Save This hearty Cheeseburger Rice Skillet combines all the flavors you love about a classic burger in one convenient pan. The melty cheese, savory beef, and that unexpected pickle crunch topping create a comforting meal that satisfies those fast food cravings while keeping dinner simple.
I created this recipe during a particularly busy week when I was craving burgers but didn't want the fuss of making individual patties. My family now requests this skillet at least twice a month and everyone fights over the crispy bits around the edges.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: The 85% lean option provides enough fat for flavor without being greasy. Look for grass fed if available for better nutrition.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness as it cooks down. Choose firm onions with tight papery skin for freshness.
- Garlic: Fresh minced cloves provide much better flavor than pre minced. Select firm bulbs without any sprouting.
- Cherry tomatoes: These add bursts of acidity and freshness. Look for plump bright colored ones with no wrinkles.
- Dill pickles: The secret ingredient that makes this taste like a real burger. Choose crisp kosher dill pickles for best flavor.
- Long grain white rice: Jasmine or basmati work beautifully. Rinse until water runs clear for fluffier results.
- Beef broth: Adds richness and helps cook the rice. Low sodium allows you to control the salt level.
- Ketchup and mustard: Classic burger condiments that create that authentic flavor. Use quality brands for best results.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth. A little goes a long way in creating that savory burger taste.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp or medium both work well. Freshly grated melts more smoothly than pre shredded.
- Crispy fried onions and potato chips: These create the irresistible crunchy topping. Look for kettle cooked chips for extra crunch.
Instructions
- Brown the beef:
- Heat your largest skillet over medium high heat until hot. Add the ground beef and break it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5 minutes until no pink remains and the meat is browned all over. If there is excessive fat drain some off but leave about a tablespoon for flavor.
- Add aromatics:
- Reduce heat to medium and add the diced onion to the browned beef. Cook for 3 minutes stirring occasionally until the onions begin to soften and become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute more until fragrant being careful not to burn it.
- Incorporate vegetables:
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and diced pickles to the skillet. Sauté for 2 minutes allowing the tomatoes to begin releasing their juices and the pickle flavor to infuse the mixture.
- Build the flavor base:
- Stir in the ketchup mustard Worcestershire sauce smoked paprika black pepper and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the condiments coat the meat mixture evenly.
- Add rice and liquid:
- Sprinkle the rinsed rice evenly over the meat mixture then pour in the beef broth. Stir well to ensure no rice is sticking to the bottom. Bring the mixture to a boil watching carefully.
- Simmer to perfection:
- Once boiling reduce heat to low cover the skillet with a tight fitting lid and simmer for 15 minutes. Resist the urge to peek as the steam helps cook the rice properly. After 15 minutes check that the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Melt the cheese:
- Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly across the top. Replace the lid and let stand for 2 3 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and gooey.
- Add the pickle crunch topping:
- In a small bowl combine the crispy fried onions crushed potato chips and extra diced pickles. Just before serving sprinkle this mixture generously over the cheesy surface along with fresh parsley if using.
Save The dill pickles are truly the magic ingredient in this dish. I discovered their importance accidentally when I doubled the amount called for in a similar recipe. That tangy crunch against the creamy cheese and savory beef creates the perfect burger experience without the bun. My son now requests extra pickles on top every time I make this.
Storage and Reheating
This skillet keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together. When reheating add a splash of water or broth before microwaving to prevent the rice from drying out. For best results reheat gently in a covered skillet with a tablespoon of water. Save the crunchy topping separately and add fresh just before serving to maintain texture.
Smart Substitutions
This recipe welcomes many variations based on what you have available. Ground turkey works beautifully for a lighter option just add a tablespoon of olive oil when browning. For a vegetarian version substitute plant based crumbles and vegetable broth. Cauliflower rice can replace white rice for a lower carb alternative though you will need to reduce the liquid by half and shorten cooking time to about 5 minutes. Brown rice fans can use it but will need to increase cooking time to 35 minutes and possibly add an extra half cup of broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this skillet directly from the pan for a casual family style meal. A simple side salad with lettuce tomato and red onion completes the burger experience. For a fun presentation offer small bowls of traditional burger toppings like extra pickles diced tomatoes sliced avocado or even bacon bits. This dish pairs perfectly with a cold beer for adults or chocolate milkshakes for the whole family to complete the burger joint experience at home.
Seasonal Adaptations
Summer version Add fresh corn kernels and diced bell peppers when in season Fall comfort Mix in roasted butternut squash cubes and sage for autumn warmth Winter hearty Include root vegetables like parsnips for extra substance
Success Stories
When I brought this to a potluck last month it disappeared faster than any other dish. Three people asked for the recipe and one friend admitted she went back for thirds! The secret is definitely in the pickle crunch topping which adds both flavor and textural contrast to the creamy cheesy base.
Save Let the skillet rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Prepare the crunchy topping just before serving to maintain its crispness.
Recipe FAQ
- → How can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free crispy fried onions and kettle-cooked chips; always check labels for hidden gluten in condiments.
- → Can I substitute the beef?
Yes! You can use ground turkey or a plant-based mince for a lighter or vegetarian alternative without sacrificing flavor.
- → What kind of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice keeps the skillet fluffy. Brown rice can be used but may require added liquid and longer simmering.
- → How do you get the topping extra crispy?
Add the fried onions, kettle chips, and extra diced pickles only at the end, right before serving, to keep them crunchy.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge. Reheat gently and add fresh topping for crunch.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
Yes—just pack topping separately and sprinkle it on after reheating to keep it crisp. The skillet holds up well for lunches.