Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! We all have those nights where we want a hearty, satisfying meal without a sink full of dishes. For me, that’s where my Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Stack comes in. It’s a genius deconstructed cheeseburger that transforms all those classic flavors—savory ground beef, smoky bacon, and melty cheese—into a cozy, one-pan wonder layered over fluffy rice. It’s the kind of meal that disappears from the table in minutes, and trust me, you’ll be happy to make it again and again.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is the perfect marriage of two of my favorite things: a classic bacon cheeseburger and a comforting, easy-to-make casserole. The best part? It’s all done in one skillet or pot, which makes cleanup an absolute breeze. The combination of crispy bacon, well-seasoned ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce over a bed of rice is just pure comfort food gold. It’s a fun and creative way to serve a familiar flavor profile, and it’s always a huge hit with both kids and adults. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can add your favorite burger toppings right into the mix.
Ingredients
For the Bacon Cheeseburger Layer
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Rice
- 2 cups long-grain white rice, cooked
Optional Toppings
- Sliced pickles
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced red onion
Swaps and Notes
- Ground Beef: You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For the best flavor, I recommend using an 80/20 ground beef.
- Bacon: Pre-cooked bacon bits are a great shortcut, but nothing beats the flavor of freshly cooked, crispy bacon.
- Soup: Don’t like cream of mushroom? You can easily swap it for cream of celery or cream of chicken soup.
- Cheese: Cheddar is a classic, but a Colby Jack or a mix of cheeses would work beautifully.
- Rice: I prefer long-grain white rice for this dish, but you could use brown rice. Just be sure to cook it according to package directions before adding it to the stack.
- Mayonnaise/Ketchup/Mustard: This combination is essential for that classic cheeseburger flavor, but feel free to adjust the ratios to your liking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Prepare your long-grain white rice according to the package directions. Once cooked, set it aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet or pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon and set it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, crumble it into small pieces.
- Brown the Beef: In the same skillet (leaving a little bacon grease for flavor), add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the Flavor Base: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Build the Casserole: Fold in the crumbled bacon and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is coated in the creamy sauce.
- Create the Stack: Layer the cooked rice in the bottom of a large casserole dish or serve it directly in the skillet. Spoon the creamy bacon cheeseburger mixture over the rice.
- Final Touches: Sprinkle a generous amount of extra shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid or transfer the dish to a 375°F (190°C) oven for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with your favorite toppings like sliced pickles, diced tomatoes, or red onion. Serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Beef: Cook the ground beef just until it’s no longer pink. You’ll be simmering it in the sauce, so you want to avoid it becoming tough.
- Drain the Grease: Be sure to drain the excess grease from the ground beef after browning. This will prevent your final dish from being greasy.
- Don’t Forget the Salt: While I didn’t include salt in the ingredients, remember to season your ground beef as it cooks. Salt and pepper are your friends here.
- Freshly Grated Cheese: For the best melt and flavor, grate your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Stack is a hearty, all-in-one meal. You can serve it as is, or with a simple side salad to add some freshness. It also pairs perfectly with some crispy french fries or onion rings on the side. For a beverage pairing, a cold soda or even a light beer would be great.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 8g
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This dish is fantastic for leftovers! Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or warm the entire dish in a skillet on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy easy, savory, and satisfying meals, you’ll want to check out some of these other fantastic recipes:
- This Dorito Casserole is my favorite weeknight dinner shortcut
- This Instant Pot Lasagna is my favorite way to make comfort food fast
- Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter
- Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce
- This Walking Taco Bar is my favorite no-fuss way to feed a crowd
Final Thoughts
The Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Stack is a simple, no-fuss recipe that delivers on big, comforting flavor every single time. It’s a great way to shake up your weeknight dinner routine and get everyone excited for dinner.
What are your go-to one-pan meals for busy nights? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below! Don’t forget to follow me for more delicious and easy recipes!
Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Stack: The Ultimate One-Pan Comfort Meal
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups chopped onion
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 4 cups ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the milk, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Layer the cooked rice at the bottom of the pan, then pour the beef mixture over the rice.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and cover the skillet with a lid.
- Cook on low heat for about 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Top with crumbled bacon before serving. Enjoy your Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Stack!
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