Veggies, Bacon, and Rice Oh My!

Looking for an easy and flavorful dinner? This bacon and rice recipe is a quick, one-skillet meal packed with crispy bacon, veggies, and a hint of pepper. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner!

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On our last grocery order I decided I wanted something different. We haven't ordered red meat in a few years now. I wasn't ready to break that streak, so I picked up bacon.

I know, I know, not exactly the healthiest choice, but darn, I feel like we never get to have the norm these days. So, I made an executive decision, and away I went adding it to the cart. 

I wasn't exactly sure what my plans were for that pack of bacon, I just knew when I made it, the kitchen would smell like a restaurant for the evening, and I was okay with that. Living on chicken for so long made me crave that bacon smell, and flavor. Does bacon make you hungry when you smell it? It seems to have that affect on me for some reason.

My husband made a request to pick up rice which is another item we have not had in a very long time. I seem to find other alternatives like chickpea pasta and quinoa when I am cooking. I do not mind it, but my husband all of a sudden is not so keen on the chickpea pasta. I am sure it is a phase as we tend to go through, but I went ahead and picked up the rice per his request.

So with rice in the pantry, bacon in the fridge, and my trusty sidekick veggies, this dinner came together quite easily. If you are searching for dinner in a flash, you might want to give this recipe a try.

Bacon and Rice

Ingredients:

1. 1/2 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled 
2. 1 cup rice cooked per package directions 
3. 1 can corn
4. 1 onion, chopped
5. 1 green pepper, chopped
6. 1 c salsa of your choice
7. Salt & pepper to taste 

Instructions:

• Cook bacon in a covered skillet until crispy. Crumble and set aside.
• Cook rice according to package instructions (1 cup rice to 1 1/2 cups water).
• Chop green pepper and onion, and place them into the skillet after removing excess bacon grease. (One-skillet cooking is the best!)
• Add corn once the onion and green pepper begin to soften. (I like my veggies still a bit crisp, so I don’t sauté them for long.)
• Add rice and bacon back into the skillet.
• Stir in salsa, mix well, and serve.

Kind of mild for my cooking isn't it? I decided to venture over into unchartered water for me and walk on the wild side with a lack of spices to this dish. I actually think my husband preferred it that way. 

Will I make this dish again? Probably in another few years, my bacon fix is over, bye bye bacon, back to our regularly scheduled chicken dishes. Hopefully this recipe gave a little variety to my readers too, I know I appreciated something a little different than the usual.

Tips for Making This Dish Even Better

• Spice It Up: If you prefer a little more heat, try adding chili powder, cumin, or smoked paprika.

• Protein Options: Want to keep it healthier? Swap bacon for turkey bacon or even grilled chicken. (I will be trying this next)

• More Veggies: Toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or even black beans for extra texture and nutrients.

• Cheesy Twist: If you love a creamy texture, stir in some shredded cheese at the end.

A Little Story to Share

I have to share a story with y'all. One of our readers has been following along with us and making our soups. They recently shared that they have lost over 80 pounds! I was over the moon for them!

Cutting out soda and eating the soups we share here has made a difference in someone's life. You have no idea how happy that makes my heart. I had to share since you just never know when someone may need that extra motivation to help get them started.

I do not know about you, but following strict diets doesn't really work for me. Creating recipes with whole foods, that are good for us, is what has been working. By making dinner at home and working with basic ingredients, we cut out the extras we do not need in our bodies.

What I’ve Learned About Food and Health

Over the last year, I’ve learned so much from reading Dr. William Li’s book Eat to Beat Disease. It’s a fascinating read, and I find myself going back to reference it often. His research has completely changed the way I think about food and how it impacts our health.

One thing that stuck with me is the idea that food can be medicine. Simple changes, like cutting back on processed foods and choosing ingredients that support your body, can have such a big impact. This bacon and rice dish may not be an everyday meal, but it’s proof that balance is key—you can enjoy a little indulgence while still maintaining a healthy approach overall.

Know that I’m rooting for you! Change can be hard, but we can do it!

Have You Tried This Recipe?

I’d love to hear from you! If you make this dish, let me know what you think. Did you add any special twists? What are your go-to comfort meals when you need something easy and delicious?

Have a wonderful weekend, friend!

Ciao,

Cara