Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This bacon cheeseburger rice stack brings together everything people love about a classic cheeseburger and turns it into a hearty, satisfying layered dish. It combines savory ground beef, smoky bacon, fluffy rice, and melted cheese into one comforting meal that feels familiar yet exciting. I first tried a version of this when I wanted something filling and family-friendly that did not rely on buns or grilling, and it instantly became a repeat recipe. The layers create great texture, the flavors are rich and balanced, and it is surprisingly easy to prepare. This dish works beautifully for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings where comfort food is welcome. It is warm, indulgent, and incredibly satisfying without being complicated.
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Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Stack – A Bold, Comfort-Food Favorite
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A bold and hearty bacon cheeseburger rice stack layered with seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and fluffy rice for a satisfying comfort-food meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 400 g ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon mustard
Instructions
- Cook the rice according to package instructions and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until softened.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until browned.
- Stir in ketchup and mustard, then remove from heat.
- In a serving mold or bowl, layer rice at the bottom, followed by seasoned beef.
- Add crumbled bacon on top of the beef layer.
- Sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Repeat layers if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Use mozzarella or American cheese for a different flavor.
- Brown rice can be substituted for white rice.
- Add pickles or a drizzle of burger sauce for extra cheeseburger flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Ground beef forms the foundation of the dish. It provides rich, savory flavor and mimics the classic cheeseburger filling.
Bacon
Bacon adds smoky depth and a slightly crisp texture that elevates the entire rice stack.
Cooked rice
Rice acts as the base and structure, absorbing flavors from the beef and cheese while keeping the dish hearty.
Cheddar cheese
Cheddar cheese brings sharpness and melts beautifully, creating a classic cheeseburger flavor.
Onion
Onion adds sweetness and depth once cooked, balancing the richness of the meat and cheese.
Garlic
Garlic enhances the savory notes and adds aroma to the beef mixture.
Tomato sauce
Tomato sauce adds moisture and a subtle tang that ties the layers together.
Olive oil
Olive oil is used for sautéing and prevents sticking while cooking.
Salt
Salt enhances and balances the overall flavor.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds mild heat and complements the richness of the dish.
Optional toppings
Chopped pickles, green onions, or a drizzle of burger sauce can be added before serving for extra flavor.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease a baking dish. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove and chop into small pieces, then set aside.
In the same skillet, add olive oil if needed and sauté the onion until soft. Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Add the ground beef, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir the tomato sauce into the beef mixture and allow it to simmer for a few minutes. Remove from heat and mix in half of the cooked bacon.
To assemble, spread half of the rice evenly into the baking dish. Top with the beef mixture, then sprinkle with half of the cheese and remaining bacon. Add the remaining rice on top and finish with the rest of the cheese.
Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes.
Cooking time is 30 minutes.
Total time is about 45 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. Add a splash of water if needed to prevent dryness.
Variations and Customizations
This bacon cheeseburger rice stack is very adaptable. For a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can replace the beef while still delivering great flavor. I have also tested this recipe with smoked cheddar, which adds an extra layer of depth.
For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes to the beef mixture. You can also stir mustard or ketchup into the tomato sauce to enhance the cheeseburger flavor profile.
Vegetables such as diced bell peppers or mushrooms can be added to the beef mixture for extra texture. If you enjoy a creamy finish, drizzle a little burger sauce or cheese sauce over the top before serving. These options make the dish flexible while keeping its bold, comforting character.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 610 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbs | 44 g |
| Fat | 34 g |
| Saturated fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 820 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Cook bacon until crisp
Crispy bacon holds its texture better during baking.
Season in layers
Light seasoning at each step improves overall flavor.
Use warm rice
Warm rice layers more evenly and absorbs flavors better.
Let it rest
Resting helps the layers hold together when serving.
Customize toppings
Adding pickles or sauce just before serving adds freshness.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it can be assembled ahead and baked just before serving.
Can I use leftover rice?
Yes, leftover rice works very well for this recipe.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, it can be frozen, though the rice texture may soften slightly.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but Colby Jack or mozzarella also work.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
How do I keep the rice from drying out?
Ensure enough sauce and cover loosely if reheating.
Conclusion
The bacon cheeseburger rice stack is a bold, comforting dish that transforms familiar flavors into a satisfying baked meal. With layered rice, savory beef, smoky bacon, and melted cheese, it delivers warmth and indulgence in every bite. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for anyone who loves hearty comfort food.
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