Ground Beef Fried Rice

Ground Beef Fried Rice is a perfect weeknight savior when you’re short on time but craving something warm, hearty, and flavorful. This dish combines tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and a mix of vegetables all stir-fried together with soy sauce and sesame oil to bring out that classic savory taste you love. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also customizable. You can switch up the protein or add your favorite veggies to make it your own. This one-pan dish is ideal for family dinners, quick lunches, or meal prepping for busy days. Every bite delivers a comforting flavor that’s sure to satisfy!

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 cups cooked rice (day-old rice works best)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 green onions, sliced for garnish

Directions:

1. Cook the ground beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Transfer beef to a plate and set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Cook diced onions until softened (about 2-3 minutes), then add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Cook the vegetables: Add the peas and carrots mix to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until tender.
4. Scramble the eggs: Push the veggies to one side of the pan. Pour in beaten eggs and scramble until cooked through, then mix with the vegetables.
5. Combine ingredients: Return ground beef to the skillet. Add rice, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Stir well and cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Season and serve: Adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with green onions and serve hot!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 380 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

A Brief Background of Fried Rice

Fried rice is a beloved dish in many cultures across Asia, most notably China, Thailand, and Indonesia. The idea behind this dish is simple: take leftover rice, mix it with vegetables, proteins, and seasonings, then quickly fry it all together. It’s a fantastic way to make use of any ingredients you have on hand and transform them into something flavorful and satisfying. The specific addition of ground beef is a wonderful twist that brings a hearty, comforting quality to this well-loved classic.

Why Ground Beef Fried Rice Stands Out

Ground Beef Fried Rice is the perfect recipe for those who are looking for a balance between flavor, convenience, and nutrition. Not only does it come together in just 30 minutes, but it also requires only one pan, making it an easy dish to prepare and clean up. The combination of juicy ground beef and fluffy rice, enhanced with soy sauce, vegetables, and seasonings, creates a symphony of umami flavors that make it a standout among fried rice variations.

This dish has the heartiness of a complete meal, packed with protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables that make it satisfying, energizing, and comforting. Unlike traditional fried rice that uses cubed or sliced meats like chicken or shrimp, ground beef integrates smoothly with the rice, allowing every bite to have a little bit of everything.

Key Benefits of Ground Beef Fried Rice

1. Quick and Easy to Prepare

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home cook, Ground Beef Fried Rice is simple to prepare. Since it uses basic ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen, this dish is convenient for a last-minute dinner or when you’re pressed for time. With only 10 minutes of prep time and a 20-minute cooking window, it’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights.

2. One-Pan Meal = Less Mess!

One of the standout advantages of this recipe is its use of a single pan. From browning the beef to scrambling the eggs and mixing in the rice and vegetables, all the cooking happens in one skillet or wok. This means fewer dishes to wash and less clean-up hassle, making it even more appealing for families and individuals who want a quick, delicious meal without the kitchen chaos.

3. Great Use of Leftover Rice

Fried rice recipes traditionally call for day-old rice, making this an excellent opportunity to use up leftovers. Day-old rice has a firmer texture than freshly cooked rice, which prevents it from becoming too soft or sticky during stir-frying. This adds to the dish’s texture and flavor, ensuring that the fried rice has a delightful mix of softness and a slightly crispy finish.

4. Customizable to Fit Your Taste

This recipe is highly versatile, allowing you to swap or add ingredients to suit your preference or dietary needs. While ground beef adds a delicious savory flavor, you can easily substitute it with ground chicken, turkey, pork, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. The vegetables are flexible too—consider throwing in bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, snap peas, or any seasonal veggies for an added nutrient boost.

5. Nutritious and Well-Balanced

With the combination of protein-rich ground beef, carbohydrates from rice, and fiber-packed vegetables, this recipe is a well-rounded meal that nourishes and satisfies. The inclusion of peas and carrots not only adds vibrant color but also provides essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to a balanced diet. Moreover, the use of sesame oil adds a beautiful aroma and flavor depth while offering heart-healthy fats.

Tips for Making the Best Ground Beef Fried Rice

Use Day-Old Rice

If you have leftover rice sitting in your fridge, you’re already halfway there! The slightly dried-out texture of day-old rice is ideal for stir-frying, as it helps prevent clumping and results in a more authentic, restaurant-style fried rice. If you don’t have leftover rice, cook a fresh batch, spread it out on a tray, and allow it to cool and dry before frying.

Enhance the Flavors with Soy Sauce & Oyster Sauce

Soy sauce is the backbone of the flavor in this fried rice recipe. The salty, umami-rich sauce enhances every ingredient, tying together the beef, rice, and veggies into a unified dish. Oyster sauce, while optional, adds an extra depth and slight sweetness that elevates the flavor profile. It’s worth adding for that extra touch of richness.

Cook Ingredients in Stages

Cooking each component separately ensures that everything is cooked to perfection. Start by browning the ground beef and setting it aside, then sauté the onions and garlic, and cook the vegetables until tender. Finally, scramble the eggs on one side of the skillet before mixing everything together. This layering of flavors adds complexity and ensures that the ingredients retain their individual textures and tastes.

How to Serve and Store Ground Beef Fried Rice

Serving Suggestions

Ground Beef Fried Rice pairs well with a light side salad to contrast its savory and rich flavors. A simple cucumber salad, Asian coleslaw, or mixed greens with a ginger sesame dressing makes for a refreshing accompaniment. You can also serve it with a drizzle of sriracha, chili oil, or any hot sauce for those who prefer a spicy kick.

Storage and Reheating

One of the great things about Ground Beef Fried Rice is that it keeps well in the fridge, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of soy sauce or water to the pan to prevent the rice from drying out, and warm it over medium heat until heated through. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating.

What Makes This Recipe the Best?

Ground Beef Fried Rice is the epitome of comfort food. It’s a versatile, budget-friendly dish that combines savory flavors and textures, making it both a crowd-pleaser and a family favorite. The richness of ground beef melds seamlessly with the tender rice and crisp vegetables, all brought together by the flavors of soy sauce, sesame oil, and aromatics like onions and garlic. The result is a delicious, satisfying meal that you can make any time of the year.