Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Bake
Dive into the ultimate comfort food experience with this Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Bake! Combining the savory flavors of crispy bacon and juicy ground beef with the cheesy goodness of Velveeta, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Bursting with rich tomato flavors and a hint of tang from mustard and A.1. sauce, it brings the beloved flavors of a cheeseburger into a warm, hearty dish. Perfect for family dinners or when entertaining guests, this recipe is a winner that you'll find yourself making time and time again. Best of all, most ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up on a moment's notice!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
thick-cut bacon
8 slices (cooked until crispy and crumbled)
medium onion
1 (chopped)
ground beef
2 lbs (browned with onion)
rice
1 cup (uncooked)
canned tomato sauce
16 ounces (ready to use)
diced tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can (with juices)
yellow mustard
1 teaspoon (ready to use)
A.1. Original Sauce
1 tablespoon (ready to use)
water
1 (14 ounce) can (ready to use)
diced Velveeta cheese
2 cups (ready to use)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon, blot excess fat with paper towels, and crumble into pieces. Set aside.
3
In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the chopped onion and ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
4
Stir in the rice, canned diced tomatoes (including juices), tomato sauce, yellow mustard, A.1. sauce, and water.
5
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Allow it to simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6
Once the rice is tender, remove from heat and stir in the diced Velveeta cheese until fully melted and combined.
7
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the crumbled bacon.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the edges are slightly golden.
9
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Bake?
It is a hearty casserole that combines the flavors of a cheeseburger, including ground beef, bacon, and Velveeta cheese, with rice and a savory tomato-based sauce.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of ground beef and 8 slices of thick-cut bacon.
What kind of cheese provides the creaminess in this dish?
Two cups of diced Velveeta cheese are stirred into the mixture to provide its signature creamy texture.
How do I prepare the bacon?
Cook the bacon in a large skillet until crispy, then blot the fat, crumble it into pieces, and set it aside to use as a topping.
Do I need to cook the rice before adding it?
No, you add 1 cup of uncooked rice directly to the skillet with the beef and liquid ingredients.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does the rice need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer on low heat for 20 minutes once it has reached a boil.
What gives the casserole its tangy cheeseburger flavor?
A combination of yellow mustard and A.1. Original Sauce provides the distinct tangy flavor profile.
Should I drain the diced tomatoes?
No, include the juices from the 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes as they help cook the rice.
How much water is required?
The recipe uses one 14-ounce can worth of water.
What is the total baking time?
The casserole should bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
It is ready when the casserole is bubbly and the edges have become slightly golden.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
While ground beef is traditional for a cheeseburger flavor, you could use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative.
Is the onion cooked separately?
The chopped onion is cooked in the same skillet as the ground beef until the meat is browned and the onions are soft.
When do I add the crumbled bacon?
The crumbled bacon is added as a topping after the rice and cheese mixture is transferred to the baking dish, right before it goes into the oven.
What should I do if the rice is still firm after 20 minutes?
If the rice isn't tender, you can simmer it for a few extra minutes, stirring occasionally, before adding the cheese.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, you should transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish to prevent sticking.
Can I use a different type of mustard?
Yellow mustard is recommended for the classic cheeseburger taste, but Dijon could be used for a sharper flavor.
How many people does this recipe serve?
Given it uses 2 lbs of meat and 1 cup of rice, it typically serves 6 to 8 people.
What is the best way to melt the Velveeta?
Remove the skillet from the heat once the rice is tender and stir in the diced Velveeta until it is fully melted and combined.
Is this a good recipe for meal prep?
Yes, casseroles like this often reheat well, making them excellent for leftovers or meal planning.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, you could easily add diced bell peppers or mushrooms while browning the beef for extra nutrition.
What size can of tomato sauce is needed?
The recipe calls for a 16-ounce can of tomato sauce.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, it is a mild comfort food, though you could add red pepper flakes or jalapeños if you prefer heat.
Why is the bacon fat used for the onions?
Cooking the onions and beef in the remaining bacon fat adds an extra layer of smoky flavor to the base of the dish.
Does this dish contain fiber?
While it contains some fiber from the onions and tomatoes, it is primarily a protein and carbohydrate-focused comfort dish.
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Brown rice can be used but will require significantly more liquid and a longer simmering time to become tender.
What tags describe this recipe?
Common tags include casserole, comfort food, bacon, cheeseburger, one-dish meal, and easy recipe.
How long should it cool before serving?
Let the bake cool for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven to allow the sauce to set slightly.
Is A.1. Sauce mandatory?
A.1. Sauce provides a specific steakhouse-style depth, but you could substitute it with Worcestershire sauce if needed.