The Best Ground Beef Fried Rice Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Crispy ground beef adds an unexpected twist to traditional fried rice, creating a mouthwatering meal that surprises everyone at the table.

Weeknight dinners demand quick, satisfying solutions that pack serious flavor.

Home cooks searching for simple yet delicious recipes will adore this hearty combination.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tender meat and fluffy rice grains.

The skillet becomes your canvas, mixing savory beef with aromatic vegetables and perfectly seasoned rice.

Simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary with minimal effort.

This recipe promises to become your new go-to comfort meal that keeps hunger at bay and brings smiles to hungry faces.

Ground Beef Fried Rice With a Creative Twist

• Spicy Southwest Beef Rice: Replace frozen vegetables with black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers. Add taco seasoning instead of traditional Asian sauces. Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Ground Beef Rice: Incorporate diced tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Season with oregano and za'atar spice blend. Finish with chopped parsley for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
• Teriyaki Beef Fried Rice: Swap soy sauce with homemade teriyaki sauce using soy sauce, mirin, and brown sugar. Add pineapple chunks for sweetness. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and extra green onions for extra flavor.
• Curry Beef Rice Bowl: Mix in mild curry powder and turmeric while cooking. Include diced carrots and peas. Drizzle with yogurt sauce and sprinkle with chopped fresh mint for a creamy, aromatic twist.

Got Questions? Fried Rice FAQ Time

• Why use cold rice for fried rice?

Cold rice has less moisture and separates easily, preventing a mushy texture. Freshly cooked rice is too sticky and will clump together, making your fried rice soggy and less appetizing.

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, or pork work great in this recipe. You can also make it vegetarian by using tofu or simply skipping the meat altogether.

• How do I prevent my ground beef from becoming tough?

Cook the beef over medium-high heat and avoid overcooking. Break it into small pieces while cooking and drain excess grease to keep it tender and juicy. Don’t stir too much, which can make the meat tough.

• What if I don't have all the Asian sauces?

No worries! If you’re missing oyster sauce, you can substitute with more soy sauce. For sesame oil, use a neutral cooking oil. The key is balancing salt and umami flavors, so experiment with what you have in your pantry.

Why Ground Beef Fried Rice Is Always a Hit

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: Whip up this ground beef fried rice in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect solution for busy families craving a delicious and satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Ingredient Swap Champion: Customize this recipe by using leftover rice, changing up the vegetables, or substituting ground beef with chicken or tofu to match your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Flavor-Packed One-Pan Wonder: Enjoy a complete meal with protein, vegetables, and carbs all cooked in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing taste with a blend of savory sauces and aromatic spices.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort Food: Transform simple, affordable ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that feeds the whole family without breaking the bank, proving delicious meals don't have to be expensive.

The Must-Have Ingredients for Fried Rice

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein that adds rich flavor and texture to the fried rice.

• Onion, Garlic, Ginger: Classic flavor base that provides depth and aroma to the dish.
• Frozen Vegetables: Convenient mix that adds color, nutrition, and quick cooking time.

• Eggs: Adds protein, creates a soft texture, and provides a classic fried rice element.

• Rice: Cold, cooked rice ensures the perfect texture and prevents clumping.
• Soy Sauce: Provides salty umami flavor and traditional Asian seasoning.
• Oyster Sauce: Adds rich, deep savory notes to the dish.
• Sesame Oil: Brings nutty, authentic Asian flavor with subtle aroma.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and warm spice.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for extra heat and spiciness.

• Green Onions: Fresh, sharp flavor that brightens the entire dish.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil for high-heat cooking and preventing sticking.

Easy Instructions for Ground Beef Fried Rice

Step 1: Brown the Meaty Base

Heat a large skillet over medium-high flame and drizzle in vegetable oil. Crumble ground beef into the pan, breaking it into small pieces while cooking. Sizzle the meat until it transforms into a rich, golden-brown color with crispy edges. Carefully drain any excess fat to keep the dish light and tasty.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatic Symphony

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Freshly grated ginger

Stir these flavor boosters until they release their mouth-watering fragrance. Dump in colorful frozen vegetable medley and let them dance and soften in the pan.

