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There’s something profoundly satisfying about a dish that combines the comfort of a classic cheeseburger with the wholesome ease of a rice bowl. Enter Cheeseburger Rice—my go-to for busy weeknights when I crave something hearty yet straightforward. I came upon this idea during a whirlwind of leftovers one evening, testing out what could pass as fast food in my kitchen without the drive-through. It’s been a regular ever since, embodying all the flavors of a cheeseburger but in one delightful, easy-to-make bowl.
Picture this: every bite gives you that juicy burger experience, thanks to the seasoned beef and savory broth, merged seamlessly with tender rice and gooey melted cheese. It’s like a warm hug after a long day, yet it doesn’t ask for your entire evening to prepare. It’s a dish that respects your time while rewarding your taste buds—a balance we all strive for, isn’t it?
What makes this recipe special
This Cheeseburger Rice is not only easy to whip up but also remarkably adaptable. The flavors are familiar, evoking memories of backyard barbecues and family dinners, but the texture is a whole new experience. We’re talking about the satisfaction of creamy rice enveloped in a beefy, tangy broth—no dry buns falling apart here. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite burger toppings—lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, or even a drizzle of burger sauce—turning every serving into a personalized delight. It’s comfort food without the guilt; every ingredient plays a role, crafting a dish that feels indulgent but delivers warmth and nourishment.
Gather these ingredients
To bring this dish to life, here’s what you’ll need:
- Lean Ground Beef (1 pound): This is the backbone of the dish. Choose a good quality ground beef for maximum flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, ground turkey or chicken can serve as lighter alternatives.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Just a touch for sautéing, helping to coax out the sweetness from the onions while preventing sticking.
- Diced Onion (½ cup): You can use either white or yellow. It adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor when cooked down.
- Minced Garlic (2 teaspoons): A crucial ingredient for dimension. You can swap in garlic powder if that’s what you have on hand.
- Kosher Salt (1 teaspoon): This enhances the natural flavors, drawing them out to their fullest.
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Just a hint to complement the beef’s richness. Adjust it to your taste.
- Beef Broth (2 cups): This brings the dish together, infusing it with that robust, meaty flavor. Homemade or low-sodium store-bought works perfectly.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): A smidge of umami to round out the flavors. Trust me; don’t skip this one.
- Ketchup (⅓ cup): For that quintessential cheeseburger sweetness and a bit of tang. If you’re feeling bold, try a spicy ketchup variation.
- Long-Grain White Rice (1 cup, rinsed): Rinsing before cooking removes excess starch, leading to fluffier grains—much better than a sticky mess.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): This is what ties everything together, creating that gooey cheeseburger goodness. Feel free to mix in other cheeses, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a kick.
- Burger Toppings (optional): Think shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced pickles, or a drizzle of burger sauce for the final embellishment. It’s all about personal flair.
How this recipe comes together
Ready to dive in? Here are the steps to create this comfort-in-a-bowl:
- In a large skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once warm, toss in ½ cup of diced onion. Sauté for about three minutes until they soften and turn translucent.
- Add 1 pound of lean ground beef to the skillet. Crumble it and cook for about 7 minutes, until it’s nicely browned with a few caramelized edges.
- Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds. The aroma that fills your kitchen here is enough to make anyone hungry.
- Season with 1 teaspoon Kosher salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Give it a good mix to incorporate everything.
- Pour in 2 cups of beef broth, followed by 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and ⅓ cup ketchup. Stir to combine and let it come to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, add 1 cup of rinsed long-grain white rice. Stir it in, ensuring even distribution through the broth mixture.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. No peeking—trust the process here.
- After the rice has cooked, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Allow it to heat until the cheese has melted into the rice, creating a creamy, comforting mixture.
- Your dish is now ready; enjoy it with your favorite burger toppings for that custom touch.
What goes well with this
This Cheeseburger Rice is delicious all on its own, but if you want to amp up the meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh garden salad or some roasted veggies for a bright crunch. If you’re in the mood for crispy, serve it with homemade fries or sweet potato wedges—just like you’d have at a classic burger joint. And don’t underestimate the power of a side of sliced pickles; they cut through the richness and add that zesty bite.
Keeping leftovers fresh
Should you find yourself with leftovers, don’t fret; this dish keeps well. Allow it to cool before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it’ll stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to prepare for later, you can also freeze it. Just make sure it’s completely chilled before putting it in the freezer. It will retain its flavor and texture for up to a month.
When it’s time to reheat, a low simmer on the stove or a gentle microwave blast works wonders. If you find it’s a bit dry after reheating, a dash of broth or water can bring it back to life.
Tips for a successful dish
- Rinse your rice; it makes a visible difference in texture. Nobody likes sticky rice.
- If you want extra richness, consider adding a dollop of sour cream on top when serving. It complements the flavors beautifully.
- If you can, let the dish rest for a few minutes before digging in. It allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Creative twists
Feeling like a culinary artist? Here are some variations to try:
- Spicy Surprise: Toss in a few diced jalapeños or hot sauce to give it a kick.
- Veggie Power: Mix in some sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or even corn to amp up the nutrition and flavor.
- Different Cheese: Experiment with other cheese varieties. A pepper jack cheese provides a spicy surprise.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup diced onion (white or yellow)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (rinsed)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional burger toppings
Directions to follow
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ½ cup diced onion and sauté until tender, about 3 minutes.
- Add 1 pound of lean ground beef. Cook until browned, crumbling as you go, about 7 minutes.
- Add 2 teaspoons minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Season with 1 teaspoon Kosher salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Mix well.
- Pour in 2 cups beef broth, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and ⅓ cup ketchup. Stir until combined.
- Stir in 1 cup rinsed long-grain white rice.
- Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve hot, topped with your favorite burger fixings.
Your questions answered
- Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used, but be sure to adjust seasoning accordingly.
- What sides pair best? A simple salad or crispy carrot sticks complement this dish nicely. Feel free to get creative.
- How long do leftovers last? This dish keeps for about three days in the refrigerator, or a month in the freezer.
- Can I make this vegetarian? You can substitute the beef with lentils or a meat alternative. The broth can be replaced with vegetable broth.
- Is this dish gluten-free? Use gluten-free broth and ketchup, and you’re set.
Cooking has this wonderful way of bringing us together, whether it’s around the table for a meal or in creating joyful memories in the kitchen. This Cheeseburger Rice is perfect for sharing, so I invite you to give it a try, make it your own, and let me know how it turns out. Each variation you create can spark inspiration for someone else. Let’s keep the cooking passion thriving together!
Cheeseburger Rice
A quick and hearty dish that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the comfort of rice, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Lean Ground Beef Choose good quality ground beef for maximum flavor. Ground turkey or chicken can also be used.
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil For sautéing the onions.
- ½ cup Diced Onion White or yellow onion is fine.
- 2 teaspoons Minced Garlic Can substitute with garlic powder if needed.
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Enhances the natural flavors.
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust to your taste.
- 2 cups Beef Broth Homemade or low-sodium store-bought works perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce Adds umami flavor.
- ⅓ cup Ketchup Adds sweetness and tang.
- 1 cup Long-Grain White Rice Rinsed to remove excess starch for fluffier grains.
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese For gooey cheeseburger goodness.
- optional Burger Toppings Such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced pickles.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until tender, about 3 minutes.
- Add lean ground beef. Cook until browned, crumbling as you go, about 7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Mix well.
- Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Stir until combined.
- Stir in rinsed long-grain white rice.
- Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve hot, topped with your favorite burger toppings.
Notes
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to meld the flavors. For extra richness, add a dollop of sour cream when serving.