Cheeseburger rice is everything you love about a juicy cheeseburger, made easy in one skillet. Hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it’s the ultimate weeknight comfort meal.
Why This Dish Belongs on Your Dinner Menu
One-skillet magic: Everything cooks in a single pan, which means big flavor and minimal cleanup. Just like in my Taco Rice!
Cheeseburger vibes, no bun: All the savory, cheesy goodness you crave, served up in cozy rice form. Try my cheeseburger casserole next!
Make it your way: Pile on your favorite burger toppings like pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, or sauce for a fun, customizable finish.
Cheeseburger Rice Ingredients
Ketchup: If ketchup isn’t your thing, swap it out for 2 tablespoons of tomato paste!
Rice: Any long grain white rice will work! I use Jasmine or basmati rice. It helps to rinse and strain the rice before adding it to remove any starch.
How to Make Cheeseburger Rice Skillet
Cheeseburger rice is a one-pan dinner made with pantry staples. You get to pick your toppings just like you would with a burger! Kids love picking their favorites! For another easy one pan recipe, try my Marry Me Chicken Orzo!
Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and diced onion. Cook for 3 minutes, until tender. Add the ground beef. Crumble and cook until browned, about 7 minutes; drain fat if needed. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine: Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and long grain white rice, then stir to combine.
Simmer: Bring the rice mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium low. Cover with a lid and simmer until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle the cheese into the rice mixture, then heat and stir until the cheese melts. Serve cheeseburger rice with your favorite burger toppings. Try shredded lettuce, tomato, bacon, mustard, dill pickles, and burger sauce!
Can I Use Instant Rice?
Yes! Using instant rice like Minute Rice will cut the cook time in half! It’s a great alternative to those busy nights when you want dinner on the table fast!
In a large skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and ½ cup diced onion. Cook for 3 minutes, until tender. Add 1 pound lean ground beef. Crumble and cook until browned, about 7 minutes.
Add 2 teaspoons minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Season with 1 teaspoon Kosher salt and ½ teaspoon pepper.
Add 2 cups beef broth, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, ⅓ cup ketchup, and 1 cup long-grain white rice and stir to combine.
Bring the rice mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover with a lid and simmer until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Stir 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese into the rice mixture. Heat until the cheese melts.
Enjoy with your favorite burger toppings! Try shredded lettuce, tomato, pickles, and burger sauce!
Notes
Storage & Reheating Instructions
In the refrigerator: Store the cooled leftovers in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
In the freezer: In a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
To Reheat: Microwave individual portions or warm in the oven at 350°F. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry.
This 3 Ingredient Cool Whip Candy tastes just like a Three MusketeersBar! Fluffy on the inside, smooth chocolate on the outside, and so easy to make. It is the kind of treat you stash in the freezer and keep sneaking for yourself!
Why This Candy Is Pure Magic
Light and Fluffy Center: The whipped filling just melts in your mouth! It’s soft, airy, and feels light and not heavy.
Stress-Free: Made with just 3 ingredients, it’s so easy, and your chocolate-loving self will thank you!
Perfect for Sharing: Slice them into bite-size pieces for gifting, parties, or a sweet homemade treat for Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients for Cool Whip Candy
Switch it up: Use white chocolate chips or more milk chocolate for a sweeter taste, or an extra dark chocolate for something less sweet.
High-quality chocolate will give them the best flavor and texture.
Add mix-ins: Fold in finely chopped nuts for a little crunch, or stir in sprinkles to make them festive for holidays or special occasions
Dress them up: Drizzle chocolate on top once the coating is set for a pretty finish.
Try truffles: Use a small cookie scoop to form balls, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and freeze before dipping.
How to Make Cool Whip Candy
This easy candy recipe is simple enough to make any day of the week! With just three ingredients and a quick mix-and-chill, you’ll get soft, creamy chocolate treats every time. If you love making your own sweets, try my homemade caramels or cherry cordials too.
Melt the Chocolate: Line an 8×8-inch pan witha piece of parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray. In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the milk chocolate chips in 30-second intervals. Stir each time until smooth.
Fold in the Cool Whip: Add the whipped topping to the bowl and fold until smooth. Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread.
Chill: Freeze for 30–60 minutes, until firm enough to cut.
Slice: Once firm, remove from the pan and cut with a sharp knife into 36 squares. Return to the freezer until you’re ready to dip.
Coat: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Dip the pieces of candy in the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. Place on a parchment-lined sheet or a lightly greased wire rack. Let the chocolate harden on the Cool Whip candy before serving.
Alyssa’s Pro Tip
Dipping is optional. But, dipping gives the candy a more polished, candy-shop finish. Use candy melts or coating chocolate for the best results. Add 1–2 teaspoons of vegetable oil to the melting chocolate for a silky smooth finish.