Step 3: Introduce Fluffy Egg Clouds

Create a little space in the skillet and pour in whisked eggs. Gently scramble the eggs until they form soft, pillowy curds. Blend the golden egg clouds with the beef and vegetables, creating a harmonious mixture.

Step 4: Marry the Rice and Flavors

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Sesame oil
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Toss everything together, allowing the rice to soak up all the delicious seasonings.

Step 5: Final Flourish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions across the top. Transfer to serving plates and offer extra soy sauce or sriracha for adventurous eaters. Enjoy your restaurant-quality meal straight from your kitchen!

Smart Tips for Getting That Wok Flavor

• Drain Beef Perfectly: Use a colander or paper towels to remove excess grease, ensuring a crispy and not greasy fried rice texture.
• Choose Rice Wisely: Day-old cold rice works best, as it's drier and prevents mushy results when stir-frying.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes and black pepper to match your heat preference, making the dish personalized and enjoyable.
• Veggie Flexibility: Swap frozen mixed vegetables with fresh seasonal options like bell peppers, carrots, or peas for added nutrition and flavor variety.
• Create Protein Alternatives: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or tofu for different dietary needs while maintaining the recipe's delicious essence.

How to Save Leftover Fried Rice for Later

• Refrigerate leftover fried rice promptly in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
• Keep the rice fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring it stays sealed to prevent moisture and bacterial growth.
• Reheat thoroughly in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
• Avoid freezing fried rice with eggs, as the texture can become watery and unappetizing when thawed.
• When reheating, stir frequently and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Discard any fried rice that has been left at room temperature for more than two hours to prevent potential foodborne illness.

Best Bites to Pair With Beef Fried Rice

• Boost Beverage Pairing: Crack open a crisp Asian-style lager like Tsingtao or Sapporo, which cuts through the richness of the ground beef and complements the savory stir-fry flavors with its light, refreshing profile.
• Wine Companion Choice: Select a slightly chilled off-dry Riesling with subtle sweetness that balances the salty soy sauce and matches the dish's complex umami undertones.
• Sidekick Sauce Enhancer: Drizzle extra sriracha or chili oil for heat lovers, adding a spicy kick that elevates the ground beef fried rice and creates a personalized flavor explosion.
• Herbal Fresh Finish: Sprinkle extra fresh green onions or cilantro just before serving to introduce a bright, zesty note that lifts the entire dish's aromatic profile and adds a vibrant pop of color.

Ground Beef Fried Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling ground beef fried rice elevates weeknight dinners with Asian-inspired comfort. Quick, one-pan magic blends savory meat, fluffy rice, and aromatic vegetables you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (85/15 for best flavor!)
• 2 large eggs, beaten

Grains and Base:

• 3 cups cooked and cooled rice (day-old rice works best!)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided, for frying!)

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste!)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (adds depth, optional!)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for nutty flavor!)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat!)

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger!)
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish!)

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Instructions

1. Sear the ground beef in a sizzling skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces until a rich, golden-brown color develops. Transfer the meat to one side of the cooking surface, allowing excess oils to drain away.
2. Infuse the pan with aromatic notes by quickly sautéing finely minced onions, garlic, and ginger until their fragrant essence permeates the kitchen. Introduce frozen vegetable medley, stirring until they transform from icy to tender.
3. Create a swift egg scramble in an empty section of the pan, gently folding the delicate curds until they’re just set. Integrate the scrambled eggs with the seasoned beef and vibrant vegetables.
4. Introduce cold rice into the skillet, carefully separating any compacted grains. Drizzle with umami-rich soy sauce, complex oyster sauce, nutty sesame oil, freshly cracked black pepper, and a whisper of fiery red pepper flakes. Vigorously toss the ingredients, allowing the rice to absorb the layered seasonings.
5. Finish the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped green onions throughout, providing a crisp, verdant contrast. Transfer to serving plates, accompanied by additional condiments for personalized heat and saltiness.

Notes

• Select cold, day-old rice for the best texture and prevent mushy fried rice.
• Use high heat and a well-seasoned wok or non-stick skillet to achieve that signature crispy rice edge.
• Customize vegetable mix based on seasonal availability or personal preference, keeping cooking time consistent.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce or replacing half with coconut aminos for a lighter flavor profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg