Ground Beef Fried Rice Recipe
Ground Beef Fried Rice is a versatile, flavorful dish that combines tender ground beef with colorful vegetables, rice, and savory seasonings. It’s a quick, easy meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes and is perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- Ground Beef: 1 lb (you can use lean or regular ground beef, depending on your preference).
- Rice: 3 cups of cooked, cooled rice (preferably day-old rice for the best texture).
- Vegetables: 1/2 cup diced carrots, 1/2 cup frozen peas, 1/2 cup diced onions (or a mix of your favorites).
- Eggs: 2 large eggs, lightly beaten.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Soy Sauce: 2-3 tablespoons, or to taste.
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon (optional for flavor).
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons for stir-frying.
- Green Onions: 1/4 cup, sliced, for garnish.
- Salt & Pepper: to taste.
- Optional: 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, chili flakes, or a dash of ginger for extra flavor.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: If you haven’t done so already, cook the rice ahead of time and allow it to cool. Cold rice works best for fried rice, as it prevents clumping. Dice the vegetables, mince the garlic, and beat the eggs in a small bowl.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until fully browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, if needed.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same pan. Toss in the diced onions, carrots, and peas (or any other vegetables you’re using) and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Scramble the Eggs: Push the cooked beef and vegetables to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side and scramble them until fully cooked, about 1-2 minutes. Mix everything together once the eggs are done.
- Combine with Rice: Add the cold, cooked rice to the pan. Use a spatula to break up any clumps. Stir everything together, ensuring the beef, vegetables, and eggs are evenly mixed with the rice.
- Season: Pour the soy sauce over the rice and stir well. Add the sesame oil (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. For extra flavor, you can also add oyster sauce, chili flakes, or a bit of grated ginger.
- Final Stir-Fry: Continue to stir-fry the mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to heat through and absorb the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat and transfer the fried rice to serving dishes. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Tips for Success:
- Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice tends to be too soft and can become mushy when stir-fried. Using rice that has been refrigerated overnight helps achieve the perfect texture.
- Customize the Vegetables: You can add any vegetables you have on hand, such as bell peppers, corn, or even leftover roasted vegetables. The more colorful, the better!
- Make It Spicy: Add chili paste, sriracha, or chili flakes to adjust the heat level.
- Add More Protein: This recipe can also be made with chicken, pork, or tofu for a variation.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve Ground Beef Fried Rice on its own for a complete meal, or pair it with a side of soup (like miso or egg drop soup) or a light salad. It also works great as a side dish alongside other Asian-inspired meals.
Meal Prep Tip:
Ground Beef Fried Rice is ideal for meal prepping. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to help rehydrate the rice.
This dish is a great way to use up leftover rice and customize according to your preferences. Enjoy this easy, flavorful fried rice recipe with your family or as a lunch for the week!