This Onion Beef Fried Rice is a quick, flavorful, and hearty dish that combines savory ground beef, sweet onions, and vibrant vegetables with the satisfying texture of fried rice. Whether you're looking for a meal that’s both comforting and filling or simply need to use up some leftover rice, this dish has got you covered!
Ingredients
3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old and cold)
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup mixed vegetables (like carrots, peas, and corn)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
I start by heating a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and adding a splash of vegetable oil.
Next, I add the ground beef, cooking it until browned and breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
Once the beef is browned, I drain any excess grease before adding the chopped onion and minced garlic. I sauté the mixture until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
I stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they’re heated through.
Then, I push the beef and vegetable mixture to one side of the skillet, adding a little more oil if necessary.
I add the cold, cooked rice, breaking up any clumps, and stir-fry it for 2-3 minutes.
I drizzle in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, mixing everything together thoroughly.
Finally, I season with salt and pepper to taste and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
I serve it hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
Add Protein: If you prefer a different protein, you can substitute the ground beef with ground chicken, pork, or even shrimp.
Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, I like to add a few slices of fresh chili or a teaspoon of chili paste when sautéing the onions and garlic.
Vegetarian Version: To make this dish vegetarian, I would omit the ground beef and use tofu or tempeh as a substitute.
Extra Vegetables: You can add other veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to make it even more colorful and nutritious.
Rice Alternatives: If I’m looking for a healthier option, I might swap regular rice with cauliflower rice or brown rice.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Fried rice makes a great meal prep option!
Reheating: To reheat, I like to place the fried rice in a skillet over medium heat and stir occasionally until it's heated through. Alternatively, I can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?
Yes, fresh rice can be used, but day-old rice works best because it's drier and less sticky, which makes for better fried rice. If you're using fresh rice, I would recommend letting it cool completely before frying.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Fried rice is a great make-ahead dish. I often make a batch the night before and just reheat it the next day. The flavors actually improve after sitting for a while.
Can I freeze this fried rice?
Yes, you can freeze fried rice. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just reheat it thoroughly before eating.
How do I prevent my fried rice from being too greasy?
To avoid greasy fried rice, I make sure to drain any excess grease after cooking the ground beef. I also use just enough oil to cook the vegetables and rice—this helps keep the dish flavorful without being overly greasy.
What other sauces can I use in this recipe?
If you're out of oyster sauce or sesame oil, you can substitute with hoisin sauce or teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile. I also like to experiment with adding a splash of fish sauce for an extra savory depth.
Conclusion
This Onion Beef Fried Rice is a quick, satisfying dish that I can whip up in no time with ingredients I usually have on hand. Whether I’m looking for a flavorful weeknight meal or a way to use up leftovers, this recipe never disappoints. It’s customizable, easy to make, and always a hit with everyone at the table.
Recipe:

Onion Beef Fried Rice
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick, flavorful, and hearty dish that combines savory ground beef, sweet onions, and vibrant vegetables with the satisfying texture of fried rice.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old and cold)
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup mixed vegetables (like carrots, peas, and corn)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a splash of vegetable oil.
- Add the ground beef, cooking until browned and breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
- Drain any excess grease, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they’re heated through.
- Push the beef and vegetable mixture to one side of the skillet, adding more oil if necessary.
- Add the cold, cooked rice, breaking up any clumps, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Drizzle in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, mixing everything together thoroughly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
To make this dish vegetarian, use tofu or tempeh instead of ground beef.
For a bit of heat, add a few slices of fresh chili or a teaspoon of chili paste when sautéing the onions and garlic.
If you prefer, you can substitute the ground beef with ground chicken, pork, or even shrimp.
For a healthier option, you can swap regular rice with cauliflower rice or brown rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg