Cheeseburger Rice Skillet: A Quick & Delicious Weeknight Meal
Are you craving the satisfying flavors of a juicy cheeseburger but don’t want the hassle of grilling or the guilt of fast food? Look no further than this incredible Cheeseburger Rice Skillet! This one-pan wonder combines the savory goodness of ground beef, melty cheese, and fluffy rice in a simple, family-friendly dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to use up leftover rice. Let’s dive in and discover how to make this irresistible skillet!
## Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Rice Skillet
* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe comes together in just one pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. It’s ideal for those evenings when you need a fast and fuss-free dinner.
* **Family-Friendly:** Kids and adults alike will adore the familiar taste of cheeseburgers in a fun and convenient format.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, use different types of cheese, or add your favorite burger toppings.
* **Budget-Friendly:** This skillet uses inexpensive ingredients that you likely already have on hand, making it a great option for budget-conscious meal planning.
* **Versatile:** It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked rice, preventing food waste and creating a new and exciting meal.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather these essential ingredients:
* **Ground Beef:** 1 pound of ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced
* **Cooked Rice:** 3 cups cooked white or brown rice (day-old rice works best)
* **Beef Broth:** 1 ½ cups beef broth (low sodium recommended)
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* **Mustard:** 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (or Dijon for a tangier flavor)
* **Ketchup:** 2 tablespoons ketchup
* **Shredded Cheddar Cheese:** 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **Optional Toppings:** Diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, pickles, chopped bacon, sesame seeds, burger sauce.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Cheeseburger Rice Skillet:
**Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef**
* Place a large skillet (preferably cast iron or non-stick) over medium-high heat.
* Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
**Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic**
* Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
**Step 3: Add the Rice and Sauce Ingredients**
* Stir in the cooked rice, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, ketchup, salt, and pepper.
* Mix well to combine all the ingredients and ensure the rice is evenly coated in the sauce.
**Step 4: Simmer and Melt the Cheese**
* Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the rice is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
* Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt for 1-2 minutes.
**Step 5: Serve and Garnish**
* Once the cheese is melted and gooey, remove the lid and serve the Cheeseburger Rice Skillet immediately.
* Garnish with your favorite cheeseburger toppings, such as diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, pickles, chopped bacon, and a drizzle of burger sauce.
## Tips and Variations
* **Use Leftover Rice:** This recipe is perfect for using up leftover cooked rice. Day-old rice works best as it’s less likely to become mushy.
* **Swap the Protein:** Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives.
* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a combination of cheddar and mozzarella.
* **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the skillet for a spicy kick.
* **Add Veggies:** Incorporate other vegetables like chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen peas for added nutrients and flavor.
* **Make It Creamy:** Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for a creamier texture.
* **Bacon is Better:** Crispy crumbled bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor that complements the cheeseburger flavors perfectly. Stir it in before adding the cheese or use it as a topping.
* **Burger Sauce Magic:** A simple burger sauce made with mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish adds a tangy and flavorful finishing touch.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** The possibilities are endless! Consider adding fried onions, jalapeños, avocado, or even a fried egg on top.
* **Make it a Casserole:** Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
## Serving Suggestions
This Cheeseburger Rice Skillet is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with:
* **A simple side salad:** A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the skillet.
* **Coleslaw:** Creamy coleslaw is a classic pairing with cheeseburgers and complements the flavors of the skillet perfectly.
* **French fries or onion rings:** For a truly indulgent meal, serve the skillet with your favorite fried sides.
* **Steamed vegetables:** Add some steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots for a healthy and balanced meal.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prepare the Cheeseburger Rice Skillet ahead of time by cooking the ground beef and onions, then storing it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply add the remaining ingredients and follow the recipe instructions.
## Storage Instructions
Store leftover Cheeseburger Rice Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
## Recipe Card
**Cheeseburger Rice Skillet**
**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes
**Total Time:** 30 minutes
**Servings:** 6
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 3 cups cooked rice
* 1 ½ cups beef broth
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
* 2 tablespoons ketchup
* 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, pickles, bacon, burger sauce
**Instructions:**
1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Stir in the cooked rice, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, ketchup, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the rice is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 1-2 minutes.
6. Serve immediately and garnish with your favorite toppings.
## Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate)
* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
*Note: Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
## Final Thoughts
This Cheeseburger Rice Skillet is a winner for busy families seeking a quick, delicious, and customizable meal. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a regular on your weeknight dinner rotation. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready to enjoy a cheeseburger experience like no other! Don’t forget to share your creations and variations in the comments below – we love to see what you come up with! Happy cooking!