One Pan Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet

Name: One Pan Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Ingredients: 6 slices bacon; 1 lb ground beef; 1 onion; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; garlic salt; black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tbsp Kinder’s Buttery Garlic & Herb seasoning; 3 cloves garlic; 1 cup jasmine rice; 1 cup tomato sauce; 2 cups beef broth; 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese

This is one of those dinners that tastes exactly like comfort food should—cheesy, beefy, smoky, and ridiculously filling.

Everything cooks together in one skillet, so the rice absorbs all the flavor from the bacon grease, seasoned beef, broth, and tomato sauce while it simmers. By the time the cheese gets stirred in, the entire pan turns into a thick, creamy cheeseburger-style rice skillet that’s hard to stop eating.

The crispy bacon on top adds the perfect texture and smoky crunch that pulls the whole dish together. It honestly tastes like a bacon cheeseburger and cheesy rice had a perfect mashup in a cast iron skillet.

This is the kind of quick dinner recipe that feels simple to make but still hits like full-on comfort food.

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Everything cooks together in one pan.
Loaded with cheesy bacon cheeseburger flavor.
Perfect easy weeknight dinner recipe.
Rich, filling, and family friendly.
Minimal cleanup with tons of flavor.

Ingredients

This recipe combines ground beef, bacon, rice, broth, and cheddar cheese into a rich one-pan skillet meal. The bacon grease helps flavor the beef and rice while everything cooks together in the same pan.

The tomato sauce and broth create a savory base that the rice absorbs as it simmers. Once the cheddar cheese melts in, the skillet becomes creamy, cheesy, and packed with bacon cheeseburger flavor.

6 slices bacon, chopped
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Garlic salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tbsp Kinder’s Buttery Garlic & Herb seasoning
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup jasmine rice
1 cup tomato sauce
2 cups beef broth
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

How To Make One Pan Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet

Step 1: Cook Bacon

Add the chopped bacon to a large skillet over medium heat and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving a little bacon grease in the pan.

Step 2: Cook Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Add the diced onion and Worcestershire sauce. Season with garlic salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Kinder’s Buttery Garlic & Herb seasoning.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Rice and Liquids

Stir in the jasmine rice, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix everything together well.

Step 5: Simmer

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook for about 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

Step 6: Add Cheese

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully combined.

Step 7: Top and Serve

Top with the crispy bacon and serve hot.

Recipe Variations

You can add diced pickles and a drizzle of burger sauce after cooking if you want an even more authentic cheeseburger flavor. The tanginess balances really well with the rich beef and cheese.
Adding jalapeños or pepper jack cheese creates a spicy version of the skillet with extra heat. The spice pairs really well with the smoky bacon and creamy melted cheese.
You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey if you want a lighter version of the recipe. The turkey still absorbs all the seasoning and broth flavor while keeping the skillet hearty.
Mixing in diced tomatoes or Rotel adds extra texture and a slightly fresher flavor to the dish. Rotel also gives it a subtle spicy kick that works really well.
For extra cheesiness, add another layer of cheddar on top and let it melt before serving. This creates an even richer and creamier skillet texture.

Tips for Success

Leave a little bacon grease in the skillet for extra flavor.
Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for smoother melting.
Keep the skillet covered while the rice cooks for the best texture.
Stir occasionally near the end to prevent sticking.
Let the skillet rest a few minutes before serving so it thickens.
Adjust broth slightly if you prefer softer rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, but different types of rice may require slightly different cooking times and liquid amounts. Jasmine rice cooks quickly and stays tender, but long grain white rice also works well. Avoid instant rice because it can become mushy in the skillet.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

This skillet reheats really well and makes great leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat with a splash of broth if needed.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely. Diced bell peppers, corn, or even jalapeños work really well in this skillet and add extra texture and flavor. You can cook them with the onions so they soften before the rice is added.

What cheese works best in this skillet?

Sharp cheddar gives the skillet the best cheeseburger flavor, but you can also mix in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for different flavor combinations. Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese.

Can I freeze bacon cheeseburger rice skillet?

Yes, although the texture of the rice may soften slightly after thawing and reheating. Allow the skillet to cool completely before storing in freezer-safe containers, then reheat slowly for the best texture.