24ouncesmilk chocolate chipspreferably high quality, such as Guittard or Ghirardelli
1(8-ounce)container thawed whipped toppingI used Cool Whip brand
12ouncessemi-sweet chocolate chipspreferably high quality, such as Guittard or Ghirardelli
Instructions
Line an 8 x 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and very lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
Add the 24 ounces milk chocolate chips to a large microwave-safe bowl and heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals until completely melted and smooth.
Add 1 (8-ounce) container thawed whipped topping to the bowl and fold until completely combined and smooth. Pour into the prepared baking pan and smooth over the top.
Chill the baking pan in the freezer for 30-60 minutes. Once fully chilled, remove from the pan and slice into 36 squares. Return to the freezer until the chocolate is ready for dipping.
Melt 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until completely smooth and melted.
Carefully and quickly dip each piece of chilled candy in the melted chocolate until fully coated, then tap off the excess chocolate and place either on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a lightly greased wire rack over a piece of parchment.
Allow the chocolate to fully harden before serving.
Notes
Storage and Make Ahead Instructions
Fridge:Store in an airtight container for up to 14 days.
Freezer:Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. They can be served frozen, refrigerated overnight, or left at room temperature for an hour or so to thaw.
Make Ahead:The Cool Whip base can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in a covered, airtight, freezer-safe container in the freezer before being dipped and served.
If you’re in the mood for more candy-making, I’ve got more tried and true recipes to share. These candies are easy to make and perfect for gifts, holidays, or parties. Let me know which one you like best!
This Cajun spaghetti is comforting like classic spaghetti but delivers a flavor packed Cajun kick with sausage and a creamy sauce. You’ll have a super flavorful dinner your whole family will love in no time!
Why You’ll Want This in Your Weekly Rotation
Easy But NOT Boring You’re not doing anything complicated, but the flavors are more fun than regular spaghetti. Great for a midweek dinner.
Family Friendly It’s creamy and familiar enough that picky eaters don’t complain, but something a little new and exciting!
Great Leftovers This pasta is so good the next day! It’s perfect for busy weeks, so you have a hot lunch waiting for you!
Cajun Spaghetti Ingredients
Sausage: You can swap the sausage for chicken, or shrimp, or leave it out altogether!
Vegetables: You can add more veggies, such as wilted spinach or sauteed mushrooms, or whatever you like!
Adjust the Spice: If you like extra spice, add some cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. Or, if you like it more mild, swap the sausage out for smoked or Kielbasa sausage.
How to Make Cajun Spaghetti
I like making this pasta around Mardi Gras because it has that amazing Southern flavor! Not only is it delicious, but it’s so easy to put together, and the ingredients are pretty basic.
Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Then cook the spaghetti noodles as directed on the package. Drain and set aside. (Save some pasta water to thin the sauce later if needed.)
Brown Sausage: Add sausage to a large skillet over medium high heat and cook for 3-4 minutes. Flip halfway through until browned on both sides. Remove from the pan and reserve.
Cook Veggies: In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat for 30 seconds. Then add diced red bell peppers and diced shallot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Whisk: Whisk in the heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook until it begins to thicken, about 5 minutes.
Add: Whisk in Parmesan cheese until fully melted. Add the cooked spaghetti and browned sausage to the skillet, then toss to coat. Taste and season with salt and ground black pepper before serving your Cajun Spaghetti.
Alyssa’s Pro Tip
Sauce not thick enough? It likely needs to simmer a little longer. But remember, once you turn off the heat, it will continue to thicken.
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and cook 16 ounces spaghetti noodles as directed on the package. Drain and set aside.
Add 1 pound sliced Andouille sausage to a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through until browned on both sides. Remove from the pan and reserve.
In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat for 30 seconds or so before adding 1 cup diced red bell pepper and ⅓ cup diced shallot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened, then add 3 teaspoons minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Stir in 3 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, and 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour, then slowly whisk in 1 ½ cups chicken broth and 1 ½ cups heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook until it begins to thicken, about 5 minutes.
Whisk in 1 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Add the cooked spaghetti and browned sausage to the skillet and toss to coat. Taste and season with salt and ground black pepper before serving.
Notes
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each. Add a tablespoon or two of reserved pasta water if needed to bring the sauce back together.
Cheeseburger rice is everything you love about a juicy cheeseburger, made easy in one skillet . Hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor , it’s the ultimate weeknight comfort meal. Why This Dish Belongs on Your Dinner Menu One-skillet magic : Everything cooks in a single pan, which means big flavor and minimal cleanup. Just like in my Taco Rice ! Cheeseburger vibes, no bun : All the savory, cheesy goodness you crave, served up in cozy rice form. Try my cheeseburger casserole next! Make it your way : Pile on your favorite burger toppings like pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, or sauce for a fun, customizable finish. Cheeseburger Rice Ingredients Ketchup: If ketchup isn’t your thing, swap it out for 2 tablespoons of tomato paste! Rice: Any long grain white rice will work! I use Jasmine or basmati rice. It helps to rinse and strain the rice before adding it to remove any starch. How to Make Cheeseburger Rice Skillet Cheeseburger rice is a one-pan dinner made with pa...
