Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine! If you love the classic, juicy flavors of a bacon cheeseburger, you are going to fall head over heels for this incredible Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Stack. This recipe takes all the elements you adore—savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and melty cheese—and layers them with fluffy rice for an all-in-one meal that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s a creative twist that brings big flavor to the dinner table with minimal fuss.
We’re deconstructing the traditional burger and rebuilding it into a hearty, satisfying stack that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s the perfect solution for a busy evening when you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
What is a Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Stack?
Think of it as your favorite burger in a bowl, but better! A Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Stack features layers of perfectly cooked rice, seasoned ground beef, a rich and creamy cheese sauce, and crispy bacon crumbles. We top it all off with classic burger fixings like pickles and a drizzle of ketchup and mustard. It’s a fun, visually appealing dish that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Recipe
- Family-Friendly Favorite: The familiar flavors of a bacon cheeseburger are a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
- Easy Weeknight Meal: With simple steps and common ingredients, this dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights.
- All-in-One Dish: It combines your protein, carbs, and toppings in a single, satisfying meal. No need for lots of side dishes!
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the toppings and ingredients to suit your family’s tastes. Add some tomatoes, onions, or even a different kind of cheese!
The Key Ingredients
The magic of this dish comes from using simple, high-quality ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this savory rice stack to life.
For the Beef and Bacon:
- Ground Beef: We recommend an 80/20 blend for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
- Bacon: Choose your favorite thick-cut bacon for the best crispy texture.
- Onion & Garlic: These aromatics build the foundational flavor of the dish.
For the Cheesy Rice:
- Long-Grain White Rice: Cooks up fluffy and provides the perfect base for our stack.
- Beef Broth: Cooking the rice in broth instead of water infuses it with extra flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar delivers that classic, tangy cheeseburger taste. For another cheesy bacon delight, try these Cheesy Bacon Pull-Apart Twists.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Stack is easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps for a delicious and impressive meal.
1. Cook the Bacon and Beef
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about a tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened. Add the ground beef and garlic, cooking until the beef is browned. Drain any excess grease.
2. Prepare the Cheesy Rice
While the beef is cooking, prepare your rice according to package directions, but substitute beef broth for water. Once the rice is cooked and fluffy, stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and creamy.
3. Assemble the Stack
Now for the fun part! Start by placing a generous scoop of the cheesy rice at the bottom of a bowl or plate. Top the rice with a layer of the seasoned ground beef mixture. Crumble the crispy bacon over the beef. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top. For a similar hearty meal, check out this recipe for One-Pot Beefaroni.
4. Add Toppings and Serve
Finish your Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Stack with your favorite burger toppings. Diced pickles, a drizzle of ketchup and mustard, and some sesame seeds work wonderfully. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Stack
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best creamy texture, buy a block of cheddar and shred it yourself.
- Don’t Overcook the Beef: Cook the ground beef until it’s just browned to keep it tender and juicy.
- Toast the Rice: For an extra layer of nutty flavor, toast the uncooked rice in a little butter for a few minutes before adding the beef broth.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
This Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Stack makes for fantastic leftovers! Store the components in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the rice and beef mixture until warm, then assemble the stack with fresh toppings. This method helps maintain the best texture.
If you’re looking for other comforting dishes, you’ll love this Chili Mac and Cheese recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can prepare the ground beef mixture and the cheesy rice up to 2 days in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the components and assemble the stacks.
For best results, store the rice and beef mixtures in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, then assemble with fresh toppings just before serving.
You can easily customize this dish! Try using ground turkey instead of beef, adding a can of diced tomatoes to the meat mixture, or swapping the cheddar for Pepper Jack cheese for a spicy kick.
A long-grain white rice works best as it cooks up fluffy and holds its shape well in the stack. You could also use jasmine or basmati rice if you prefer.
This is a great all-in-one meal, but a simple side salad, steamed green beans, or a side of coleslaw would complement it perfectly without being too heavy.
The Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Stack Recipe
Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Stack: A Fun Family Dinner!
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving 1 tablespoon of grease in the skillet. Crumble the bacon once cooled.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef and minced garlic, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned, then drain off any excess grease.
- Meanwhile, combine the uncooked rice and beef broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Remove the cooked rice from the heat and stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and creamy.
- To assemble the stacks, divide the cheesy rice among four bowls. Top with the ground beef mixture, then sprinkle with the crumbled bacon and the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Garnish with diced pickles, a drizzle of ketchup and mustard, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Notes
Feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Store leftovers by keeping the components separate in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Share Your Amazing Creation!
We know you’ll love making this Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Stack. It’s a fun, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. If you make this recipe, we’d love to see it! Share a photo of your stack and tag us. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest!
