Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Rice

by Sophia

You know those nights when everyone’s hungry, your energy is low, and takeout is calling your name? That’s exactly when this Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Rice swoops in to save the day. It’s the kind of meal that sounds indulgent—bacon, cheese, the works—but is actually balanced, easy to pull off, and made with lean ingredients like ground turkey and low-sodium broth. And the best part? It’s all made in one skillet.

This dish is packed with all the cozy, savory flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger, but instead of a bun, you get a warm, fluffy bowl of seasoned rice soaked up in all that goodness. It’s hearty, cheesy, and family-friendly without requiring a sink full of dishes or an hour of prep. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that gets bonus points for reheating beautifully the next day (if you have leftovers, that is).

I actually came up with this one after a fridge clean-out night. We had some turkey bacon, ground turkey, half an onion, and a lone cup of rice. It started as a “let’s see what happens” meal, and it turned into one of our go-to dinners. It’s so simple, yet so satisfying.

Let’s get into how to make it—this one’s truly a keeper.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water

4 slices turkey bacon, diced
1 pound ground turkey
1 small yellow onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup

2 tablespoons yellow mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Crisp the Turkey Bacon

Start by grabbing a large skillet and setting it over medium heat. Toss in the diced turkey bacon and cook until it’s nice and crisp. This gives the dish a smoky, savory punch that really sells the whole “bacon cheeseburger” vibe. Once it’s done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Don’t wipe out the skillet—you’re going to use those drippings for the next step.

Step 2: Brown the Turkey and Sauté the Onion

To those same drippings, add your ground turkey and diced onion. Let them cook together, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is fully browned and the onions are soft and translucent. If there’s any excess grease (though turkey tends to stay pretty lean), go ahead and drain it off. Then stir in your minced garlic and that splash of Worcestershire sauce. Let it all sizzle together for about 30 seconds—it’ll smell amazing.

Step 3: Toast the Rice in Flavor

Now it’s time to get that rice involved. Pour the uncooked rice right into the skillet with the turkey mixture. Stir everything together so each grain of rice gets coated in all the savory flavor that’s built up in the pan. This step might seem small, but it adds so much depth to the final dish.

Welcome back! If you’ve already crisped your turkey bacon, browned the turkey and onions, and toasted your rice in all those flavorful drippings—you’re halfway to dinner greatness. This second half is where the magic really starts to happen. The rice soaks up all those burger-inspired flavors, the cheese melts in, and you’re left with a cozy, cheesy skillet that’s perfect for scooping into big bowls and enjoying around the table.

This is also the stage where you can make little tweaks to make it your own. Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Go for it. Prefer your cheeseburgers with pickles or spicy mustard? You can work that in, too. Let’s finish cooking this comfort food masterpiece.

Step 4: Add Liquid and Flavorings

Once your rice is toasted, it’s time to get everything simmering. Pour in the 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth (or water if that’s what you have on hand). Then stir in the ketchup and yellow mustard—yes, these are your classic burger condiments, and they give this dish its signature cheeseburger flavor.

Season with salt and black pepper, and give everything a good stir to combine. At this point, your skillet will look a little saucy and loose, but that’s exactly what you want. Crank the heat up just until it comes to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Simmer Low and Slow

Once the mixture is bubbling, reduce the heat to low and cover your skillet. Let everything simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. During this time, the rice will absorb the liquid and soften, taking in all those meaty, tangy, cheesy flavors.

Pro tip: Try not to peek too often while it’s simmering. Lifting the lid can release steam and slow down the cooking process. When the time is up, check to make sure the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. If it needs a couple extra minutes, that’s totally fine—just keep it covered a bit longer.

Step 6: Stir in the Cheese and Bacon

Once your rice is cooked and fluffy, take the skillet off the heat. Now for the best part: stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. It will melt right into the rice, making everything creamy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible.

Now bring back that crispy turkey bacon from earlier and fold it in. The contrast of smoky, salty bacon bits against the melty cheddar and savory rice is what takes this dish over the top.

Top with chopped green onions for a little fresh crunch if you like—it’s optional, but I love the extra pop of color and mild onion flavor.

Tips and Simple Variations

Want to make this dish your own? Here are a few easy ideas:

Add Veggies: A handful of frozen peas, corn, or chopped bell peppers can be added when you pour in the broth. It’s a great way to sneak in extra nutrients and color.
Make It Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or swap in spicy brown mustard for a bit of a kick.
Try a Different Cheese: Sharp cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment with pepper jack, mozzarella, or a shredded cheese blend.

Use Quick-Cook Rice: If you’re really short on time, swap the long-grain rice for quick-cooking rice. Just reduce the simmering time accordingly—about 10 minutes should do it.
Make it Meal Prep Friendly: This dish holds up great in the fridge. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to three days and reheat with a splash of broth to bring it back to life.

Alright, now that your skillet is full of cheesy, savory goodness and your kitchen smells like a diner in the best way, let’s talk through a few common questions you might have before (or after) making this dish. Whether you’re wondering about swaps, storage, or how to sneak in a few more veggies—I’ve got you covered.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook—usually around 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll also need a bit more liquid. Add an extra ½ cup of broth or water and keep an eye on it as it simmers.

What if I don’t have turkey bacon?

No problem! You can use regular pork bacon, vegetarian bacon, or skip it entirely if you’re looking to cut back on sodium. The dish will still be flavorful thanks to the Worcestershire, garlic, and cheese.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. This recipe is great for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to help restore the creamy texture.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Yes, you can use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese. Just be sure to stir it in while the skillet is still warm so it melts properly. Some vegan cheese blends melt better than others, so test out one that you like.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just make sure you’re using a large enough skillet or even a Dutch oven. You’ll also need to increase the simmer time slightly—check the rice after the standard cooking time, and add a few extra minutes if needed.

What other toppings go well with this dish?

Feel free to top your bowl with pickles, a drizzle of extra ketchup or mustard, or even a spoonful of sour cream. If you’re feeling extra, chopped lettuce or tomatoes give it that full burger effect.

Can I freeze it?

You can, though rice-based dishes can sometimes lose their texture after freezing. If you do freeze it, reheat gently on the stove with a little extra broth to help bring it back to life.

Wrapping It All Up

So there you have it—Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Rice, a cozy one-pot meal that hits all the right notes. It’s cheesy, savory, packed with flavor, and so easy to throw together even on a busy weeknight. I love that it uses pantry staples and a few fridge basics to make something that tastes way more indulgent than it actually is.

This dish has quickly become one of our family favorites, and I hope it becomes one of yours too. Whether you’re serving it to picky kids, hungry teens, or just yourself after a long day, it delivers every time. And bonus points—it reheats like a dream, so don’t be afraid to make a double batch.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you add any twists? Sub in a different cheese or sneak in some veggies? Drop a comment and share your version—those little tweaks are what make a recipe truly yours.