If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful dinner option, Ground Beef Fried Rice is just what you need. This dish combines the savory richness of lean ground beef with the comforting taste of rice, eggs, and mixed vegetables, all tossed in a punchy sauce. Perfect for weeknights or even meal prepping, this recipe helps you make the most of everyday ingredients in a way that feels both hearty and exciting.
Why We Love This Ground Beef Fried Rice Recipe
This recipe is the ideal combination of fast, flexible, and flavorful. You can use ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and freezer. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity — from the quick whisk of the sauce to the fast stir-fry of veggies, beef, and rice, everything comes together in one pan.
Not only is it packed with flavor thanks to the hoisin, soy sauce, and sriracha, but it also offers protein, fiber, and comforting carbs in every serving. It’s family-friendly, adjustable in spice level, and perfect for leftovers. Plus, it’s one of those meals where you can sneak in extra veggies if you’d like without losing any of the great taste.
Ingredients for Ground Beef Fried Rice
Creating this dish doesn’t require anything fancy. You’ll find these ingredients are easy to find and even easier to work with. Feel free to adjust the spice and add more sauce if you like it extra flavorful.
Sauce Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons hoisin sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1/2 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar
- 1/2 to 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Fried Rice Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (divided)
- 1/3 cup chopped onion
- 1 small jalapeño, chopped (optional)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups day-old cooked rice (preferably sticky or sushi rice)
- 2 cups frozen mixed peas and carrots
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
How to Make Ground Beef Fried Rice
Start by preparing the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, and black pepper. Set this flavorful mixture aside to be added later.
Next, heat one tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the pan heats, crack the eggs into a bowl and beat them. Pour the eggs into the hot skillet and scramble them for 3 to 4 minutes or until they’re fully cooked but still soft. Remove the eggs from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil. Toss in the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, and jalapeño if you’re using it. Stir everything well and cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked. This step takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
Once the meat is cooked, pour the sauce over it. Stir everything together so the sauce evenly coats the beef. Let it simmer for a minute or two to let the flavors blend.
Now, add the frozen carrots and peas directly into the pan. Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until they’re heated through. Then, add the rice and the previously scrambled eggs back into the skillet.
Break up the rice gently with a spatula and stir until it’s well mixed with the other ingredients. Cook for another few minutes to ensure everything is hot and combined. If needed, season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Finally, top your fried rice with green onions and an extra drizzle of hoisin sauce before serving.
How to Serve Ground Beef Fried Rice
You can serve this dish straight from the skillet while it’s hot and steaming. For presentation, scoop it into bowls and top with freshly sliced green onions and a drizzle of extra hoisin for an added kick of sweetness.
It’s a complete meal by itself, offering protein, veggies, and carbs in one bowl. You don’t need any sides, but if you want to stretch it further, serve with a simple cucumber salad or steamed broccoli. It’s also great wrapped in lettuce leaves for a crunchy twist.
Pair it with a cool drink and you’re ready to enjoy a satisfying, balanced meal with just the right amount of spice and savory goodness.
Expert Tips: Ground Beef Fried Rice
Use cold, day-old rice: Fresh rice is too moist and sticky. Letting your rice rest overnight in the fridge gives it the perfect texture for frying.
Cook the beef fully before adding sauce: This ensures the meat absorbs the full flavor of the sauce without becoming greasy.
Don’t skip the eggs: They add protein and a fluffy texture that balances the richness of the beef.
Double the sauce for extra flavor: If you like your fried rice more saucy, increase the sauce ingredients by half.
Customize the spice: Adjust the sriracha and jalapeño based on your spice tolerance. You can also skip them for a milder version.
How to Store Ground Beef Fried Rice
Let the fried rice cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer leftovers into an airtight container and place it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it for a couple of minutes. If it seems a little dry, add a splash of water or soy sauce to bring back the moisture.
This dish is also freezer-friendly. Pack it in portion-sized containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
Variation of Ground Beef Fried Rice
You can easily switch things up to match your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some delicious variations:
- Swap the protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or tofu instead of beef.
- Add more vegetables: Bell peppers, mushrooms, shredded cabbage, or spinach work well.
- Change the grain: Try cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist.
- Make it sweeter: Add a bit of pineapple or a dash of brown sugar to the sauce.
- Top it off: Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, or a fried egg for a restaurant-style finish.
FAQ about Ground Beef Fried Rice
Can I use freshly cooked rice for fried rice?
It’s best to use cold, day-old rice. Fresh rice tends to be too soft and can become mushy during frying.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
You can add more sriracha, extra jalapeño, or even a dash of chili flakes to increase the heat.
Is Ground Beef Fried Rice gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Portion it into containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
What kind of beef is best for this recipe?
Use lean ground beef to avoid too much grease. Around 90% lean works well.
How do I prevent soggy fried rice?
Use day-old rice, avoid overcrowding the pan, and stir-fry quickly over high heat.
Ground Beef Fried Rice
Equipment
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons hoisin sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1/2 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar
- 1/2 to 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (divided)
- 1/3 cup chopped onion
- 1 small jalapeño chopped (optional)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups day-old cooked rice (preferably sticky or sushi rice)
- 2 cups frozen mixed peas and carrots
- 1/4 cup green onions sliced
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Beat the eggs in a bowl, then pour into the skillet. Scramble for 3-4 minutes until fully cooked. Remove the eggs and set aside.
- Add remaining sesame oil to the skillet. Add ground beef, onion, garlic, and jalapeño (if using). Cook until beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour the sauce over the beef and stir to coat. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Add frozen peas and carrots. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
- Add the cooked rice and scrambled eggs back into the skillet. Stir until well mixed and heated through. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Top with green onions and drizzle with extra hoisin sauce before serving.
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