooks.
- Adding pickles and bacon at the end keeps them crunchy and flavorful.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a different twist.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
