Introduction

Cheeseburger Rice is a comforting one-pan meal that combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a hearty rice dish. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup diced onion (white or yellow)
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
½ teaspoon pepper
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
⅓ cup ketchup
1 cup long-grain white rice (rinsed)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Burger toppings (optional for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add ½ cup diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until tender.
Step 2: Add 1 pound lean ground beef to the skillet. Crumble it with a spoon and cook until browned, approximately 7 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in 2 teaspoons minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Then season the mixture with 1 teaspoon Kosher salt and ½ teaspoon pepper.
Step 4: Add 2 cups beef broth, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, ⅓ cup ketchup, and 1 cup rinsed long-grain white rice to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine.
Step 5: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Step 6: Remove the lid and stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Heat until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
Step 7: Serve hot with your favorite burger toppings like shredded lettuce, tomato, pickles, and burger sauce for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

For a juicier dish, use a mix of ground beef with slightly higher fat content, such as 80/20.
Try adding diced pickles or a splash of mustard to the rice mixture for extra tang.
Substitute cheddar cheese with pepper jack or mozzarella for a different taste.
Use brown rice instead of white, but increase the simmer time and broth amount accordingly.

Storage

Store leftover Cheeseburger Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist. This dish does not freeze well due to the rice texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with any cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack to vary the flavor.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

You can replace the ground beef with plant-based meat substitute or cooked lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version.

Cheeseburger Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 84 reviews

Cheeseburger Rice is a comforting one-pan meal that combines the savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger with tender, cheesy rice. Ground beef is cooked with onions and garlic, then simmered with rice and beef broth until perfectly tender. Finished with melted cheddar cheese and optional burger toppings, this dish is a delicious twist on traditional cheeseburger flavors, easy to prepare and perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 pound lean ground beef
½ cup diced onion (white or yellow)
2 teaspoons minced garlic

Liquids and Sauces

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
⅓ cup ketchup

Dry Ingredients

1 teaspoon Kosher salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1 cup long-grain white rice (rinsed)

Cheese and Toppings

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Burger toppings (optional for serving): shredded lettuce, tomato, pickles, burger sauce

Instructions

Cook the onions and beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add ½ cup diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until tender. Add 1 pound lean ground beef, crumbling it as it cooks, and cook until browned, approximately 7 minutes.
Season with garlic and spices: Stir in 2 teaspoons minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then season the mixture with 1 teaspoon Kosher salt and ½ teaspoon pepper.
Add liquids and rice: Pour in 2 cups beef broth, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and ⅓ cup ketchup. Add the rinsed 1 cup long-grain white rice and stir everything to combine thoroughly.
Simmer the rice mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Incorporate the cheese: Once the rice is cooked, stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese into the skillet. Continue heating until the cheese is fully melted and blended into the rice.
Serve with toppings: Plate the cheeseburger rice and top with your favorite burger toppings such as shredded lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and a drizzle of burger sauce for added flavor.

Notes

Rinsing the rice before cooking helps to remove excess starch and prevents the dish from becoming gummy.
Feel free to use different cheese varieties like American or Monterey Jack for a varied flavor.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
Add chopped pickles or a dash of hot sauce into the dish for an extra tangy or spicy kick.

Keywords: cheeseburger rice, ground beef recipe, one-pan meal, quick dinner, cheesy rice, comfort food