Ground Beef Fried Rice is a quick and easy meal you can make in just 30 minutes. It’s made with rice, ground beef, vegetables, eggs, and a simple sauce—all cooked in one pan. This dish is filling, full of flavor, and perfect for busy days or when you want to freeze leftovers for later.
Why We Love This Ground Beef Fried Rice Recipe
You’ll love this recipe for many reasons. First, it’s fast: you spend only ten minutes prepping and twenty minutes cooking. Second, it’s family‑friendly: mild flavors with garlic, onion, peas, corn, and carrots make it a crowd pleaser. Third, it’s versatile and freezer‑friendly: you can cook once and enjoy several meals later. Fourth, it’s economical: ground beef and leftover rice turn into a filling dish that serves six. Finally, it’s customizable—add your favorite veggies or seasonings to create your version.
Ingredients about Ground Beef Fried Rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- ½ yellow onion, chopped
- ½ cup frozen peas
- ½ cup frozen corn
- ½ cup frozen carrots
- ½ teaspoon powdered ginger
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups cooked rice
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 green onions, sliced
How to Make Ground Beef Fried Rice Directions
You start by heating one tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the ground beef, chopped garlic, onion, peas, corn, carrots, powdered ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
As you cook, break up the meat with your spatula so it browns evenly. Continue stirring and cooking for about six to eight minutes—until the beef reaches 160 °F and the veggies soften and mingle with the meat. Once fully cooked, drain the beef mixture well and transfer it to a plate. This helps keep your fried rice from becoming soggy.
Return the skillet to medium‑high heat and add the second tablespoon of oil. Pour in the beaten eggs and gently scramble them, stirring occasionally until just set but still tender. Push the eggs to one side of the pan so you have space for the rice and beef.
Next, add the cooked rice and the drained beef back into the skillet. Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil evenly over the mixture. Stir constantly so every grain of rice absorbs the sauce and everything heats through. Cook for another two minutes, allowing flavors to merge and rice to fry slightly.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh, mild crunch. Serve immediately—or let it cool completely before freezing.
How to Serve Ground Beef Fried Rice
You can enjoy this dish right away—just scoop it into bowls or onto plates. It pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed greens for a balanced meal. If you want to dress it up, add a few toasted sesame seeds or a squeeze of lime juice for brightness. At gatherings, you could place the rice in a large serving bowl and let folks dish up their own portions. Add fresh parsley or cilantro if you like. The green onions on top add a splash of color and mild sharpness. Serve it hot to preserve its best texture and flavor.
This dish also works well as a lunch option. Pack it in an airtight container, and it stays tasty through the day. You could even serve it cold or at room temperature—though it’s best when warm.
Expert Tips: Ground Beef Fried Rice
To get the most flavor and best texture, follow these tips:
- Use cold, day‑old cooked rice if possible. It fries better and doesn’t clump. Fresh hot rice can become mushy.
- Don’t overcrowd your pan. Cooking in a single large layer helps fry the rice instead of steaming it.
- Drain the beef thoroughly after cooking. Excess fat can make the rice greasy.
- Stir briskly when adding rice and sauce. It helps distribute flavors and prevents sticking.
- Customize your veggies—swap peas and carrots for diced bell pepper, broccoli florets, or green beans if you like.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end. Add more soy sauce, sesame oil, or a pinch of black pepper for depth.
- Scramble your eggs separately so they don’t overcook. You want soft, fluffy curds.
- Keep heat at medium‑high. It ensures good browning without burning.
With these pointers, you’ll have restaurant‑style results right at home.
How to Store Ground Beef Fried Rice
You can refrigerate or freeze this dish. For refrigeration: store cooled rice in an airtight container. It stays fresh for three to four days. When reheating, add a splash of oil or water and stir on medium heat until warmed through.
For freezing: spread the cooled rice in a shallow layer and let it chill completely in the fridge first. Then transfer to a freezer‑safe zip‑top bag or container, remove as much air as possible, seal, and freeze. It keeps well for three to four months.
When you’re ready to eat: thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a skillet over medium‑high heat with one tablespoon vegetable oil. Stir occasionally until everything reaches 160 °F—just like when you first cooked it.
Variation of Ground Beef Fried Rice
You can adapt this recipe in many ways to suit your taste or pantry:
- Spicy version: add red chili flakes, sriracha, or chopped jalapeños when you cook the beef.
- Vegetarian swap: use diced tofu or tempeh instead of beef, and use vegetable oil instead of sesame oil.
- Pineapple twist: stir in fresh pineapple chunks at the end for a sweet, tangy note.
- Herb‑infused: toss in chopped fresh basil, cilantro, or parsley just before serving for freshness.
- Peanut crunch: top with roasted peanuts or cashews for texture and flavor.
- Different protein: swap beef for chicken, turkey, or shrimp if desired. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Low‑sodium version: use tamari or reduced‑sodium soy sauce, and skip the salt until the end.
- Brown rice or quinoa: use these for a heartier or gluten‑free base—adjust cooking times as needed.
With these options, you’ll never get bored and can tailor the dish to your family or preferences.
FAQ about Ground Beef Fried Rice
What is Ground Beef Fried Rice?
Ground Beef Fried Rice is a one‑pan dish made with seasoned beef, vegetables, rice, scrambled eggs, and sauces—all cooked together for a quick, flavorful meal.
How long does it take to make?
You spend about 10 minutes prepping and 20 minutes cooking, so it’s ready in around 30 minutes total.
Can you freeze it?
Yes, it freezes well for up to three to four months. Cool completely, store in a freezer‑safe bag, and thaw overnight before reheating.
What kind of rice should you use?
Day‑old cooked rice works best—you get a firmer texture and less clumping. Fresh rice tends to become mushy.
How do you reheat frozen rice?
Thaw it in the fridge overnight, then stir‑fry in a skillet with one tablespoon of oil on medium‑high heat, stirring until it reaches 160 °F.
Can you adjust the veggies or protein?
Absolutely. Swap or add veggies like bell peppers or broccoli. Replace ground beef with chicken, turkey, shrimp, or tofu.
Ground Beef Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic (chopped)
- 1/2 whole yellow onion (chopped)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
- 1/2 cup frozen carrots
- 1/2 teaspoon powdered ginger
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 3 large eggs (beaten)
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 whole green onions (sliced)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, garlic, onion, peas, corn, carrots, ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes until beef is browned and veggies are softened.
- Drain the beef mixture and transfer it to a plate.
- Return the skillet to medium-high heat, add the remaining tablespoon of oil, and scramble the beaten eggs until just set.
- Add the cooked rice and drained beef back into the skillet. Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring constantly to heat through for about 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions before serving.
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