If you’re craving the flavor of a juicy cheeseburger but don’t feel like firing up the grill, this cheeseburger rice skillet is the answer. It’s the ultimate comfort food—hearty, cheesy, and made in just one pan. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even meal prep, this skillet dinner combines lean ground beef, BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, and rice for a casserole-style dish that everyone will love.
Unlike takeout or drive-thru burgers, this homemade dinner is both budget-friendly and customizable. Add bacon for extra smokiness, jalapeños for spice, or keep it simple for a kid-approved version. Either way, you’ll have a filling meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb lean ground beef (93% lean is ideal, but ground turkey or chicken works too)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite; Sweet Baby Ray’s recommended)
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- ¼ tsp black pepper (optional for a more kid-friendly dish)
- 2 cups instant rice (Minute white or brown rice are both great choices)
- 2 cups beef broth (chicken or vegetable broth also works)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (swap in Monterey Jack, Colby, or Pepper Jack if you like a kick)
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onions over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onions are tender. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the BBQ sauce, mustard, and black pepper, mixing until everything is well coated.
- Add the instant rice and broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in 1½ cups of shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheese over the top, cover again, and let it melt before serving.
🍔 Optional Toppings & Variations
- Classic burger style: shredded lettuce, diced pickles, tomato slices, or a drizzle of ketchup.
- Tex-Mex twist: jalapeños, salsa, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning in the beef.
- Bacon lover’s version: add crispy bacon crumbles on top for an extra smoky flavor.
- Lighter version: swap ground turkey or chicken, use low-fat cheese, and serve with a side salad.
👩🍳 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ One-pan dinner — fewer dishes, more flavor.
✔ Quick and easy — ready in under 30 minutes.
✔ Family-friendly — kids love it, adults can spice it up.
✔ Customizable — endless topping and cheese options.
✔ Meal prep friendly — reheats well for lunches.
🥡 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist.
- Freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers.
⭐ Final Thoughts
This cheesy cheeseburger rice skillet is everything you love about burgers—savory beef, tangy sauce, and melted cheese—turned into a cozy, one-pan meal. It’s a recipe that’s easy enough for weeknights yet satisfying enough to feed a crowd. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or adventurous foodies, this skillet casserole is sure to become a family favorite.