Beef And Vegetable Fried Rice
A hearty and flavorful dish combining tender beef, colorful vegetables, and savory fried rice, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The dish features a balanced mix of soy and sesame flavors, making it appealing to those craving comfort food with a touch of Asian-inspired zest.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 Tbsp ground ginger ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 red bell pepper ⓘ
- 6 oz frozen pea pods ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 3 tsp soy sauce ⓘ
- 2 tsp dark sesame oil
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions ⓘ
- 4 oz spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 2 cups low-fat Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 2 Tbsp dried parsley ⓘ
- 1 tsp chopped garlic ⓘ
- 4 oz grated part-skim Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 3/4 lb uncooked lasagne noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray a 9 x 13-inch pan with nonstick coating.
- Mix Ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, dried parsley, and chopped garlic in a bowl.
- Pour 1 cup of spaghetti sauce into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Arrange one-third of the lasagne noodles in the pan so that they touch but do not overlap.
- Spread half of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Top with one-third of the grated mozzarella cheese.
- Add one cup of spaghetti sauce over the cheese layer.
- Arrange another one-third of the noodles over the sauce.
- Spread the remaining cheese mixture over the noodles and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Add another one cup of spaghetti sauce over this layer.
- Place the remaining noodles on top of the sauce.
- Pour the rest of the spaghetti sauce over the final layer of noodles.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Cover lightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef while cooking. If you're short on time, pre-cooked or leftover rice works well. You can also swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Fresh vegetables can be added for texture and nutrition, such as carrots or broccoli.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Beef And Vegetable Fried Rice with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Spaghetti With Beef And Mushroom Stir-Fry for a hearty dinner. Garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated thoroughly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef And Vegetable Fried Rice contains roughly 469 calories, with 21g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (49% of the Daily Value), protein (41% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1054mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for this recipe?
Yes, brown rice can be used as a healthier alternative. Just keep in mind that it may require a bit more cooking time and liquid, so adjust accordingly. The texture will be nuttier and chewier, which can complement the dish well.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based protein such as tofu or tempeh. Additionally, increase the quantity of vegetables to enhance the flavor and texture. Use soy sauce or a vegetarian stir-fry sauce for seasoning.
What can I do if I don't have sesame oil?
If you don't have sesame oil, you can use olive oil or canola oil as a substitute. While it won't impart the same nutty flavor, it will still work well for frying the ingredients. If available, a dash of toasted sesame seeds can add a hint of the desired flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).