Let me tell you, there’s something magical about ground beef fried rice! It’s one of those recipes that’s so simple yet packed with flavor, making it a go-to for busy weeknights. I mean, who doesn’t love a dish that comes together in about 25 minutes? Plus, it’s the perfect way to use up leftover rice—so you’re not wasting a thing! My kids absolutely love it, and it’s become a staple in our home. The combination of savory ground beef, colorful veggies, and fluffy rice is just so satisfying. And trust me, once you whip this up, it’ll quickly become your favorite quick meal, too. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this deliciousness!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old for better texture)
- 1 pound ground beef (you can use lean for a healthier option)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust based on your taste preference)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn work great)
- 2 large eggs, beaten (don’t worry if you spill a little, it happens!)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for that fresh crunch)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy with the seasoning!)
How to Prepare Ground Beef Fried Rice
Alright, let’s get cooking! This ground beef fried rice comes together in a snap, and I promise, it’ll be a hit at your table. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying this delicious meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle but not smoking—this is key for getting that nice sear on the beef!
- Add the ground beef to the pan and break it up with a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. The smell will be incredible!
- Now, toss in the mixed vegetables and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes. You want the veggies to heat through but still maintain some crunch. Yum!
- Once everything is cooked, push the beef and veggies to one side of the pan. This creates a little space for the eggs.
- Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side of the pan. Let them sit for a moment before scrambling them gently with your spatula. Cook until just set, about 1-2 minutes. Then mix everything together!
- Finally, add the cooked rice and soy sauce. Stir it all up, making sure to combine all the flavors evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and don’t forget to sprinkle in those chopped green onions. They add such a fresh pop!
And there you have it! A quick and hearty meal that’s bursting with flavor. Just serve it up hot and enjoy the smiles around the table!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk nutrition! This ground beef fried rice is not only delicious but also packs a nice balance of nutrients. Each serving is estimated to have around 400 calories, with 25 grams of protein to keep you feeling full. You’ll also find about 18 grams of fat, including 6 grams of saturated fat. The dish has approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates, with 2 grams of fiber. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy this hearty meal without the guilt!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This ground beef fried rice comes together in just about 25 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast!
- Flavorful and Satisfying: With the savory ground beef, fresh veggies, and a kick of soy sauce, each bite is bursting with flavor. It’s comfort food at its best!
- Great Use for Leftovers: If you have leftover rice hanging out in your fridge, this recipe is a fantastic way to put it to good use. No waste here!
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the veggies or even add in some extra spices to suit your taste. Feel free to get creative!
- Kid-Friendly: My kids absolutely love this dish, and I bet yours will too! Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies.
Trust me, once you start making this ground beef fried rice, it’ll quickly become a go-to recipe in your home!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my top tips to make sure your ground beef fried rice turns out perfectly every time! First off, using day-old rice is a game changer. It’s drier and helps achieve that ideal texture, so it doesn’t clump together. If you don’t have leftover rice, just spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool before using it—this helps too!
Next, don’t be afraid to adjust the soy sauce based on your taste preference. Start with the amount I’ve listed, but feel free to add a splash more if you like it saltier. Also, adding a little minced garlic or ginger while cooking the beef can really elevate the flavors! Lastly, keep everything moving in the pan to avoid burning—this dish is all about that perfect stir-fry action. Happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best things about ground beef fried rice is how adaptable it is! If you want to mix things up, consider adding different vegetables. Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas can add a lovely crunch and color. You could even toss in some baby spinach right at the end for a nutritious boost!
If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out ground beef for another protein. Chicken, shrimp, or even tofu work wonderfully in this dish. Just remember to adjust the cooking times accordingly—shrimp cooks much faster than beef!
For those who love a bit of heat, a splash of sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor profile to a whole new level! And don’t forget about spices—adding a dash of five-spice powder or sesame oil can create a delightful twist. Get creative and make this dish your own!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving ground beef fried rice, I love to keep it simple yet satisfying! A light salad is always a great choice, especially something refreshing like a cucumber salad or a classic Asian slaw. The crunch and acidity balance the richness of the fried rice beautifully. You could also pair it with a warm bowl of miso soup or egg drop soup for a comforting meal. If you’re in the mood for something a bit heartier, some spring rolls or dumplings on the side add a fun touch. Trust me, these options will elevate your dinner experience!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your ground beef fried rice is super easy! Just let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just be sure to portion it out in freezer-safe bags or containers for easy defrosting later!
When it’s time to reheat, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat for the best results. Add a splash of water or broth to help steam it up and keep it from drying out. Stir frequently until it’s heated through, and you’re ready to dig in again!
For more delicious recipes, check out this collection of ground beef recipes or learn how to make easy chicken fried rice for a different twist!
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Ground Beef Fried Rice: 25-Minute Flavorful Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious ground beef fried rice dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in mixed vegetables and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Push beef and vegetables to one side of the pan.
- Pour beaten eggs into the other side and scramble.
- Add cooked rice and soy sauce, mixing everything together.
- Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with green onions.
Notes
- Use leftover rice for better texture.
- Adjust soy sauce based on taste preference.
- Add garlic for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: ground beef fried rice
