Imagine walking into your kitchen, the rich aroma of sizzling bacon mingling with the savory notes of ground beef and melted cheese. The colors of golden-browned meat and marinara-red sauce create a feast for the eyes, making your mouth water in anticipation. This isn’t just any dish; it’s the Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Stack, a delightful and hearty meal that evokes cozy evenings and family gatherings. I remember the first time I made it, inspired by my dad’s love for layered casseroles—watching the layers come together felt like crafting a small edible masterpiece.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Stack
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Stack

Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends, this dish is perfect for bringing loved ones together. With its towering layers and bold flavors, it invites everyone to dig in and share stories. Ready to impress your family and friends with this rustic yet elegant meal? Let’s bring the comfort of classic cheeseburgers into a new, delightful format.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: In just 35 minutes, you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table.
Irresistible Flavor: The combo of smoky bacon, savory beef, and creamy cheese will tantalize your taste buds.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The stacked presentation is as impressive as it is delicious, perfect for sharing.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or even when you have a gathering—it’s versatile for any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt for gluten-free diets using specific rice brands.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef (80/20 blend): This fat ratio keeps your beef juicy while adding flavor; you can substitute with turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Yellow Onion: Diced for a hint of sweetness; shallots can work well if you prefer something milder.
Fresh Garlic: Gives depth to the flavor; feel free to use garlic powder if that’s what you have on hand.
Seasoned Salt: Enhances the natural flavors; plain salt can be used, just add a pinch of your favorite spices.
Tomato Sauce: Provides the base moisture; crushed tomatoes or marinara can also replace it for a different twist.
Ketchup and Yellow Mustard: Adds tangy sweetness; can swap for BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
Instant Rice: Makes it quick and easy; regular rice can be used—adjust cooking time accordingly.
Beef Broth: Adds richness, but vegetable broth is a great substitute for a vegetarian option.
Cooked Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for a hearty crunch; turkey bacon can be substituted for a leaner choice.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides that delightful cheesiness; feel free to mix it up with pepper jack for a spicy kick.

How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Stack

Heat and Sauté: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the meat with a spatula. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, until the beef is nicely browned and the onions are translucent. You want to smell that savory goodness filling the air!

Add Garlic and Season: Once the beef is browned, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until it’s aromatic. Drain any excess fat from the pan, then add seasoned salt to enhance the beef’s flavor. This is where the magic starts!

Combine Ingredients: Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, instant rice, and beef broth, mixing until everything is well integrated. This mixture should start to come together, creating a thick, satisfying texture that looks irresistible.

Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cooking for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re waiting for the broth to absorb and the rice to become tender—look for the edges to start bubbling, indicating it’s time to proceed.

Melt and Mix: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese and half of the chopped bacon until the cheese melts, creating a cohesive, delicious mixture. You’ll notice how creamy and rich it becomes—it’s practically begging to be devoured!

Top It Off: Evenly sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon over the mixture. Cover it for 2 to 3 minutes to let the steam melt the cheese, creating that beautiful ooey-gooey layer on top. Gear up, the best is yet to come!

Prepare the Mold: Lightly grease the inside of a cooking ring mold (around 3 inches in diameter) and place it on a serving plate. The mold will help create a stunning stack that looks gourmet.

Form the Base: Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the rice mixture into the mold, pressing down firmly to create a stable base. This step is essential to ensure your stack holds together beautifully when served.

Layer of Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle reserved bacon and cheddar cheese in the center. This is the magic moment—this cheesy core takes the dish to new heights!

Finish Stacking: Add more rice mixture on top of your cheesy center and press gently to hold everything together. You want it compact enough to stay put yet fluffy at the same time—an exciting contrast!

Final Touches: Scatter the remaining bacon and cheese on top. If you’d like, you can briefly broil or torch it for a golden finish, then cover it for 2 to 3 minutes to set. Remove the mold carefully while pressing down softly on top; this will help maintain the stack’s integrity. Serve hot and enjoy every bite!

Storing & Reheating

For any leftovers, let the Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Stack cool before storing it at room temperature for up to two hours. After that, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate, where it will stay fresh for up to four days. If you’re looking to save it for later, freeze it in a well-sealed container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat it in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes or until hot throughout. Note that the texture may change, so you might want to add a splash of broth or water before reheating to keep it moist.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be sure to drain excess fat from the beef; this prevents the dish from becoming greasy.
Avoid overcooking the rice; it should be tender but not mushy to maintain the stack’s structure.
For a kick, consider using spicy mustard or adding diced jalapeños to the mixture.
To save time, prep all your ingredients before starting, ensuring a smooth cooking process.
Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or spinach to sneak in some green and boost nutrition.
This dish can be made ahead of time; just reheat when you’re ready to serve.

Isn’t it wonderful how a simple recipe can bring friends and family together? The Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Stack is a delightful layering of flavors and textures that’s bound to elicit smiles and satisfied bellies. Don’t shy away from adding your twist or adjusting the proportions based on your tastes. It’s a canvas for creativity—so go ahead, and create your own masterpiece!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use another type of meat?

Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, you can easily swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a leaner dish or a vegetarian option. Just keep an eye on cook times, as they may vary slightly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the entire dish up to the point of stacking it in the mold and then store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat and stack as instructed!

What if I don’t have a ring mold?

No worries! You can simply layer the mixture in a serving dish without the mold. Just keep the layers compact, and you’ll still end up with a beautiful presentation.

Can I customize the toppings?

Definitely! Feel free to pile on other toppings like sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing—it’s your stack, so make it uniquely yours!

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Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Stack

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Author: Danae
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

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Description

The Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Stack is a delightful mix of savory layers, featuring juicy beef, crispy bacon, and melty cheese—perfect for a quick and hearty dinner.

Ingredients

Ground Beef (80/20 blend)
Yellow Onion
Fresh Garlic
Seasoned Salt
Tomato Sauce
Ketchup
Yellow Mustard
Instant Rice
Beef Broth
Cooked Bacon
Sharp Cheddar Cheese

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Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned.
Add minced garlic, sauté for a minute, then season with salt. Drain excess fat.
Mix in tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, instant rice, and beef broth; stir until combined.
Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Remove from heat, stir in half the cheese and bacon until melted.
Sprinkle remaining cheese and bacon on top; cover for 2-3 minutes to melt cheese.
Prepare a cooking ring mold on a serving plate, grease it lightly.
Add 2-3 tablespoons of mixture into the mold, pressing down.
Layer with remaining bacon and cheese in the center.
Add more rice mixture, pressing gently to compact.
Top with remaining bacon and cheese; broil briefly if desired, then remove the mold.

Notes

Use thick-cut bacon for a satisfying crunch.
Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
Adjust spices and condiments to fit your personal taste.