Sizzling Ground Beef Fried Rice Recipe: A Tasty One-Pan Wonder

Weeknight dinners call for quick, satisfying meals like this ground beef fried rice that packs serious flavor into every single bite.

Home cooks have long appreciated the simplicity of combining tender beef with perfectly seasoned rice.

A skillet becomes your culinary canvas, where savory ground beef melds seamlessly with fluffy rice and vibrant vegetables.

Each forkful delivers a delightful mix of textures and robust seasonings that make this dish truly irresistible.

The recipe transforms basic ingredients into a comforting meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Fresh herbs and a touch of soy sauce elevate this classic comfort food to new heights.

Dive into this delicious creation that promises to become a permanent fixture in your dinner rotation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything In Ground Beef Fried Rice

• Ground Beef: Choose lean beef for less grease and richer flavor, ensuring tender meat that absorbs seasonings perfectly.
• Eggs: Fresh eggs create fluffy texture and add protein, picking large eggs ensures even scrambling.

• Onion, Garlic, Ginger: Classic Asian flavor base that builds deep, complex taste profiles, selecting fresh ingredients guarantees maximum aroma.
• Frozen Vegetables: Convenient mix providing nutrition and color, select mixed vegetable packages with corn, peas, and carrots for balanced texture.
• Green Onions: Bright garnish adding fresh, sharp finish to dish, choosing crisp green tops enhances visual appeal.

• Soy Sauce: Salty umami foundation that deepens overall flavor, selecting low-sodium varieties helps control salt content.
• Oyster Sauce: Rich, slightly sweet condiment creating authentic Asian taste, finding good quality brands matters.
• Sesame Oil: Nutty, fragrant finishing touch that elevates entire dish, using small amounts ensures intense flavor.
• Rice: Day-old cold rice works best for preventing mushiness, long-grain varieties provide perfect separated grains.
• Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Spice elements adding warmth and complexity, adjusting quantities allows personalized heat level.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking medium for smooth sautéing, choosing high smoke-point oils prevents burning.

Items You Need For Ground Beef Fried Rice

• Large Skillet or Wok: Essential for stir-frying and creating those perfect golden-brown edges on your beef and rice.
• Cutting Board: Your trusty surface for chopping onions, garlic, and green onions with ease.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade to quickly and precisely dice ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients without scratching your pan.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps you nail the right amount of sauces and seasonings for balanced flavor.
• Mixing Bowl: Great for beating eggs and preparing ingredients before cooking.

Simple Directions For Ground Beef Fried Rice

• Brown the Beef

Heat oil in a large skillet, tossing in ground beef. Crumble and cook until perfectly golden and crispy, ensuring no pink remains. Drain any extra fat to keep the dish light and delicious.

• Wake Up the Aromatics

Slide onions, garlic, and ginger into the pan, letting them dance and release their incredible fragrance. Toss in colorful frozen vegetables, stirring until they’re tender and vibrant.

• Scramble and Combine

Create fluffy eggs by pouring them into an open space in the pan. Gently scramble until softly set, then mix them together with the beef and vegetable medley.

• Bring Everything Together

Introduce cold rice to the party, breaking up any stubborn clumps. Splash in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir-fry everything enthusiastically, allowing each grain to soak up the rich, savory flavors.

• Final Touch and Serve

Sprinkle fresh green onions across the top for a burst of brightness. Plate immediately and offer extra sauce on the side for those who love an extra flavor kick.

Extra Ideas For Ground Beef Fried Rice

• Flavor-Boosting Tip: Use day-old rice for the best texture and prevent soggy fried rice. Freshly cooked rice contains too much moisture, making the dish mushy and clumpy.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version. Simply pulse cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles rice grains, then stir-fry as you would regular rice.
• Protein Swap: Experiment with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for different flavor profiles. Each protein brings unique taste and nutritional benefits to the dish.
• Veggie Variety: Mix and match frozen vegetables based on personal preference or seasonal availability. Consider adding edamame, water chestnuts, or bell peppers for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Spice Control: Adjust heat levels by modifying red pepper flakes or adding sriracha sauce. For mild versions, reduce spice; for bold flavors, increase pepper quantity or include fresh chopped chili peppers.

Ways To Plate Ground Beef Fried Rice

• Family Feast Companion: Pair this hearty ground beef fried rice with crisp cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory dish.
• Protein Power-Up: Top the rice with a sunny-side-up egg or additional shredded rotisserie chicken to boost protein and create a more substantial meal.
• Spice Lover's Delight: Drizzle extra sriracha sauce, sprinkle fresh chili flakes, or add a dash of chili oil for those craving an extra kick of heat and flavor complexity.
• Weekend Meal Prep Magic: Package individual portions in meal prep containers for quick lunches or freeze portions for easy grab-and-go dinners during busy weekdays.

Ground Beef Fried Rice: How To Store It Right

• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days when sealed properly.
• Quick Reheat Strategy: Warm portions in skillet over medium heat, adding splash of water to prevent drying. Stir frequently for even heating and restored moisture.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Package cooled fried rice in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Batch Cooking Tip: Double the recipe and portion into individual servings. Perfect for meal prep, grab-and-go lunches, or quick weeknight dinners without starting from scratch.

Hearty Ground Beef Fried Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory ground beef fried rice delivers a quick Asian-inspired meal packed with flavor. This one-pan dish combines seasoned meat, fluffy rice, and colorful vegetables for a satisfying dinner you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (85/15 for best flavor)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 3 cups cooked and cooled rice (day-old rice works best)
• 2 tbsps vegetable oil (divided, for frying)
• 3 tbsps soy sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (adds depth, optional)
• 1 tsp sesame oil (for nutty flavor)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Sear ground beef in a sizzling skillet, transforming it into golden-brown crumbles while allowing excess oils to drain, creating a foundational flavor base.
2. Vegetable and Aromatics Integration: Sauté minced onions, garlic, and ginger until their fragrant essence fills the kitchen, then fold in frozen vegetable medley, stirring until they transition from icy to perfectly tender.
3. Egg and Protein Fusion: Swiftly scramble eggs in a pan section, gently folding delicate curds until barely set, then seamlessly blend with seasoned beef and vibrant vegetables, creating a harmonious protein mixture.
4. Rice and Seasoning Harmony: Introduce cold rice into the skillet, carefully separating compacted grains. Drizzle with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Vigorously toss to ensure every grain absorbs the complex, layered seasonings.
5. Finishing Touch: Garnish with freshly chopped green onions, providing a crisp, verdant contrast. Transfer to serving plates, offering additional condiments for personalized flavor enhancement.

Notes

• Optimize Beef Browning: Ensure skillet is extremely hot to achieve golden-brown caramelization, which develops deeper flavor and prevents meat from becoming soggy.
• Control Moisture Levels: Pat ground beef dry before searing to prevent steaming and promote crispy texture, allowing excess fat to drain completely for a lighter dish.
• Rice Temperature Matters: Use day-old cold rice to prevent clumping and achieve perfect fried rice texture, separating grains gently to maintain individual kernel integrity.
• Balance Sauce Distribution: Add sauces incrementally while tossing, ensuring each grain gets evenly coated without becoming overly wet or mushy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg