Introduction

Craving a dish that’s quick, filling, and packed with flavor? Ground Beef Fried Rice is the perfect solution! This hearty one-pan recipe brings together savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables, all tossed in a delicious, well-seasoned sauce. It’s a satisfying meal you can make in no time, ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you need to whip up something delicious with minimal effort.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into how to create this amazing dish.

Why You Will Love It

There are so many reasons to love Ground Beef Fried Rice:

Fast and Convenient: Perfect for hectic days, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes.
Budget-Friendly: It uses common, affordable ingredients that you may already have at home.
Customizable: You can easily tweak the vegetables, spices, or even swap the beef for another protein.
Family Approved: Everyone, from kids to adults, will enjoy the rich and satisfying flavors.
Great for Meal Prep: It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it as leftovers or pack it for lunch.

Ingredients To Make Ground Beef Fried Rice

Here’s What You’ll Need:

For the Fried Rice:

Ground Beef: 1 pound (choose lean ground beef for less grease).
Cooked Rice: 3 cups, preferably cold or day-old rice (jasmine or long-grain is best).
Vegetables: 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots, or any of your favorite mixed vegetables.
Eggs: 2 large eggs, beaten lightly.
Green Onions: 2 stalks, finely sliced for garnish.

For the Sauce:

Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons, for a savory umami flavor.
Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon (optional, for an extra layer of richness).
Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon, for a nutty, aromatic touch.
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced finely.
Ginger: 1 teaspoon, freshly grated (optional).
Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon, for a hint of spice (optional).

Cooking Essentials:

Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons, for frying.
Salt and Pepper: Adjust to taste.

How to Make Ground Beef Fried Rice

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil.
- Break apart the ground beef with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Scramble the Eggs:
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Pour in the beaten eggs and stir gently to scramble. Once cooked, remove and set aside with the beef.
Cook the Vegetables:
- Add the frozen peas and carrots (or your chosen vegetables) to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are tender but still slightly crisp.
Fry the Rice:
- Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining oil and toss in the cold rice, breaking up any clumps. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, letting the rice absorb some of the oil and develop a slight crisp.
Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked beef and scrambled eggs to the skillet.
- Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Mix everything well until the rice is evenly coated and heated through.
Serve and Garnish:
- Transfer the fried rice to a serving bowl or plate. Garnish with green onions and enjoy your flavorful meal!

Pro Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Fried Rice

Use Cold Rice: Day-old rice works best because it’s drier and less sticky, making it easier to fry. Fresh rice can be refrigerated for 30 minutes to cool and firm up before cooking.
Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper to the beef and rice at different stages to enhance the overall flavor.
Cook in Batches: If your skillet is small, cook the ingredients in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
Swap the Protein: Ground chicken, turkey, or pork are great alternatives if you want to switch it up.
Adjust the Heat: For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.

What to Serve with Ground Beef Fried Rice

While this dish is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with other sides can make it even more enjoyable:

Spring Rolls: Crispy and packed with flavor, they make an excellent appetizer or side dish.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing and tangy salad balances the rich flavors of the fried rice.
Miso Soup: A warm bowl of soup complements the dish perfectly.
Steamed Vegetables: Add extra nutrition with a side of broccoli, bok choy, or green beans.
Kimchi: A fermented and spicy Korean side dish that pairs wonderfully with fried rice.

Nutrition

Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional value per serving of Ground Beef Fried Rice (based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450-500
Protein	25-30g
Carbohydrates	45-50g
Fat	15-20g
Fiber	3-4g

Nutritional values may vary depending on portion sizes and specific ingredient brands used.

Essential Kitchen Tools for This Recipe

To make this dish with ease, you’ll need:

Large Skillet or Wok: Provides enough space for frying and tossing the ingredients.
Spatula or Wooden Spoon: To break up the beef and mix the rice.
Mixing Bowl: For beating the eggs.
Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping green onions and any additional vegetables.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate sauce measurements.

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FAQs

1. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep the dish gluten-free.

2. Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even tofu work well in this recipe.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.

4. Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

5. Can I freeze Ground Beef Fried Rice?

Yes! Portion the fried rice into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

6. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes, absolutely! Fresh veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms work well in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time slightly based on the vegetables you choose.

7. Can I make this vegetarian?

Of course! Replace the ground beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.

Recipe Cards

Ground Beef Fried Rice

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Chinese

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

Large Skillet or Wok: Provides enough space for frying and tossing the ingredients
Spatula or Wooden Spoon: To break up the beef and mix the rice
Mixing Bowl: For beating the eggs
Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping green onions and any additional vegetables
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate sauce measurements

Ingredients

For the Fried Rice:

Ground Beef: 1 pound choose lean ground beef for less grease
Cooked Rice: 3 cups preferably cold or day-old rice (jasmine or long-grain is best)
Vegetables: 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots or any of your favorite mixed vegetables
Eggs: 2 large eggs beaten lightly
Green Onions: 2 stalks finely sliced for garnish

For the Sauce:

Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons for a savory umami flavor
Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon optional, for an extra layer of richness
Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon for a nutty, aromatic touch
Garlic: 3 cloves minced finely
Ginger: 1 teaspoon freshly grated (optional)
Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon for a hint of spice (optional)

Cooking Essentials:

Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons for frying
Salt and Pepper: Adjust to taste

Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef:

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil.
Break apart the ground beef with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Scramble the Eggs:

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Pour in the beaten eggs and stir gently to scramble. Once cooked, remove and set aside with the beef.

Cook the Vegetables:

Add the frozen peas and carrots (or your chosen vegetables) to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are tender but still slightly crisp.

Fry the Rice:

Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining oil and toss in the cold rice, breaking up any clumps. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, letting the rice absorb some of the oil and develop a slight crisp.

Combine Everything:

Return the cooked beef and scrambled eggs to the skillet.
Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Mix everything well until the rice is evenly coated and heated through.

Serve and Garnish:

Transfer the fried rice to a serving bowl or plate. Garnish with green onions and enjoy your flavorful meal!

Notes

Use Cold Rice: Day-old rice works best because it’s drier and less sticky, making it easier to fry. Fresh rice can be refrigerated for 30 minutes to cool and firm up before cooking.
Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper to the beef and rice at different stages to enhance the overall flavor.
Cook in Batches: If your skillet is small, cook the ingredients in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
Swap the Protein: Ground chicken, turkey, or pork are great alternatives if you want to switch it up.
Adjust the Heat: For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.

Keyword Fried Rice, Fried Rice Recipe, Recipe

Conclusion

Ground Beef Fried Rice is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that combines hearty flavors with simple ingredients. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or whenever you’re in the mood for a comforting, home-cooked meal. With its rich flavor, satisfying texture, and endless customization options, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

For more tasty recipes like this, visit Taste Bliss Recipe.

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