Ground Beef Fried Rice

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Ground beef fried rice is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of savory ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and fragrant rice.

ground beef fried rice with carrots, peas, corn, and green onions on a spoon
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Fried Rice with Ground Beef and Vegetables

This recipe is a perfect way to transform leftover rice and add a protein-packed twist to a classic fried rice dish. With its quick and easy preparation, ground beef fried rice is a versatile meal that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. The combination of tender ground beef, crispy vegetables, and the umami-rich flavors of soy sauce and spices creates a mouthwatering dish that is sure to please both meat lovers and rice enthusiasts.

Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to create this flavorful and comforting ground beef fried rice!

ground beef fried rice with carrots, peas, corn, and green onions in a bowl

How to Make Ground Beef Fried Rice

To make this recipe, you will need to gather the following ingredients:

  • Olive, Canola, or Vegetable Oil: The oil is used for stir-frying the ingredients, adding moisture and preventing sticking.
  • Ground Beef: Provides protein and adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish.
  • Kosher Salt: Enhances the overall taste and helps to season the ground beef and vegetables.
  • Ground Black Pepper: Adds a hint of spiciness and complements the flavors of the other ingredients.
  • Ground Ginger: Adds a warm and slightly tangy flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste.
  • Yellow Onion: Adds a sweet and aromatic flavor to the fried rice, providing depth and balance.
  • Carrots: Provide a slightly sweet and earthy taste, as well as a vibrant color and a pleasing crunch.
  • Celery: Adds a refreshing and slightly bitter flavor, providing texture and a subtle herbal note.
  • Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor, enhancing the overall savory profile of the dish.
  • Eggs: Contribute richness, texture, and protein to the fried rice, creating a fluffy and flavorful addition.
  • Cooked Rice: The base of the dish, the chilled cooked rice provides a chewy texture and acts as a canvas to absorb the flavors of the other ingredients.
  • Frozen Peas: Bring a burst of sweetness and vibrant color to the fried rice, adding texture and visual appeal.
  • Frozen Corn Kernels: Provide a touch of sweetness and a pop of bright yellow color, complementing the other ingredients.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds a savory, umami-rich flavor to the dish, providing depth and enhancing the overall taste.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty and aromatic flavor, enhancing the overall Asian-inspired profile of the dish.
  • Sliced Scallions (optional): If used as a garnish, scallions provide a fresh and onion-like flavor, adding a visual and flavorful touch.

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use the following process:

  1. Cook beef. Heat ½ tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat (if you are using lean ground beef, heat one tablespoon of oil). Add the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it starts to brown but is not completely done. Break the meat up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season the beef with the salt, pepper, and ginger.
  2. Add veggies. Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the veggies soften, and the beef is cooked. Add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until the garlic is fragrant.
  3. Cook eggs. Push the beef and veggies to one side of the pan and ½ a tablespoon of oil to the bare side. Pour in the beaten eggs and cook for 2-3 minutes or until soft and fluffy, stirring occasionally. 
  4. Add rice. Move the scrambled eggs on top of the beef and vegetables. Add ½ tablespoon of oil to the bare side of the pan and add the rice. Combine the rice with the beef, vegetables, and eggs and cook for 2-3 minutes to fry the rice, breaking up any clumps with a wooden spoon. 
  5. Finish. Add the peas, corn, soy sauce, and sesame oil and cook for 3-4 minutes or until the vegetables are heated through.
  6. Enjoy! Serve the fried rice hot from the pan and garnish with sliced scallions if desired. 
ground beef fried rice with carrots, peas, corn, and green onions on a spoon

Tips and Tricks to Perfect Beef Fried Rice

Use Cold Cooked Rice: Fried rice is best made with leftover or chilled rice from the previous day. Cold rice helps to prevent it from becoming mushy when stir-frying. If using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a baking sheet and refrigerate it for a few hours before using.

Precook the Ground Beef: Cook the ground beef separately before adding it to the fried rice. This allows you to drain any excess fat and ensures that the beef is cooked evenly.

High Heat and Quick Cooking: Stir-frying should be done over high heat to ensure that the ingredients cook quickly and evenly. This helps to maintain the texture of the rice and vegetables, while imparting a delicious smoky flavor.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Stir-fry in batches if needed, and avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can cause the ingredients to steam instead of stir-fry, resulting in a soggy dish. Give each ingredient enough space to cook properly.

Season the Beef and Rice Separately: Season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and any desired spices before cooking it. Season the rice separately with soy sauce or other sauces to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Add Vegetables at the Right Time: When stir-frying, add vegetables that require longer cooking times first, such as carrots or bell peppers. Then, add quick-cooking vegetables like peas or green onions towards the end to retain their crispness and vibrant color.

