This ground beef fried rice recipe is kid friendly, ready in under 30 minutes, and made all in one skillet. The perfect dinner recipe for a busy weeknight!
Despite the fact that I’ve been cooking for my family for three decades, I still struggle with making the right amount of rice. Either we run out or I have loads leftover. #facepalm
When I have leftover rice, I either make rice pudding or some type of fried rice. This easy ground beef fried rice is our newest favorite variation!
It calls for simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. No fancy sauces, so it’s mild enough that even kids will eat it.
It’s a great way to get dinner on the table in minutes, and clean up your leftover rice!
Is ground beef good in fried rice?
Yes, ground beef makes delicious fried rice! Not only is it flavorful, it adds iron and protein, and makes an extra hearty fried rice dish. Give it a try!
How to make easy beef fried rice:
- PREP – Dice the onion. Peel and dice the carrot. Scramble the eggs in a small bowl. Heat a non stick 12 inch skillet over medium high heat.
- BEEF – Add the ground beef to the hot pan. Let it cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes, or until it sears and browns.
Then flip and stir it. - VEGGIES – Add the onion and carrots; cook and stir for another 8 minutes, or until meat is completely browned and vegetables are slightly tender. Add the salt, pepper, and garlic and cook 30-60 seconds.
- SCRAMBLED EGGS – Slide the meat mixture to the side and add the whisked eggs. Cook until barely set.
- SEASON – Add the cold rice, soy sauce, sesame oil, peas, corn, and red pepper flakes. Stir together and heat until rice is hot.
- SERVE – Adjust seasonings, then garnish with fresh green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 4-5 days. You can reheat in the microwave, or in a hot skillet. You may need to add a sprinkle of water if it seems dry.
PRO TIPS:
- Letting the ground beef sear in the pan until it browns before stirring it adds so much rich flavor, so don’t skip that step!
- For the best fried rice, use day-old rice. Hot fresh rice can lead to sticky or gummy fried rice. So if you don’t have cooked rice on hand, make it ahead of time so it has time to chill and dry out a bit.
- When you have leftover rice, let it cool, then place it in a heavy duty freezer bag. Toss it in the freezer and you will have quick rice on hand for any stir fry recipe!
VARIATIONS:
- Feel free to add or subtract any vegetables. Try bell peppers, broccoli florets, green beans, mushrooms, or even frozen mixed vegetables.
- I like the iron that beef provides, but you can use ground pork, ground turkey, or ground chicken.
- Try other savory flavors like fish sauce, hoisin sauce, fresh ginger, or oyster sauce.
More easy recipes using ground beef:
- Meximelt Recipe
- Stuffed Pepper Skillet
- Ground Beef Curry
- Tamale Casserole Recipe
- Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Shepherd’s Pie with Tomato Soup
- Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
- Taco Salad with Doritos and Catalina Dressing
Ground Beef Fried Rice Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 large carrot peeled and diced
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 3 cups cooked rice cold (leftover rice is perfect)
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- ½ cup frozen peas
- ½ cup frozen corn
- ⅛ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 2 green onions sliced on the bias (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the hot skillet and press it flat. Let it sear on one side for about 5 minutes or until it is dark brown.
- Add the diced onion and carrots, cook and stir for another 8 minutes, or until the meat is browned and the veggies are tender.
- Add the salt, pepper, and garlic; cook for about 30 seconds. Then scoot the mixture to the side of the skillet and add the beaten eggs to the skillet. Cook and stir until barely set.
- Stir in the cold cooked rice, soy sauce, sesame oil, peas, corn, and red pepper flakes. Heat through. Taste and add more seasonings if desired.
- Garnish with the sliced green onions.
Notes
Nutrition
This delicious ground beef fried rice recipe will be a hit with the whole family!