Short Description
This recipe transforms the classic bacon cheeseburger into a fun and flavorful rice stack. Layers of seasoned ground beef, cheesy rice, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar create a satisfying and visually appealing dish that’s perfect for a creative weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.
Ingredients:
- → Beef Layer
- 450 grams ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- → Sauce & Rice
- 225 milliliters tomato sauce
- 60 milliliters ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 320 grams instant rice
- 480 milliliters beef broth
- → Finishing & Assembly
- 120 grams cooked bacon, chopped
- 110 grams sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Preparation:
Step 1:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the meat with a spatula. Cook for 6–8 minutes until beef is browned and onions are translucent.
Step 2:
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until aromatic. Drain excess fat from the skillet, then season with seasoned salt.
Step 3:
Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, instant rice, and beef broth. Mix until fully integrated.
Step 4:
Bring mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until broth is absorbed and rice is tender.
Step 5:
Remove from heat. Stir in half the shredded cheese and half the chopped bacon until the cheese melts and mixture becomes cohesive.
Step 6:
Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon evenly over the surface. Cover and let stand for 2–3 minutes to melt the cheese with residual steam.
Step 7:
Lightly grease the inside of a 7–10 cm cooking ring mold and position it on a serving plate. Add 2–3 tablespoons of the rice mixture to the mold and press firmly to form a stable base.
Step 8:
Sprinkle reserved bacon and cheddar in the center for a melted core.
Step 9:
Spoon additional rice mixture over the center and press gently to compact and stabilize the stack. Scatter remaining bacon and cheese on top.
Step 10:
Optionally, briefly broil or torch for a golden finish, then cover for 2–3 minutes to allow layers to settle. Gently remove the ring mold while pressing softly on the top to maintain stack integrity. Serve immediately while hot.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Stack is a creative twist on a beloved classic, offering a fun and unique way to enjoy the flavors of a bacon cheeseburger. The combination of savory ground beef, tangy sauce, cheesy rice, and crispy bacon creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. It’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a main course for a casual dinner.
- Pair with a side of coleslaw or a simple salad for a complete meal.
- Garnish with chopped pickles, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream.
Tips:
- Ensure the rice absorbs all broth for optimal texture.
- Use a high-quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor and melting properties.
- Pre-cook the bacon to save time and ensure it’s crispy.
- If you don’t have a cooking ring mold, you can use a small bowl or ramekin to shape the stacks.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition Information: (Approximate, per serving)
Calories: 650
Protein: 35g
Sodium: 1200mg
Conclusion
The Bacon Cheeseburger Rice Stack is a delightful and innovative dish that brings together the comforting flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger in an exciting new format. Its ease of preparation and customizable nature make it a perfect addition to any home cook’s repertoire. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! While sharp cheddar provides a classic cheeseburger flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a smoked Gouda for a unique twist.
Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the beef and rice mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, assemble the stacks and bake or broil until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Q3: Can I add any vegetables to this recipe?
A: Definitely! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or jalapeños would be great additions to the beef mixture.
Q4: Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly. Use about 1 1/2 cups of cooked rice and reduce the beef broth to about 1 cup.
Q5: Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or a mixture of lentils and diced vegetables.