Finish with Sesame Oil: Drizzle a small amount of sesame oil over the fried rice towards the end of cooking. This adds a delightful aroma and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the fried rice with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh herbs for added freshness and visual appeal.

FAQs

Can I use any type of rice for fried rice?

While traditionally fried rice is made with long-grain rice, you can use other types like jasmine or basmati rice. The key is to use cooked rice that has been cooled and refrigerated for a few hours, so it’s slightly dry and separates easily.

Can I use other types of meat other than ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, pork, or even diced chicken or shrimp can be used in place of ground beef. Adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked.

Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian without the meat?

Yes, you can omit the meat and create a delicious vegetarian or vegan fried rice. Simply increase the amount of vegetables or add tofu or plant-based protein alternatives for a satisfying meal.

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen vegetables can be used in fried rice. Make sure to thaw them before adding to the pan, and adjust the cooking time as frozen vegetables tend to cook faster than fresh ones.

How do I prevent the rice from turning mushy?

The key to avoiding mushy fried rice is to use cold, cooked rice and high heat. Make sure the pan or wok is hot before adding the rice, and stir-fry quickly to prevent excess moisture from making the rice soggy.

Can I prepare this rice in advance?

Fried rice is best enjoyed immediately after cooking. However, you can prepare some of the ingredients in advance, like chopping vegetables or cooking the ground beef, to save time when you’re ready to cook the dish.

Can I reheat leftover fried rice?

Yes, you can reheat leftover fried rice. Use a non-stick pan or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Stir-fry or microwave it until heated through, and adjust the seasoning if needed.

ground beef fried rice with carrots, peas, corn, and green onions

What to Serve With Beef Fried Rice

Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: Serve some crispy egg rolls or spring rolls on the side. They add a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor that pairs well with the fried rice.

Stir-Fried Vegetables: Prepare a side of stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas. This adds freshness and color to the meal while providing extra nutrients.

Asian Slaw: A refreshing Asian slaw with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing can provide a nice contrast to the savory fried rice.

Steamed or Grilled Bok Choy: Bok choy, a leafy green vegetable, can be steamed or quickly grilled with garlic and soy sauce. Its mild flavor and crisp texture complement the richness of the fried rice.

Cucumber Salad: Prepare a simple cucumber salad with thinly sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, and a touch of sesame oil. This light and refreshing side dish balances the flavors of the fried rice.

Kimchi: If you enjoy Korean flavors, a side of kimchi, which is fermented cabbage with spices, can provide a tangy and spicy kick to the meal.

Steamed Dumplings: Serve some steamed dumplings, such as potstickers or gyoza, alongside the fried rice for a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

For more Asian food inspired recipes, find our recent favorites below:

ground beef fried rice with carrots, peas, corn, and green onions in a pan

Ground Beef Fried Rice Recipe

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ground beef fried rice with carrots, peas, corn, and green onions on a spoon

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ground beef fried rice with carrots, peas, corn, and green onions on a spoon
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Ground Beef Fried Rice

Delicious easy fried rice loaded with crumbled ground beef and crunchy vegetables!
Course Side dishes
Cuisine Asian
Keyword eggs, fried rice, ground beef, rice, side dishes, stovetop, vegetables
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 461kcal
Author Courtney O’Dell

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ – 2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil divided
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 2 medium carrots diced
  • 2 celery stalks sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 eggs lightly beaten
  • 3 cups chilled cooked rice
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • ½ cup frozen corn kernels
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Sliced scallions optional for garnish

Instructions

  • Heat ½ tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat (if you are using lean ground beef, heat one tablespoon of oil). Add the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it starts to brown but is not completely done. Break the meat up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. 
  • Season the beef with the salt, pepper, and ginger. Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the veggies soften, and the beef is cooked. Add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until the garlic is fragrant.
  • Push the beef and veggies to one side of the pan and ½ a tablespoon of oil to the bare side. Pour in the beaten eggs and cook for 2-3 minutes or until soft and fluffy, stirring occasionally. 
  • Move the scrambled eggs on top of the beef and vegetables. Add ½ tablespoon of oil to the bare side of the pan and add the rice. Combine the rice with the beef, vegetables, and eggs and cook for 2-3 minutes to fry the rice, breaking up any clumps with a wooden spoon. 
  • Add the peas, corn, soy sauce, and sesame oil and cook for 3-4 minutes or until the vegetables are heated through.
  • Serve the fried rice hot from the pan and garnish with sliced scallions if desired. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 461kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 160mg | Sodium: 834mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g

About Courtney

Courtney loves to share great wine, good food, and loves to explore far flung places- all while masting an everyday elegant and easy style at lifestyle blog Sweet C’s Designs. Sweet C's devoted to finding the best food and drinks you'll want to make or find, around the world!

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