Cheeseburger Rice Recipe
Introduction
Cheeseburger Rice is a comforting one-pan meal that combines the savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger with tender, flavorful rice. This easy dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and delicious in just one pot.

Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth
- 1 cup uncooked white long grain rice, rinsed
- 8 ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided use)
- 1 Tablespoon dried parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet, brown and crumble the ground beef with diced yellow onion until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and return the meat mixture to the skillet.
- Step 2: Add the broth, rinsed rice, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine.
- Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat to low, stir once more, then cover with a lid. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.
- Step 5: Once cooked, fluff the rice mixture gently with a fork.
- Step 6: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any stuck rice.
- Step 7: Taste and adjust salt if necessary.
- Step 8: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Step 9: Remove from heat, cover again, and let sit until the cheese melts.
- Step 10: Garnish with dried parsley if desired, then serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding diced pickles or a splash of mustard when serving to mimic cheeseburger toppings.
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of this dish.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add some diced jalapeños.
- Fresh parsley can be used instead of dried for a brighter garnish.
- To make it vegetarian, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based ground meat and use vegetable broth.
Storage
Store leftover Cheeseburger Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to maintain moisture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust broth quantity and cook time accordingly, usually about 40-45 minutes.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Ensure that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free and use gluten-free broth. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
PrintCheeseburger Rice Recipe
A hearty and flavorful one-pot cheeseburger rice dish combining browned ground beef, aromatic spices, tomato sauce, and melted cheddar cheese for a comforting and easy meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
Liquids and Base
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth
- 8 ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Rice and Spices
- 1 cup uncooked white long grain rice, rinsed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese and Garnish
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided use)
- 1 Tablespoon dried parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the beef and onion: In a large skillet, brown and crumble 1 pound of lean ground beef along with ½ cup diced yellow onion over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and return the beef and onions to the skillet.
- Add broth, rice, and seasonings: To the skillet, add 2 cups of low-sodium chicken or beef broth, 1 cup of rinsed uncooked white long grain rice, an 8-ounce can of tomato sauce, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 1/2 teaspoons each of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine.
- Bring to boil: Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Simmer covered: Reduce heat to low, stir one last time, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for about 15 minutes without removing the lid, until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
- Fluff the rice: Remove the lid and fluff the mixture gently with a fork to separate the rice grains.
- Incorporate cheese: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any rice stuck to it and folding the cheese evenly into the mixture.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the dish and season with salt if needed.
- Add remaining cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet mixture.
- Melt the cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and cover again with the lid, allowing the residual heat to melt the cheese topping.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally sprinkle 1 tablespoon of dried parsley on top for color and freshness, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Do not remove the lid during the rice cooking process to ensure proper steaming.
- Using low-sodium broth helps control sodium levels; adjust salt after cooking as needed.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- Scraping the pan bottom when adding cheese prevents burning and incorporates flavorful bits.
- This dish can be served as a main course or paired with a side salad for a complete meal.
Keywords: cheeseburger rice, one pot meal, ground beef, cheddar cheese, easy dinner, stovetop recipe, quick rice dish

