One Pan Cheeseburger Rice has basically saved my sanity on all those wild weeknights where I swear the clock is out to get me. You know the drill — everyone’s hungry, pots and pans are teetering, and suddenly you find out the rice isn’t cooked yet. That’s when I started leaning into this hearty skillet meal.
It’s cheesy, beefy, surprisingly fuss-free, and hits the spot like a drive-thru cheeseburger but seriously healthier (and no ketchup packets in sight).

Hey, if you like simple comfort food, you might also try these potato pancakes crispy recipe — super yum and equally easy.
One Pan Cheeseburger Rice
Why You’ll Love It
Let me lay it out straight. This One Pan Cheeseburger Rice is all the good stuff you want after a long day. You’re not juggling six different pans, and there’s no fancy chef twirl needed — just real flavor hitting real easy.
The whole thing comes together in, what, maybe thirty minutes on a good day? That’s less than waiting for takeout. It’s filling enough for growing teens, and little kids will clear their plates without a fuss.
Cheese, ground beef, rice — what’s not to crave? There’s tomato and onion tossed in, too, so bonus points for a sneaky veggie.
Friends who’ve tasted mine always joke that I’m running a five-star restaurant right out of my old kitchen. Don’t believe me? Here’s what Mary wrote after her first bite:
My daughter’s a picky eater, but she finished her entire bowl! We ate leftovers for breakfast and lunch, too, because it’s that good. — Mary K.
One Pan Cheeseburger Rice
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
I know feeding family is more than just filling bellies; you wanna know what’s actually going in those bellies, right? So here’s the down-low. This One Pan Cheeseburger Rice clocks in at a reasonable calorie count (usually around 400-500 per serving, depending on how big your scoops are).
Plenty of protein thanks to the beef, a good dose of energy from the rice, and not drowning in grease like some fast food. If you go lean on the beef, even better. The cheese adds a calcium bump — not just flavor — and using brown rice kicks in fiber.
One Pan Cheeseburger Rice
If you toss in some extra onion, tomatoes, or even mushrooms, you’ll sneak in an extra veggie fix. So yeah, it feels decadent, but your body won’t hate you for it come bedtime.
Photos of the Dish
Nothing sells a recipe like a good drool-worthy photo. When I first made this for my sister, I snapped a quick shot just to prove dinner happened before 8 PM. Weird shadows, a little cheese spill on the side, but wow, does that golden, bubbly top look inviting. The rice soaks up all that cheesy, beefy juice — total comfort.
Honestly, it’s not a magazine cover meal, but it has some serious “eat me” vibes. Snap a photo before everyone digs in or you’ll miss your chance, trust me!
One Pan Cheeseburger Rice
Similar Recipes
If you get hooked on One Pan Cheeseburger Rice (and you probably will), you might want something new next week. I get it. I rotate through all sorts of cozy, skillet meals. By the way, if you love one-pan deals for breakfast, check out this classic homemade pancakes recipe. It’s a game changer for easy mornings. Now, back to dinner — think taco rice, sloppy joe pasta, or even quick skillet casseroles.
Don’t sleep on rice bowls, either. Swap ground beef for turkey or plant-based crumbles and you keep things fresh. Oh, and for spud fans, that crispy mashed potato pancake link above is a sleeper hit.
One Pan Cheeseburger Rice
Tips for Customizing Your Cheeseburger Rice
Okay, here’s my favorite part where you get to play around. The best recipes are the ones you make yours, right? So play with it.
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella if you’re feeling bold.
- Want more veggies? Dice up peppers or spinach — easy.
- Brown rice makes it heartier (and a little nutty flavored).
- Not a beef fan? Ground turkey works, or even those plant-based meats.
Sometimes I add a dash of hot sauce or dollop of sour cream on top if we’re feeling fancy. Or not. I mean, everyone’s got their quirks!

If you’re itching for more inspiration or want to double-check I’m not making this up, you could always peek at this One-Pan Cheeseburger Rice recipe for a twist or see what’s different with the One Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Rice from What’s Mom Cookin’ — bacon just makes everything more interesting, doesn’t it? Whatever road you take, I promise once you try this there’s no turning back to menu panic and soggy takeout. Happy eating!
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One Pan Cheeseburger Rice
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Beef, Comfort Food
Description
A hearty, cheesy, and beefy skillet meal that’s fuss-free and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: hot sauce or sour cream for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the diced onion over medium heat until cooked through.
- Add the rice to the skillet and stir to combine with the beef and onion.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer until rice is tender (about 20 minutes).
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and shredded cheese until melted and combined.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve with optional toppings like hot sauce or sour cream.
Notes
Customize with different cheeses or add additional vegetables like peppers or spinach.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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