Ground Beef Fried Rice
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Ground Beef Fried Rice is one of those quick meals that works great for busy nights. It comes together in one pan, uses simple ingredients, and fills everyone up. You can also change it up based on what you already have in your fridge.
Ground Beef Fried Rice
We like this recipe because it’s a smart way to use up leftover rice and leftover or frozen vegetables.
Ground beef fried rice has protein from the meat and eggs. The rice adds carbs for energy, and the vegetables provide some fiber and vitamins. If you’re watching sodium, choose a low-sodium soy sauce. You can also use lean beef to cut back on fat.
PMc says:
A helpful tip is to use cold rice from the fridge because it holds up better in the pan and doesn’t get mushy.
Ground Beef Fried Rice Cooking Tips and Substitutions
Use day-old rice if you can. It’s dryer and fries better without turning soft. If you don’t have ground beef, ground turkey or chicken works fine. Frozen mixed veggies are fast, but you can use fresh ones too—just chop them small so they cook quickly. Add a little extra soy sauce or sesame oil at the end if you want more flavor. Keep the heat medium-high so everything cooks fast and evenly. Scramble the eggs in the pan before adding the rice so they stay fluffy and don’t disappear into the mix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, just make sure it’s cooked and cold before frying. Brown rice gives it a nuttier texture but still works well.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well. Just store it in a sealed container and warm it in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to keep it from drying out.
Can I skip the sesame oil?
You can, but it adds good flavor. If you don’t have it, a small drizzle of olive oil or just extra soy sauce can fill in.
To Freeze
Allow the beef fried rice to cool completely in the refrigerator. Transfer it to a freezer-safe, zip-top plastic bag. Store in the freezer for 3 to 4 months.
To Reheat Ground Beef Fried Rice
Allow the frozen fried rice to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Add one tablespoon of vegetable oil to a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add the fried rice meal and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated throughout.
Ground Beef Fried Rice Conclusion
This is a simple, flavorful dinner made in 30 minutes and works for both lunch or dinner! This mouthwatering fried rice meal will please the whole family, and it’s freezer-friendly!
Ground Beef Fried Rice is flexible and uses ingredients most people already have. You can make it once and then change it up next time with different veggies or protein. A similar recipe is Korean Ground Beef Bowls. Or, try one of these favorite recipes:
Ground Beef Fried Rice
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Equipment
- saute pan or
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil divided
- 1 Pound Ground Beef
- 4 Cloves Garlic minced
- ½ medium yellow onions diced
- ½ cup broccoli diced
- ½ cup carrots diced
- ½ Teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- 3 large eggs Beaten
- 2 cups rice cooked, leftover cold rice is great
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce or liquid aminos or tamari
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil
- 2 meidum Green Onions Sliced
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 Tablespoon of oil.
- Add the ground beef, garlic, onion, carrots, ginger, salt, and pepper.
- Cook, breaking the meat up as you go, for 6-8 minutes, until the beef is browned and at 160℉.
- Drain the meat and transfer to a plate.
- Return the skillet to the heat and add another 1 Tablespoon of oil.
- Add the beaten eggs to your pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until they're scrambled.
- Push the eggs to the side of the pan and add in the rice and ground beef.
- Drizzle evenly with soy sauce and sesame oil and stir, cooking for 2 more minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat and top with green onions, if desired.
Nutrition
Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are important to you, I recommend calculating them yourself.