Looking for a quick weeknight meal? Try our Cheeseburger Rice—easy to make, hearty, and packed with all the flavors you love in a burger. This dish combines the comforting textures of rice with the savory goodness of cheeseburgers, making it a hit for both kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, perfect for busy weeknights.
Family-Friendly: With its familiar flavors, even picky eaters will enjoy this hearty meal.
One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required, as everything cooks in a single pot.
Customizable: You can easily adapt the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Comfort Food: It’s a warm and filling dish that brings a sense of hominess to any dinner table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Cheeseburger Rice are simple yet essential, each playing a vital role in delivering the classic burger flavors you cherish. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to create this delightful meal.

Ground Beef: The star of the dish, it adds that rich, savory flavor that makes cheeseburgers so beloved.
Rice: A hearty base that absorbs all the delicious flavors and gives the dish its satisfying texture.
Onion: Chopped onion adds sweetness and depth to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Cheddar Cheese: Melting cheese on top creates that ooey-gooey goodness reminiscent of a classic cheeseburger.
Ketchup and Mustard: These condiments provide the classic burger taste, making the dish even more delicious.
Pickles: Optional, but they add a delightful crunch and tanginess that balances the rich flavors.

Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Variations for Cheeseburger Rice

This Cheeseburger Rice recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it based on whatever ingredients you have on hand or your specific dietary needs. Here are some fun variations to consider:

Turkey or Chicken: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Vegetarian Version: Replace meat with lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative for a delicious vegetarian dish.
Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to spice things up for those who love a bit of heat.
Extra Veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and color.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or any cheese you adore to put your spin on it.

Satisfy Your Cravings with Cheeseburger Rice

How to Make Cheeseburger Rice

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Onions

Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onions and cook until they are softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step adds incredible flavor to your Cheeseburger Rice.

Step 3: Stir in the Rice

Next, add the uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring to mix it well with the meat and onions. This allows the rice to absorb the wonderful flavors.

Step 4: Add Liquid and Seasonings

Pour in the necessary amount of water or broth along with ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

Step 5: Mix in the Cheese

Once the rice is fully cooked, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s all melted and gooey. This is the moment that truly makes Cheeseburger Rice irresistible!

Pro Tips for Making Cheeseburger Rice

Use Quality Meat: Opt for lean ground beef to keep it healthier while still enjoying that rich flavor.
Rinse Rice: Rinsing uncooked rice can help remove excess starch, leading to fluffier rice.
Let it Rest: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking to let the flavors meld together beautifully.
Garnish Generously: Don’t skip on garnishes like pickles or fresh herbs to elevate the dish.
Keep it Covered: While simmering, make sure to keep the lid on to trap steam and ensure the rice cooks evenly.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Rice

Garnishes

Garnishing your Cheeseburger Rice can take it to the next level. Consider topping it with fresh chopped parsley, sliced green onions, or even crispy fried onions for extra flavor and crunch.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables, providing a nice balance to the richness of the rice.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Cheeseburger Rice in individual bowls or even hollowed-out bell peppers, making it a great option for a themed dinner night.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cheeseburger Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Just make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it up.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, Cheeseburger Rice freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and it can last for up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating

When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help it steam back to life. You can also use the microwave, heating in short intervals until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make Cheeseburger Rice gluten-free, ensure that the ketchup and any other condiments used are gluten-free.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative for a delicious vegetarian version.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture while cooking for an added kick of heat.

What can I serve with Cheeseburger Rice?

This dish pairs well with a fresh garden salad, steamed broccoli, or even crispy French fries for a fun twist.

Final Thoughts

Cheeseburger Rice is the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings and bring comfort to your dinner table. With its delicious flavors, ease of preparation, and versatility, you’ll find yourself making this recipe over and over again. Give it a try, and enjoy every bite!

Cheeseburger Rice

Author: Savannah
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Cheeseburger Rice is a quick and hearty weeknight meal that combines the comforting textures of rice with the savory goodness of cheeseburgers, making it a favorite for families and picky eaters alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

1 lb Ground Beef

Grains

1 cup Uncooked Rice

Vegetables

1 Onion, chopped

Dairy

1 cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded

Condiments

1/4 cup Ketchup
2 tbsp Mustard

Optional

Pickles to taste

Instructions

Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Add the Onions: Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onions and cook until they are softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step adds incredible flavor to your Cheeseburger Rice.
Stir in the Rice: Next, add the uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring to mix it well with the meat and onions. This allows the rice to absorb the wonderful flavors.
Add Liquid and Seasonings: Pour in the necessary amount of water or broth along with ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
Mix in the Cheese: Once the rice is fully cooked, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s all melted and gooey. This is the moment that truly makes Cheeseburger Rice irresistible!

Notes

Use Quality Meat: Opt for lean ground beef to keep it healthier while still enjoying that rich flavor.
Rinse Rice: Rinsing uncooked rice can help remove excess starch, leading to fluffier rice.
Let it Rest: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking to let the flavors meld together beautifully.
Garnish Generously: Don’t skip on garnishes like pickles or fresh herbs to elevate the dish.
Keep it Covered: While simmering, make sure to keep the lid on to trap steam and ensure the rice cooks evenly.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American