Introduction
The Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Stack is a bold, satisfying dish that brings together everything people love about a classic cheeseburger and turns it into a hearty, layered meal. Juicy seasoned beef, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and fluffy rice are stacked together to create a comforting dish that feels familiar yet exciting. I first made this recipe when I wanted something more filling than a standard burger but still packed with the same flavors. The rice adds structure and makes the dish perfect for serving as a plated meal rather than a handheld sandwich. It is rich, savory, and incredibly filling, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings. This recipe is straightforward, customizable, and guaranteed to please anyone who enjoys comfort food with bold flavors.
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Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Stack (Ultimate Comfort Food with a Twist)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Diabetic
Description
A hearty bacon cheeseburger rice stack layered with seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, fluffy rice, and melted cheese—comfort food packed into a satisfying stacked presentation.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water or beef broth
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook rice in water or broth according to package instructions; fluff and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up, and cook until browned.
- Season with paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir in ketchup and mustard; cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and mix in half of the crumbled bacon.
- To assemble, place a layer of rice in a serving ring or bowl.
- Add a layer of beef mixture, then sprinkle with cheese.
- Repeat layers, finishing with cheese and remaining bacon.
- Garnish and serve warm.
Notes
- Use a ring mold for clean stacked layers.
- You can bake briefly to melt cheese if desired.
- Swap cheddar for American or mozzarella.
- Serve with pickles or a side salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers classic cheeseburger flavor in a fun, layered presentation. It is filling, easy to prepare, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. The combination of bacon, cheese, beef, and rice makes it a complete meal in one dish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Ground beef forms the hearty base of the dish. It is seasoned and cooked until juicy, delivering classic cheeseburger flavor.
Bacon
Bacon adds smoky crunch and richness, enhancing the overall depth of flavor.
Cooked rice
Rice provides structure and makes the dish filling. It absorbs flavors from the beef and cheese beautifully.
Cheddar cheese
Cheddar cheese adds sharpness and melts smoothly into the stack.
Mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella contributes creaminess and stretch, balancing the sharper cheddar.
Onion
Onion adds sweetness and moisture to the beef mixture.
Garlic
Garlic enhances the savory flavor of the meat.
Ketchup
Ketchup adds classic cheeseburger sweetness and acidity.
Mustard
Mustard provides tang and balances the richness of the meat and cheese.
Salt
Salt enhances all the flavors in the dish.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds mild heat and contrast.
Olive oil
Olive oil is used to cook the beef and onion evenly.
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving a small amount of rendered fat in the pan.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Add the ground beef, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Stir in the ketchup and mustard, mixing well to coat the beef evenly. Remove from heat.
To assemble, place a layer of cooked rice on a plate or in a small mold. Top with the seasoned beef mixture, followed by crispy bacon and a generous sprinkle of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Repeat layers if desired, finishing with cheese on top. Place under a broiler or in a hot oven briefly until the cheese melts. Serve warm.
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, and cooking time is about 20 minutes. Total time is roughly 35 minutes.
Variations and Customizations
The Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Stack is highly customizable. You can add pickles or relish between layers for extra tang. For a spicy version, include jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter option. You can also use different cheeses such as pepper jack or American cheese for a more traditional cheeseburger flavor. Adding sautéed mushrooms creates a rich, savory twist.
This dish works well as individual stacks or assembled in a baking dish and served casserole-style.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
The following nutrition information is approximate and based on one serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 620 kcal |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Carbs | 42 g |
| Fat | 36 g |
| Saturated fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 880 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use warm rice
Warm rice stacks better and absorbs flavor.
Drain excess fat
This prevents the dish from becoming greasy.
Layer carefully
Neat layers improve presentation and texture.
Melt cheese last
This keeps it gooey and appealing.
Serve immediately
The stacks hold best when served hot.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble components ahead and stack before serving.
Can I use leftover rice?
Yes, leftover rice works very well.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it has familiar cheeseburger flavors.
Can I freeze it?
Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.
What type of rice works best?
White or jasmine rice is ideal.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes, add hot sauce or chili flakes.
Can I skip bacon?
Yes, but bacon adds extra flavor.
Is this gluten-free?
Yes, naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
The Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Stack is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that reinvents classic cheeseburger ingredients in a hearty, satisfying way. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it is a reliable choice for family dinners and casual meals that call for bold, comforting flavors.
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