If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a container of leftover rice, wondering how to turn it into something amazing, I’ve got just the recipe for you—Ground Beef Fried Rice! This dish is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution. It’s quick, packed with flavor, and made in just one pan (because who loves doing dishes? Not me!). Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice and any veggies you have hanging out in the fridge.

There’s just something so comforting about fried rice—the way the soy sauce soaks into the grains, the little pops of sweetness from the carrots and peas, and of course, the satisfying heartiness of the ground beef. It’s like a restaurant-style fried rice, but even better because you made it yourself!

So, let’s get cooking!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS GROUND BEEF FRIED RICE

✔️ Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!
✔️ One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup, more enjoying your meal.
✔️ Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and leftover rice.
✔️ Customizable: Swap in whatever veggies or protein you have.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Before we dive into the steps, here’s what you’ll need for this delicious fried rice:

1 lb ground beef – Adds protein and flavor!
3 cups cooked rice – Day-old rice works best for that perfect fried rice texture.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil – For frying everything up.
1 onion, diced – Adds a sweet, savory depth of flavor.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Because garlic makes everything better.
1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix – A classic veggie combo for fried rice.
2 eggs, beaten – For those yummy little egg bits throughout.
3 tablespoons soy sauce – The key to a good fried rice!
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional) – Adds an extra umami kick.
1 tablespoon sesame oil – For that final burst of flavor.
Salt and pepper, to taste – Seasoning is everything!
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) – A fresh and flavorful finishing touch.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1️⃣ Cook the Ground Beef

First things first, grab a large skillet or wok and heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Once the beef is fully cooked, transfer it to a plate and set it aside. Don’t drain all the fat—a little bit adds flavor to the rice!

2️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, followed by the diced onion. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften. Then, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. (The smell of garlic cooking? Absolutely heavenly!)

3️⃣ Cook the Vegetables

Next, add the frozen peas and carrots to the pan. Stir everything together and let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the veggies are nice and tender.

At this point, your kitchen is going to start smelling AMAZING!

Now that we’ve got our beef cooked, the aromatics sautéed, and the veggies softened, it’s time to bring everything together! This is where the magic happens—where simple ingredients turn into a crave-worthy, restaurant-style dish right in your own kitchen.

Let’s move on to the next steps and get this Ground Beef Fried Rice on your table in no time!

4️⃣ Scramble the Eggs

Here’s a little trick to make sure your eggs are perfectly incorporated into the fried rice without turning everything mushy:

Push the veggies to one side of the skillet, making room for the eggs.
Pour in the beaten eggs on the empty side of the pan.
Let them cook undisturbed for 30 seconds, then start scrambling them gently.
Once they are fully cooked and slightly fluffy, mix them with the veggies.

The key here is to cook the eggs separately at first so they keep their texture rather than just blending into the rice.

5️⃣ Combine Everything

Now for the best part—bringing it all together!

Return the cooked ground beef back into the skillet with the eggs and veggies.
Add in the cooked rice, breaking up any large clumps with your spatula. (Pro Tip: If your rice is very clumpy, run your hands through it before adding it to the pan to loosen it up.)
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil.
Stir-fry everything together for 3-5 minutes, making sure the rice is evenly coated and heated through.

The Secret to Perfect Fried Rice:
To get that signature “fried” texture, press the rice gently against the pan and let it sit for 30-60 seconds without stirring. This allows it to get those slightly crispy bits—just like your favorite takeout version!

6️⃣ Taste, Adjust, & Serve!

Before serving, give it a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you want more flavor, you can add:

✔️ More soy sauce – For extra savoriness.
✔️ A dash of salt & pepper – To enhance the flavors.
✔️ A sprinkle of red pepper flakes – If you like a bit of heat!

Once everything is seasoned to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh pop of flavor, and serve immediately while it’s hot!

EXTRA TIPS FOR THE BEST FRIED RICE

💡 Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice is too moist and can turn mushy. If you don’t have day-old rice, spread fresh rice on a baking sheet and chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before using.

💡 Don’t Overload the Pan: If you overcrowd your skillet, the rice won’t fry properly—it will steam instead. Make sure there’s enough space for everything to move around.

💡 High Heat is Key: To get that slightly crispy, toasty rice texture, cook everything over medium-high heat.

💡 Customize It! Add in mushrooms, bell peppers, or swap the ground beef for chicken or shrimp. This recipe is super versatile!

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WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS GROUND BEEF FRIED RICE

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED