A quick and easy one-pan meal that combines the flavors of a bacon cheeseburger with the comfort of a rice skillet. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Ingredients:

2 lbs lean ground beef
1 medium onion, finely diced
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
1 tbsp yellow mustard
½ tsp black pepper
2 cups instant rice
2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4-6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation:

Step 1: In a large skillet (preferably cast iron or another oven-safe skillet), brown the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat. Use a spatula to break up the beef as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Drain any excess fat from the skillet. This will prevent the skillet from becoming greasy.

Step 3: Add the BBQ sauce, yellow mustard, black pepper, and instant rice to the skillet. Stir well to ensure that the rice is evenly coated with the sauce and seasonings.

Step 4: Pour the beef broth over the mixture in the skillet. Stir gently to combine everything.

Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the rice mixture.

Step 6: Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Be careful not to overcook, as the rice can become mushy.

Step 7: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with crispy crumbled bacon and chopped green onions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup! Everything cooks in one skillet.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the familiar flavors of a bacon cheeseburger.
Customizable: Easily adaptable to your taste preferences. Use different cheeses, sauces, or add-ins.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve immediately as a complete meal.
Pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner.
Add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of ranch dressing for extra flavor.

Tips:

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the skillet.
If you don’t have instant rice, you can use regular long-grain rice, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and the amount of broth.
To prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the skillet, stir it occasionally during the simmering process.
Feel free to substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef.
For a vegetarian option, use plant-based ground meat substitute.

Preparation Time:

10 minutes

Cook Time:

20 minutes

Total Time:

30 minutes

Nutrition Information:

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Calories: Approximately 550-650 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients)
Protein: Approximately 40-50g per serving
Sodium: Approximately 800-1000mg per serving

DRINK Rating:

Pairings:

Beer: A crisp lager or a hoppy IPA would complement the savory flavors of the dish.
Wine: A medium-bodied red wine like a Merlot or a Zinfandel would pair well with the beef and BBQ sauce.
Non-Alcoholic: Iced tea, lemonade, or a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime would be refreshing choices.

Conclusion:

This Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Skillet is a delicious and convenient meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its easy preparation and customizable ingredients, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Enjoy!

Questions and Answers:

Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A: Absolutely! Cheddar cheese is classic, but you can easily substitute it with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for extra flavor.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: While best served fresh, you can prepare the skillet ahead of time and reheat it later. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a splash of broth to keep the rice moist.

Q3: Can I add vegetables to this skillet?

A: Definitely! Adding vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn can enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dish. Sauté the vegetables along with the onion and ground beef.

Q4: Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?

A: Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of liquid. Use about 2 1/2 cups of broth for 1 cup of regular rice, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through.

Q5: How can I make this recipe healthier?

A: To make this recipe healthier, you can use leaner ground beef or ground turkey, reduce the amount of cheese, and add more vegetables. You can also use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber.